The Consumer Guide to Chlorella
In this guide...
Benefits and Uses
Recent findings:
Do Scientists Know How It Works?
Food sources:
Types of products:
Safety:
References
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Chlorella is a genus of tiny, single-celled green algae, especially species such as Chlorella vulgaris. Millions of people in Japan, and a growing number in the West, take chlorella every day because of its dense supply of a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals. It is grown and harvested in special tanks, and purified and processed by high-tech methods into powders, tablets, and other forms.
Benefits and Uses:
Chlorella acts as an antioxidant and may have immune-boosting properties. It can promote wound healing by encouraging cell reproduction and tissue repair. Its beneficial effects on the heart include its ability to reduce high blood pressure and lower total cholesterol levels. Chlorella may help to protect the body from the effects of radiation as well as from toxic metals such as lead and mercury. It can improve digestion and encourage the growth of beneficial live bacteria in the gut. Chlorella is a popular treatment for constipation and bad breath.
Recent findings:
Researchers have found that Chlorella can prevent stress-induced peptic ulcers. Other studies determined that chlorella has pronounced anti-tumor and cancer-preventive effects, by activating immune cells and modulating the levels of liver enzymes
Do Scientists Know How It Works?
Chlorella is one of the most concentrated sources of chlorophyll, at two to three percent by weight. Like spirulina and blue-green algae, chlorella is low in fat while providing a wide variety of other nutrients. These include fiber, enzymes, essential fatty acids, and nucleic acids. Chlorella is a rich source of vitamins such as C, E, and beta carotene, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Chlorella is also approximately 55 to 60 percent protein, and contains all the essential amino acids. The chlorophyll in chlorella and other green foods may be their most therapeutic compound, although these other nutrients may also account for health benefits.
Food sources:
Chlorella is a whole food, although it is commonly sold and taken as a nutritional supplement
Types of products:
Chlorella comes in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, granules, and softgels. Unit sizes range from approximately 50 to 500 mg. Chlorella is often combined with other green foods such as spirulina and barley.
Safety:
Chlorella is safe and nontoxic.
- Tanaka, K., et al. "Oral administration of a unicellular green algae, Chlorella vulgaris, prevents stress-induced ulcer [letter]," Planta Med (1997), 63(5):465-66
- Tanaka, K., et al., "A novel glycoprotein obtained from Chlorella vulgaris strain CK22 shows antimetastatic immunopotentiation," Cancer Immunol Immunother (1998), 45(6):313-20
- Singh, A., et al., "Perinatal influence of Chlorella vulgaris (E-25) on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes and lipid peroxidation," Anticancer Res (1998), 18(3A):1509-14
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