1
Chlorella
Chlorella is a single-cell green algae in the Chlorellaceae family. Its name comes from Latin, where chloros means “green” and ella means “small”. Chlorella multiplies rapidly in nature, needing just carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a minute amount of minerals to reproduce.
Chlorella contains the green photosynthetic pigments known as chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b. By weight, it is 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrates, 10% vitamins and minerals, and 5% fiber.
Chlorella Benefits
The two biggest benefits of chlorella stem from its high chlorophyll content, and its ability to detoxify the body. There are a few ways to remove toxins from the body, and these include the use of infrared saunas, vigorous exercise, eating right, and reducing stored body fat. This last one is important as toxins are stored in fat cells 100 times more than in the blood.
When it comes to diet, the number one food to aid the removal of toxins is chlorella, as it binds to heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals, drawing them from our tissues, and excreting them from our bodies. Chlorella, however, won’t bind to the beneficial minerals in our bodies, only the metals that don’t belong there in the first place. Somehow, it seems to know the difference.
As our world has become more toxic, it’s impossible to insulate ourselves even when doing everything properly. So detoxification will always be important.
The other benefit of consuming chlorella comes from its ridiculously high chlorophyll content, easily more than any other plant. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and nearly identical to the molecular structure of our hemoglobin. Besides being a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier, it helps the body process more oxygen, aids in the growth and repair of tissues and cells, and alkalizes the body, all of which greatly improve our chances of preventing and treating disease.
Chlorophyll’s role in benefiting health cannot be overstated, and it’s the oxygen component that is most beneficial. Healthy cells equals a healthy body. And cells with more oxygen are healthier. While cells with less oxygen decay and die, or even worse, mutate.
Chlorella’s benefits are numerous and include …
- Boosting immune response
- Improving digestion
- Improving focus and concentration
- Increasing energy levels
- Balancing pH levels
- Normalizing blood sugar
- Normalizing blood pressure
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Fresher breath
- Detoxification
- Repairing damaged tissues
- Promoting cell reproduction
- Increasing hemoglobin levels
- Normalizing cholesterol levels
- Promoting longevity
Chlorella is high in both nucleic acids, and a very special complex known as chlorella growth factor. Chlorella growth factor is produced from intense photosynthesis, and chlorella is the only source of it. It is a direct result of how fast chlorella reproduces. Under the right conditions, chlorella algae can quadruple in size every 24 hours.
Chlorella growth factor benefits include an increase in the rate of tissue growth and repair, an increase in the growth of beneficial bacteria, and an enhancement of our entire immune system.
Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) have similar effects on our body’s regenerative abilities, and chlorella has the highest concentration by weight of any food source. Nucleic acids control cellular function, allow the body to repair itself, enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and slow the aging process. In short, both chlorella growth factor and nucleic acids promote rejuvenation. Which equates to a healthier, longer life.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Anything above 7 is alkaline, anything under is acidic. Our ideal pH is between 7.3 and 7.5, so slightly alkaline. Most of us find ourselves on the wrong side of 7, which is to say – way too acidic. The problems with this are numerous and include digestive disorders, heart disease, poor immune function, and respiratory problems where oxygen transport is limited. And you now know about the importance of oxygen, don’t you?
Chlorella benefits pH by being incredibly alkaline, which in turn helps our bodies become more alkaline. Which improves our bodies’ chances of preventing disease. In fact, it’s even been said that cancer cannot live in an alkaline environment.[1] Imagine eliminating that entire risk by simply becoming more alkaline.
Speaking of cancer, this 2013 study on the anti-cancer potential of chlorella showed that it stopped tumors from growing their own blood vessels and reproducing, a process known as angiogenesis.[2] The same study also found chlorella to be an excellent source of carotenoids.
Another 2013 study also discovered an abundance of carotenoids in chlorella, particularly lutein.[3] This clinical trial involved 12 subjects who were given 9 grams of chlorella per day. After just one month, their lutein levels increased 4-fold. This special carotenoid is particularly important as we age, as it greatly benefits eye health, among other things.
Chlorella’s benefits are widespread and may even include dementia. The ability to prevent it, not cause it, that is. This (again) 2013 study involving senior Japanese subjects, who were given 8 grams of chlorella per day for two months, showed a reduction in senile dementia.[4] This research suggests that chlorella could provide some hope for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Another 2013 study (the Year of Chlorella!) examined the effects of chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C.[5] Eighteen adults were given chlorella every day for 12 weeks. Results showed that 85% improved significantly, and none of the subjects showed any side effects. Prescription drugs everywhere are weeping.
Chlorella Uses
You have two options here. Capsules or powder. I prefer the capsules, as I tend to take 10-12 grams daily, which would be an insane amount of powder. But you can opt for the powder and mix it into any beverage of your choice. The source of your chlorella is far more important than its form.
Check out this video for a bit more information on this amazing gift from Mother Nature. It really is something, with more health benefits perhaps than any other superfood. In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to find a superfood that ranks higher than chlorella.
One of my favorite companies, Starwest Botanicals, has chlorella in both capsule and powder form, and I’d feel good about recommending either. The capsules contain their organic chlorella powder, but you’ll have to dig around the Product Q&A to get that info.
If going with another supplier, you want to make sure that your chlorella has had the cell wall cracked. Otherwise, you won’t be able to digest it. It will simply pass right through you.