Chlorella is a single-celled green algae found in freshwater. While there are nearly three dozen different species of chlorella, the two most commonly used ones are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa.
Chlorella is not digestible in its natural form as it has a very strong outer cell wall. The supplemental form must be “cracked cell wall” chlorella, which is the digestible form. Chlorella is chock full of chlorophyll, imparting its dark green color. Chlorella is a very potent medicinal leafy green “vegetable”
Source: Chlorella grows naturally in Taiwan and Japan
Benefits:
Nutrient-Dense Properties: It is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods you can put in your body. A complete protein, Chlorella has all 9 essential amino acids and is about 60% protein. Just one tablespoon of chlorella provides 16g of protein, 287% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A, 71% RDA of vitamin B2, 33% RDA of vitamin B3, 202% RDA of Iron, 22% RDA of Magnesium, and 133% RA of Zinc
Heavy Metal Chelation: Chlorella binds heavy metals. With so many fish testing positive for increasingly higher levels of mercury, along with all the heavy metals from industrial off-gassing and wastes, aluminum and plastic contaminants, chlorella is important in proofing your body against excess toxins
Lowers Cholesterol and Glucose: Studies posted below have found that chlorella can lower high total cholesterol and glucose levels, thereby increasing weight loss benefits
Immune Boosting + Cancer Fighting: It has been found to increase immune response in study participants. This benefit greatly aids in those battling cancer, protecting against lowering levels of white blood cell counts and issues related to co-infection
Detoxes Radiation and Chemotherapy: With high levels of chlorophyll, Chlorella pulls radiation and chemotherapy drug toxicity out of the system, allowing your body to relieve itself of damaged cells
Antioxidants: Chlorella contains several compounds that are considered antioxidants including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein
Risks: Those allergic to iodine or on the medications Coumadin or Warfarin should consult a doctor prior to taking chlorella
Some of the symptoms to be wary of are nausea, abdominal pain, swollen tongue, fatigue, headaches, vertigo, shaking and sensitivity to sunlight. If any of these reactions occur, cease taking chlorella and consult a doctor
Lastly, do your due diligence in sourcing a good product. Chlorella’s potency and purity depend on where it is processed and the company offering it
Sustainability: Chlorella is one of the fastest growing organisms on Earth, growing four times its size in one day. It is the opinion of numerous health practitioners that Chinese chlorella shouldn’t be consumed as China does have poor Chlorella manufacturing practices. To avoid contaminated chlorella, the best countries to purchase from are Taiwan, Japan and Korea
Processing: It took many years for scientists to “crack” the code on how to manipulate the cell wall of chlorella to benefit from the medicinal properties. There are two ways to crack the chlorella cell wall and they’re both considered effective. First is a milling process using small glass beads to “grind” the chlorella into cracking open. Second is a pressure system in which the chlorella is submitted it to high ambient pressures which then splits open
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24331771 - Effects of chlorella on glucose and cholesterol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18800884 -Additional effects on glucose and cholesterol
https://examine.com/topics/immunity/?PHPSESSID=hffr83ekg331c74ltoeffgsr01 - Chlorella and Immunity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31623220 - Anti-aging and oxidative stress