What is Chlorella and What are the Health Benefits?

What is Chlorella?

If you’re feeling like your energy levels could use a boost and want to feel lighter and more focused, you might be tuning in to all the detox talk. You’ll start to notice chlorella and spirulina being mentioned by health experts as one of top foods or supplements to help your body cleanse and rejuvenate. Wondering what’s up and why you should be adding some of this superfood into your diet? Here is the scoop:

These two, along with Super Blue-Green, are single celled micro-algae varieties grown in fresh waters. They are loaded with simple amino acids, enzymes, and antioxidants that are often missing from ordinary land-based foods. Chlorella, in particular, is a green micro-algae that first gained prominence in Asia, especially Japan. Being high in DNA and RNA, chlorella is noted for enhancing overall body well-being. It has been found to be effective in building one’s immune system, normalizing bowel function and combating the effects of radiation.

What makes it an incredibly resourceful detoxifying ingredient is the high amounts of chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll has long been thought of as a blood purifier and recent studies have documented its effectiveness at helping to clear persistent chemical pollutants from the body. The benefits of the high chlorophyll content also include reduction of inflammation, and reducing fatigue caused by viruses, candida and fungi.Chlorella, and other algae, help to convert toxic waste material into harmless substances; provide free radical protection; and an array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

What’s the difference between Chlorella and Spirulina?

Compared to spirulina, chlorella has less protein, just a fraction of the beta-carotene, and more than twice the amount of nucleic acid and chlorophyll. It is generally more expensive than spirulina because of the processing required to improve the digestibility of the tough outer cell wall. The cell wall of chlorella has valuable properties: it binds to heavy metals, pesticides and such carcinogens as PCBs (polychlorobiphenyls) and carries these toxins safely out of the body. They are also responsible for the immune boosting and anti-tumor qualities of chlorella. Chlorella also contains a greater quantity of fatty acids than other micro-algae. About 20% of these fatty acids are the artery-cleansing, omega-3, alpha-linolenic variety, helping to reduce bad cholesterol. (learn more about the benefits of spirulina here)

Chlorella may be considered the most tonifying and gently cleansing of the micro-algae. It is also the safest to use for correcting deficiencies and the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) makes it useful maintaining health at an old age, healing injuries, and initiating growth where it has been stunted by disease (like in Alzheimer’s disease, sciatica)

Chlorella benefits at a glance:

• Contains more chlorophyll than any other foods
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Promotes growth and repair of tissues, including nerve tissues
• GLA fatty acids improve hormonal balance and heart health
• Contains Enzymes that help to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• Helps relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia and improves blood sugar balance
• Needed for liver rejuvenation and detoxing
• Binds to heavy metals and helps to excrete them from the body
• Protects the body from radiation
• Inhibits the growth of fungi, bacteria, and yeast
• Helps normalize bowel function
• Improves immune function

How to use chlorella:

I love the powdered form, which you can easily add to smoothies, fresh juices and something like raw energy balls. The texture is super fine and silky, and you can feel your cells light up with energy very quickly after taking chlorella. You can also take it in a capsule or tablet form if you prefer. Use one micro-algae at a time, and start with a small maintenance amount, then gradually increase to therapeutic levels to avoid headaches and digestive disturbances. The doses depend on the individual and their state of health. I use chlorella powder from GiddyYoyo, because I trust the purity and source of this brand. It’s best to take micro-algae just before or with your meals.

References:

Super Antioxidant Smoothie with Raw Cacao and Chlorella

In addition to chlorella, I used some antioxidant an easily digestible hemp protein fromHempCo Canada, a really delicious blend with blueberries and vanilla powder. Because it’s high in fibre as well, I don’t need to add any extra to get the benefits of stable blood sugar levels. Raw cacao is one of the most antioxidant rich foods on the planet, which prevents premature aging and protects the liver from free-radical damage caused by toxins.

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup wild blueberries (frozen)
• 2 kale leaves(about 1 cup)
• 1 ripe pear
• 1 heaping Tbsp Blueberry Hemp Protein Powder
• 1 heaping Tbsp raw cacao powder (I used Giddy Yoyo brand)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp chlorella powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• Stevia to taste (I used 1/8 tsp pure stevia leaf powder)

How to make:

Combine all ingredients into a blender and buzz until smooth.

Makes 1-2 servings

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