You may not have heard of it before but chlorella is one superfood that has a whole host of nutritional benefits.  Read on to find out more.

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water.  It first came into existence over two billion years ago.  The name is derived from the Greek “chloros” meaning green, and “ella” meaning small.  It is interesting to note that chlorella contains the most chlorophyll of any plant.

Chlorella can be thought of as one of nature’s superfoods, simply because of the amount of nutrients that it contains.  In fact, it is thought that chlorella contains every nutrient needed by the body.  Some of the things that can be found in chlorella include protein, all of the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, minerals including calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, trace minerals, omega 3 fatty acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

Health Benefits of Chlorella

Chlorella is a superfood that has a whole host of benefits for the body.  These include:

• detoxification – the chlorophyll in chlorella is a powerful detoxifier, and detoxification is vital for the body to operate at its peak.  Chlorella seems to also be particularly good at removing heavy metals such as mercury and lead from the body. It also strengthens the immune system response.  It is the fibrous outer shell of chlorella that binds with heavy metals and pesticides.  Chlorella is also one of the best foods for cleansing the body’s elimination systems such as the bowel, liver, and blood.
• Digestion – because of the high chlorophyll content, chlorella can relieve constipation, improve foul smelling stools, and greatly improve or even eliminate chronic bad breath.  Chlorella also contains digestive enzymes such as chlorophyllase and pepsin.
• Cancer – interferon is one of the body’s best defences against cancer as it stimulates macrophages and tumour necrosis factor.  Chlorella increases the body’s interferon levels, thus stimulating the activity of macrophages and t-cells, which enhance the immune system. chlorella also contains carotenoids which may have a positive effect on precancerous cells.
• Alkalinity – it is important for the body to maintain a correct pH, however, many people are too acidic, due to factors such as a poor diet, junk foods, and soft drinks.  Most diseases start in an acidic environment so alkalinising the body to the correct pH is very important.  Chlorella can help to balance and maintain your body’s pH levels.
• Heart disease – the carotenoids in chlorella can help stop cholesterol from oxidising and clogging the arteries.  Regular use of chlorella can also reduce high blood pressure.
• Intestinal health – chlorella can improve the symptoms of ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulosis.  It also stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. 
• Magnesium – performs over 300 tasks in the body and it is vital for correct heart function, immune function, regulating blood pressure, balancing blood sugar levels, preventing stroke, and for muscle strength and relaxation. It is also vital for energy production, and it promotes mental health, relieves PMS symptoms, and reduces asthma attacks.  As well as being essential for a healthy heart, magnesium can be beneficial for mitral valve prolapse, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. It is also important for bone health.  Chlorella is an excellent source of magnesium.
• Blood sugar – chlorella can normalise blood sugar levels when hypoglycaemia occurs (when blood sugar is too low).  Correct blood sugar levels are necessary for normal brain functioning, heart functioning, and energy metabolism.

Supplementing with Chlorella

It should be remembered that chlorella is a food, so to be effective; you should take at least 5 grams of it with each meal.  Although it is not likely to happen, chlorella can cause an allergic reaction.  If this happens, stop taking it.  Also, chlorella can be rich in vitamin K which can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.  Do not take chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.