Chlorella is a single-cell microalga belonging to the genus Chlorella, so the correct scientific name is Chlorella, which is rich in chlorophyll and therefore appears green (the 2 species are the most common and the most researched are Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa).
Due to the thick cell wall of green algae, in the past, it was always believed that the digestion and absorption rate was not as good as that of spirulina (also known as blue-green algae). Thanks to the advancement of biotechnology, the absorption rate can be improved by breaking the walls.
In addition to being rich in protein, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, green algae also contain lutein and other components according to the species. Because the structure is similar to red blood cells, it is often called green blood cells, which is a high value.
Nutritional supplements, moderate intake may have the effects of detoxification and immunity adjustment, as detailed below.
Do you know the benefits of chlorella supplements?
Table of Contents
- What are the green algae (chlorella)?
- Are there any side effects of green algae (chlorella)?
- Where can I buy the most recommended green algae (chlorella) capsules?
- Where to buy cranberry capsules recommended by most people?
What are the benefits of green algae (chlorella)?
1. Helps detox
In recent years, successive food security storms have been continuously revealed. Although governments of various countries have strengthened their control policies, they are often one-footed and one-footed. The black-hearted businessmen still walk on the edge of the law, make big money, and hurt innocent consumers. Therefore, how to prevent and detoxify has become the most concerned topic.
One study pointed out that (targeting 35 pregnant women), supplementation with chlorella during pregnancy can not only reduce the concentration of dioxin in breast milk but also increase the level of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which can reduce the chance of fetal absorption of dioxin from breast milk.
Another randomized double-blind controlled study pointed out that (two-week, 6 women), supplementing with green algae can reduce the level of polycyclic amines (MeIQx) in urine, has the effect of inhibiting the absorption of toxins and interfering with their biological activation.
The underlying mechanism may be related to the heavy metal chelation and detoxification functions of chlorophyll in green algae.
*Cyclic amine compounds are common carcinogenic chemical molecules in the diet and are commonly found in overcooked food.
*Conclusion: The consumption of green algae may enhance the body’s ability to detoxify, but there are still few related human studies, and more empirical confirmation is needed.
2. Improve immune function
Immune function is the body’s defense response to disease. When viral bacteria or foreign bodies invade the body, various immune cells in the lymph fluid will start to produce antibodies, cytokines, and cytotoxic factors to eliminate these foreign bodies.
A randomized double-blind controlled study (for 8 weeks, targeting 60 healthy adults) pointed out that supplementation of green algae can enhance the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells) and promote the production of cytokines (such as INF-γ, IL-12, IL -1β), bring beneficial immune enhancement effect to the human body.
Another randomized double-blind cross-over test pointed out (4 weeks, 15 male subjects), ingestion of green algae has the effect of increasing the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in saliva and may have a positive effect on improving mucosal immune function.
*Conclusion: Green algae can help improve immune function, but it is still subject to confirmation due to the short study period and the small sample size.
3. Lower cholesterol
High cholesterol and blood lipids are the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For every 1% increase in blood cholesterol concentration, the risk of coronary artery disease is increased by about 2%.
A randomized double-blind controlled study (a 4-week, 63 patients with mild hypercholesterolemia) pointed out that the intake of green algae has a significant lipid-lowering effect (such as triglyceride, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, etc.).
The related results may be related to the increase of carotenoid in the blood, which has the effect of inhibiting the absorption of blood lipids.
Another randomized, double-blind controlled study (for a 4-week period, with 34 dieters who ingested high cholesterol) pointed out that the use of green algae has a positive effect on cholesterol regulation and can help observe subjects maintain normal cholesterol levels.
*Conclusion: The rich nutrients in green algae can exert the same effect, optimize lipid metabolism, and maintain normal blood lipid levels.
4. Reduce smoking oxidation damage
Smoking and second-hand smoke are currently considered to be one of the primary causes of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reasons behind this are related to the increase in oxidative stress. It is estimated that there are currently 1.1 billion smokers in the world, of which men account for about 80%.
A randomized double-blind controlled study pointed out (6 weeks, the subject is 52 smokers), consumption of green algae can help increase the concentration and activity of antioxidants in the blood, which may have a protective effect on smokers, can reduce the probability of related chronic diseases.
5. Good for high blood pressure
Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease in the elderly. About 50% of the population aged 60 to 69 suffers from this disease, and more than 70 years old, accounting for about 75%.
Due to the lack of early symptoms of hypertension, once obvious discomfort is found (non-specific symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, chest pain, changes in vision, etc.), it has usually experienced development for several decades.
In an early randomized controlled study (a 2-month study involving 33 patients with mild to moderate hypertension), supplementation with green algae had the effect of reducing or stabilizing sitting diastolic BP.
Another randomized double-blind controlled study (12-week, 80 critically ill patients) pointed out that the oral administration of GABA-enriched green algae tablets has a blood pressure lowering effect and may reduce the chance of developing true hypertension.
*Conclusion: The consumption of green algae may improve the effect of hypertension, but more empirical evidence is needed to confirm it.
Are there any side effects of green algae (chlorella)?
According to US FDA information, green algae (chlorella) is generally recognized as safe, which means that for most people, eating green algae is very safe and has no obvious adverse reactions, but the side effects that have been reported include stomach cramps and diarrhea, Nausea, exhaust, stool staining, etc.
In rare cases, green algae (chlorella) may cause severe allergies, and there may be wheezing or even breathing problems.
In addition, green algae may also make the skin sensitive to light, and it is easy to produce pigmentation when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet rays.
Safety Precautions
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, iodine-sensitive, liver and kidney dysfunction, immune dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, and other ethnic groups (because the relevant safety is unknown).
Do not use in combination with immunosuppressive drugs (because green algae may enhance immune function and reduce the effectiveness of drugs).
Do not use in combination with anticoagulants (because green algae is rich in vitamin K, it can promote the blood coagulation reaction, so it may weaken the action of the drug).
Where can I buy the most recommended green algae (chlorella) capsules?
In recent years, food safety problems in various countries have exploded, and it is not healthy but black-hearted products that everyone spends on. Therefore, European and American products with relatively strict quality control have become popular products.
And iHerb.com is a large-scale medical cosmetics e-commerce company in the United States. It has a high satisfaction rate of 97% in the evaluation of Google customers. It provides global home delivery so that you can buy it without risking buying fakes through purchasing high-quality health products.
