Chlorella pyrenoidosa,
Chlorella vulgaris
General
Information
Chlorella is an edible, single-celled plant (algae) that
grows in fresh water. Over the past three decades, dried
chlorella has become a popular dietary supplement
(particularly in Japan) because of its impressive nutrient
content. Each dried chlorella cell is 50 to 60 percent
protein and contains the highest concentration of
chlorophyll in the plant kingdom. Chlorella also contains
high levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other
nutrients including beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, B-1,
B-2, B-12 and K, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid,
biotin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper,
selenium, PABA, nucleic acids, enzymes and fiber. Popular
among strict vegetarians (vegans) because of its amino acid
profile (8 essential amino acids, 19 total), chlorella is
also one of the richest nonanimal sources of vitamin B-12.
Normally, chlorella's tough, nondigestible cell wall would
make its nutrients unavailable to the human digestive tract,
but supplement manufacturers have developed processing
techniques that break the cell walls, making the nutrients
more accessible. This "broken cell wall" chlorella
is considered the preferred form for supplementation.
Health applications
- Detoxification
- Immune system support
- Cardiovascular
health
- General well-being
Detoxification
Many people take chlorella as a general "system
cleanser" to help remove heavy metals and other toxic
compounds from the body. Animal studies indicate that
components of chlorella's cell walls bind to certain toxins
in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to be
eliminated with the feces.1,2 In other
studies, chlorella has demonstrated the ability to absorb
cadmium, nickel, and a variety of other metals that can be
toxic to the human body.3,4 Chlorella's
high chlorophyll content may make it helpful for controlling
breath and body odor as well.5
Immune system support
Chlorella is often touted as a supplement that promotes
general health and helps the body fight illness. Studies
indicate that chlorella extracts can inhibit the replication
of some viruses 6 and enhance resistance
to certain bacteria.7 Other studies on
chlorella have shown the algae to exhibit significant
anticancer effects.8-13 Because
chlorella has not been shown to attack cancer cells
directly, the anticancer activity of the algae is believed
to stem from improved immune system response.13
Chlorella is rich in free-radical-fighting nutrients that
are essential for a strong immune system and provide vital
antioxidant protection for cells and tissues throughout the
body.
Dosage/toxicity
Chlorella is a natural food with no known toxicity, however
allergic reactions may occur in some individuals. At high
levels of consumption, chlorella may cause gas, mild
gastrointestinal discomfort, or diarrhea. Green coloration
of stools is common, due to chlorella's high chlorophyll
content. Chlorella is available in powder and tablet forms,
and in chlorella-fortified foods. Water-soluble extracts of
chorella known as "chlorella growth factor," which
contain concentrated levels of amino acids and vitamins, are
also available. Proper dosage of chlorella extracts should
be indicated on the label.
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