Not only has chlorella been around for three billion years, reproducing successfully as a single-celled organism, but this green alga has been used as a nutritional supplement since World War I.
With more protein per 100g than beef, chicken, or fish, more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant, and high levels of Vitamin A, B2, B3, Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron, it's easy to understand why.
Chlorella also contains the ever-elusive Vitamin B-12 but the amount varies by species and is, therefore, not easily quantifiable.
8 Chlorella Benefits: More Than Just a Nutritional Powerhouse
1. Chlorella Helps the Body to Detox Heavy Metals
Because of its fibrous cell walls, chlorella is able to remove toxic heavy metal loads from the body through a process called chelation. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury, bind to chlorella in the digestive tract and are then swept from the body during elimination.
There is also evidence to support the idea that chlorella can be used as a preventative against heavy metal accumulation in the blood and organ tissues.
2. Chlorella Strengthens the Body's Natural Healing Process During Cancer Treatment
In a study conducted on patients with malignant brain tumors, chlorella enhanced the quality of life in patients with compromised immune systems. Those given chlorella exhibited fewer instances of infection or illness when compared with patients not given the algae.
Additionally, because it's a natural chelator, chlorella can help to flush out toxins associated with radiation and chemotherapy. This, in turn, reduces some of the harsh side effects of cancer treatment.
3. Chlorella Prevents Cancer
Chlorella has anticancer properties, preventing the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, or cell death. This single-celled algae also increases the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a major role in host rejection of tumors.
Chlorella also contains a protein (CVS) shown to have potential anti-tumor effects. CVS inhibits tumor metastasis, or the spread of cancerous cells from their site of origin, by activating T cells (a type of white blood cell) in the body. Once activated, this protein encourages recruitment of the T cells to tumor sites and so prevents its spread.
4. Chlorella Helps with Regularity and Digestion
Chlorella is incredibly fibrous, so much so that the human body can't actually digest it whole and it should be consumed in a "broken cell wall" state. Its fiber is beneficial, however, in promoting regularity and healthy probiotic growth.
Chlorella is so good at encouraging probiotic growth that it's actually been studied as an alternative to antibiotics for gut health.
5. Chlorella Stimulates the Immune System
In addition to cancer, chlorella fortifies the body against other illnesses as well. It triggers the production of white blood cells, helping the body to reject virally infected cells and maintain optimal health.
6. Chlorella Encourages Healthy Weight and Cholesterol Levels
The addition of chlorella to the diet noticeably reduces the percentage of body fat, total cholesterol, and resting blood glucose levels. It can also help to satiate cravings (see ya, chocolate!), and with maintaining a healthy weight.
7. Chlorella Boasts a High Number of Antioxidants
See ya, free radicals.
8. Chlorella Is Nutrient-Rich
Just re-stating for emphasis.
More. Protein. Than. Beef. #algaestealstheday
So, How Do I Take Chlorella?
With a plethora of chlorella supplements available in today's market, you have a lot of options. One thing to make certain is that you find a product made with "broken cell wall" chlorella - to ensure maximum benefit and absorption.
Another option, instead of reaching for a chlorella tablet, is a product, like our Organic Greens, that incorporates not only chlorella but ALL the good things: adaptogens for stress, alkalizing greens for wellness, digestive enzymes for well, digestion, and good flavor to make getting your greens enjoyable.
Too good to be true? Nope. We've got you covered ;)
Either way, the facts can't be disputed. Finding some way to incorporate chlorella into your daily routine is critical given the toxin-filled society we all currently live in.