Find out why Chlorella is packed with nutrients and could be a good supplement to add to your regimen.
By Miranda Guilamo, Contributing Writer
Healthy and “green” have become synonymous nowadays. Have you ever heard a mom say, “Eat your greens”? Or seen images of green juices at smoothie shops? Well, there’s a green aquatic algae called Chlorella that may just have Hulk-like superpowers.
Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater green microalgae — AKA a type of seaweed — that is mainly found in Japan and Taiwan. It was first described by a Dutch microbiologist in 1890. However, organisms very similar to Chlorella might be some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. In the 1950s, the first studies were conducted to better understand Chlorella’s nutritional value. It has been discovered that the algae’s outer cell wall must be cracked, in order to better digest the algae and reap its health benefits.
Uses for Chlorella
Chlorella is packed with good stuff like amino acid proteins, vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Based on a number of animal and human clinical trials, this algae has been shown to be beneficial in various ways:
- Antibacterial properties
- Accelerate wound healing via decreased pain and improved tissue appearance
- Reduce cholesterol and hypertension
- Reduced anemia during pregnancy
- Improvement of ulcerative colitis and may prevent ulcer formation
- Support the immune system
- Helps to cleanse and detox the body
- heavy metals bind to chlorella
- also works well paired with cilantro
- Stimulates the production of skin collagen
Cautions for Usage
Chlorella products and quality can vary in the way they are harvested and processed. Be sure to ask questions to better understand where the algae is coming from and how the cell wall is broken.
Side effects can include nausea or stomach discomfort, at which point you should discontinue use. Some more serious allergic reactions include asthma or difficulty breathing.
Consult a health professional or do not use Chlorella if you are…
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- sensitive to iodine
- allergic to molds
- taking immunosuppressant medication
- taking medication to slow blood clotting
Where can you find Chlorella?
You can buy Chlorella dried and bulk in powder form, in capsules, or in a liquid tincture. Be sure to look for products from a reputable source and with no additional fillers.
What can I do with Chlorella?
Photo by Delightful Mom Food
Green Detox Smoothie
Health and Nutrition Coach, Danielle Fahrenkrug, shares a great recipe to make a yummy, easy smoothie in your blender with these ingredients:
- Coconut Water
- Banana
- Chlorella
- Pineapple
- Ginger
- Kale or Spinach leaves
Feel free to add hemp hearts or chia seeds.
Chlorella is a great addition to your health regimen for the fall or winter. It can be added to salad dressings or puddings.
To purify and brighten your skin, consider creating a DIY face mask. Be forewarned, your family may just think you’ve turned into the Hulk!
