If you have yet to hear, chlorella is the new spirulina. Rich in nutrients and loaded with health benefits, we'll explain why you should add this superfood to your diet.
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| All About Chlorella |
What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a single-celled, nutrient-dense freshwater algae. It's called a "superfood" because it has so much nutritional value, including vitamins C and B12, iron, omega-3s, protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals.
What Are the Benefits of Chlorella?
Aside from its nutritional value alone, chlorella does some pretty amazing things.
- Help detoxification
- It can boost the immune system
- It can help increase stamina when exercising
- It helps maintain healthy blood pressure
- Lower unhealthy cholesterol
- Can improve blood sugar levels
- Various other health benefits
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| What Are the Benefits of Chlorella? |
Helps Detoxification
Chlorella has the extraordinary ability to bind heavy metals, helping detoxify the body. Remarkably, studies have shown that algae, including chlorella, can help reduce the amount of heavy metals in the brain, liver and kidneys.
It has also been shown to reduce the amount of other harmful chemicals we absorb from food and the environment. One of the main ones is dioxins, a group of compounds found in foods worldwide, especially in milk, meat, fish and shellfish, although they are also found in plants, water and even in the air. Chlorella helps the body get rid of toxins.
It can Help Boost the Immune System
Although research so far is limited, chlorella has been shown to increase the body's production of antibodies, which fight things like viruses and bacteria. Studies have shown mixed results, but chlorella helps keep your immune system strong and ready to fight infection.
Can Help Increase Stamina During Exercise
Chlorella contains what are called branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs. BCAAs can help improve exercise performance, build muscle, and even lose weight. They can even help with fatigue and sore muscles after exercise.
Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
Chlorella has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure. It can help with heart and kidney health, possibly even helping with the hardening of the arteries.
Lowering Unhealthy Cholesterol
Various studies have shown that chlorella can reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is "bad" cholesterol. It can help improve heart health by lowering the amount of LDL in the blood, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
Chlorella has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, both in healthy individuals and in those with high blood sugar.
Other Health-Related Benefits
Research is still ongoing, but chlorella also appears to have the following benefits:
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory
- It may reduce PMS symptoms
- It contains antioxidants, which can help various chronic diseases
- It may help manage respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD
- It can help digestion and relieve bloating
- It helps improve eye health
- Clean teeth and gums
- Supports healthy joints
- Relieve bloating
- Great for skin
How Do I Take Chlorella & What Should I Expect?
Chlorella has a hard cell wall that cannot be digested, so it needs to be taken as a supplement. It is available as pills and powder.
Thrive Market offers some great options, including 500mg tablets and in powder form.
Full disclosure – the powder tastes like drinking swamp when added to water alone. We recommend adding it to something like a green smoothie or tomato juice to disguise the taste. You may also want to start with a lower dose and work your way up or consider taking smaller doses throughout the day.
Plus, we learned the hard way that you must be ready, close to the bathroom when you first start chlorella. When we say chlorella helps with detoxification, we mean it. And don't be surprised if your stool is green. Just attention.
Before Taking Chlorella
Please speak with your doctor before starting any supplement or vitamin pack to ensure it's a healthy choice. In particular, if any of the following applies to you:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not much research has been done to determine whether chlorella is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- If you have a thyroid condition. Some chlorella supplements may contain iodine, which should be avoided if you have thyroid problems.
- If you are taking blood thinners. Chlorella can affect how your body reacts to blood-thinning medications.