General Description
Chlorella is an edible, single-celled plant (algae) that grows in
fresh water. Over the past three decades, dried chlorella has become
a popular dietary supplement (particularly in Japan) because of
its impressive nutrient content. Each dried chlorella cell is 50
to 60 percent protein and contains the highest concentration of
chlorophyll in the plant kingdom. Chlorella also contains high levels
of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients including beta-carotene,
vitamins A, C, E, B-1, B-2, B-12 and K, niacin, pantothenic acid,
folic acid, biotin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc,
copper, selenium, PABA, nucleic acids, enzymes and fiber. Popular
among strict vegetarians (vegans) because of its amino acid profile
(8 essential amino acids, 19 total), chlorella is also one of the
richest nonanimal sources of vitamin B-12. Normally, chlorella's
tough, nondigestible cell wall would make its nutrients unavailable
to the human digestive tract, but supplement manufacturers have
developed processing techniques that break the cell walls, making
the nutrients more accessible. This "broken cell wall" chlorella
is considered the preferred form for supplementation.
Health applications
Detoxification
Many people take chlorella as a general "system cleanser" to help
remove heavy metals and other toxic compounds from the body. Animal
studies indicate that components of chlorella's cell walls bind
to certain toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them
to be eliminated with the feces.1,2 In other
studies, chlorella has demonstrated the ability to absorb cadmium,
nickel, and a variety of other metals that can be toxic to the
human body.3,4 Chlorella's high chlorophyll
content may make it helpful for controlling breath and body odor
as well.5
Immune system support
Chlorella is often touted as a supplement that promotes general
health and helps the body fight illness. Studies indicate that
chlorella extracts can inhibit the replication of some viruses
6 and enhance resistance to certain bacteria.7
Other studies on chlorella have shown the algae to exhibit significant
anticancer effects.8-13 Because chlorella
has not been shown to attack cancer cells directly, the anticancer
activity of the algae is believed to stem from improved immune
system response.13 Chlorella is rich in free-radical-fighting
nutrients that are essential for a strong immune system and provide
vital antioxidant protection for cells and tissues throughout
the body.
Dosage/toxicity
Chlorella is a natural food with no known toxicity, however allergic
reactions may occur in some individuals. At high levels of consumption,
chlorella may cause gas, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, or
diarrhea. Green coloration of stools is common, due to chlorella's
high chlorophyll content. Chlorella is available in powder and
tablet forms, and in chlorella-fortified foods. Water-soluble
extracts of chorella known as "chlorella growth factor," which
contain concentrated levels of amino acids and vitamins, are also
available. Proper dosage of chlorella extracts should be indicated
on the label. |
