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Chlorella Uses & Benefits

What is Chlorella?

Like Spirulina, it is a freshwater algae with a host of benefits. It is a single-celled fresh water algae that is one of the oldest known species on the planet and that has the unique ability to reproduce 8 times a day, making it a sustainable nutrient source.

Chlorella has a very hard outer shell, making it almost completely indigestible to humans, so supplemental forms undergo a special process that cracks this outer shell for enhanced digestibility.

It is one of the most-used supplements in Japan (where most of the world’s supply is produced).

Chlorella Benefits

Chlorella is a source of Chlorophyll, Protein, Iron, Magnesium, and amino acids, but it is primarily known as a detoxifying supplement. Its tiny size and unique properties make it able to bind to heavy metals and unwanted chemicals in the body, removing them effectively.

It is often used by those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to help reduce the body’s chemical load, and it is said to support the body’s liver and detoxification pathways without stripping beneficial minerals from the body.

WebMD lists that Chlorella is used to boost the immune system, to aid digestive problems, to increase good bacteria in the digestive system, and for ulcers.

There is anecdotal evidence that it may help reduce hypertension and cholesterol, increase energy, to reduce asthma attacks and PMS and for relief for those with fibromyalgia.

Difference Between Chlorella and Spirulina

Though they look, smell and even taste similar, there are few key differences:

• Structure: Both are types of algae, but Chlorella is a true single-cell algae with a nucleus, while Spirulina is a multi-celled plant with no distinctive nucleus. For this reason, spirulina is much larger than chlorella.
• Color: Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, a blue-green type of algae, while Chlorella is a green algae.
• Amount of Nucleic Acids: Both are a good source of nucleic acids, though Chlorella has almost twice as much as Spirulina. Nucleic acids are important factors for DNA and RNA in the body.
• Digestibility: Spirulina can be consumed easily after harvest while Chlorella has to go through a process to break its cell walls before the body can use it.
• Chlorophyll Content: Chlorella is higher in Chlorophyll, with almost double the amount.
• Iron, Protein and GLA: Spirulina is higher in Iron, protein and beneficial Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).
• Heavy Metals: Chlorella has unique properties in its cell walls that make it bind to heavy metals and other contaminants (spirulina does not have this same benefit).

Cautions

Though generally considered safe, Chlorella comes with some cautions and warnings. It can contain moderate levels of iodine, so those with iodine sensitive thyroid conditions or iodine allergies should avoid it. Those with auto-immune disease should consult with a doctor first as it can increase immune function and may make these conditions worse.

Sources are divided on safety during pregnancy, so pregnant and nursing women should talk to their individual doctors and midwives to evaluate if these supplements would be safe or beneficial for them.

Additionally it can cause a detoxifying effect in some people, and those sensitive to certain types of mold should avoid it as well. Due to its high Vitamin K content, it will increase clotting, so those with clotting disorder should avoid it as well. A great source of iron, it should be used in moderation by men and post-menopausal women.

Finding Quality Chlorella

It is important to find a quality Chlorella supplement as low-quality supplements may contain mercury or not have a cracked cell wall, making them useless to the body. Due to the detoxifying effect, it is also important to start slowly and consult a doctor before using if any health condition is present.

Personally, I have used these brands with good results:

• Chlorella Powder: Good quality powder, but the taste can be tough for some people.
• Capsules: High quality, from Japan.
• Chlorella/Spirulina Blend Tablets: High quality blend and good value.

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