Article at a glance:
- Chlorella is a single-celled green alga containing essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Most importantly, it is a rich source of chlorophyll, antioxidants, and a unique complex called chlorella growth factor that can help promote optimal health.
- Studies have associated chlorella supplementation with a wide range of health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, detoxifying the body, enhancing digestion, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- As a plant-based superfood, chlorella is easy to incorporate into a healthy regimen. You can introduce chlorella tablets or powder into your diet and may start to see the amazing benefits of chlorella supplementation in a few weeks to months.
Chlorella is an incredible superfood, but what does chlorella do for your body?
Chlorella is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, fibers, and fatty acids. It’s no surprise why it’s a superfood and why it’s time for you to know about the benefits of chlorella.
In this article, we’ll show you why chlorella is a supplement you can’t ignore. It also has something unique called Chlorella Growth Factor, which includes nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides, peptides, and a high chlorophyll concentration.
With such a wide range of nutrients, it’s truly amazing to know and understand what chlorella can do to improve your overall health.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chlorella?
Want to know how chlorella can benefit your overall health? Here’s a comprehensive list.
1. Benefits of Chlorella for the Immune System
Is Chlorella Good for the Immune System?
According to studies, chlorella may help strengthen the immune system due to its antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. In animal studies, mice supplemented with chlorella vulgaris extract had higher white blood cell levels than control samples. This helped increase their resistance to the E. coli bacteria.
Meanwhile, in clinical studies, healthy individuals who took chlorella for 8 weeks showed enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity. There were also significant increases in their interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-12 levels — all of which are important for optimal immune function.
So by strengthening the immune system, chlorella may increase your resistance to disease-causing bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other pathogenic substances, even from seasonal cough and colds to potentially life-threatening illnesses.
2. Benefits of Chlorella for Detoxification
Does Chlorella Remove Toxins from The Body?
One of the health benefits of taking chlorella is that it may help remove toxic substances from your body. Two factors attribute to this: (1) the adhesive properties of chlorella’s cell wall; and (2) chlorella as a rich source of chlorophyll, which is a potent detoxifying agent.
Studies show that chlorella can bind with heavy metals such as lead and cadmium and detoxify carcinogenic heterocyclic amines. As a result, the body will not absorb these toxins but instead flushes them away.
Environmental toxins such as air pollution, heavy metals, and pesticides have been linked to adverse health outcomes. While it’s impossible to avoid exposure to harmful substances completely, a chlorella detox, or simply taking chlorella, can at least help reduce their potential impact on the body.
3. Benefits of Chlorella for Heart Health
Is Chlorella Good for the Heart? Can Chlorella Reduce Blood Pressure?
The health benefits of chlorella extend to cardiovascular functioning. It may help support heart health and lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have found that chlorella may lower high blood pressure and reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It is also important to note the benefits of chlorella for blood circulation.
In one study, participants were given 10 grams of chlorella tablets and 100 mL of chlorella extract daily for two months. Results showed that there was a slight change in their average heart rate and sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
Participants with mild to moderate hypertension also saw a reduction or maintenance of their sitting diastolic blood pressure. These participants also noted an improvement in their health and quality of life.
Does Chlorella Help Lower Cholesterol?
Having high cholesterol levels puts people at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it can clog arteries which can lead to heart strokes. It is important to mai ntain balanced cholesterol levels.
One of the most well-known benefits of chlorella is it may help lower cholesterol levels. A trial was done on hypercholesterolemic patients to see if their blood lipid levels would improve through the use of chlorella.
Hypercholesterolemia is a lipid disorder in which a person has very high bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The trial results showed significant improvements in the serum lipid profiles of the subjects.
Another research supported this concluding that chlorella has a beneficial effect on total cholesterol and LDL. This is because of chlorella’s antioxidants, carotenoids, fiber, and high vitamin B3 components.
What Are the Benefits of Chlorella for Arteries?
Chlorella helps reduce excess cholesterol in the body. This is crucial in preventing cholesterol buildup on artery walls, which, in turn, causes them to thicken and harden. The less flexible the arteries are, the harder the heart needs to work to pump blood.
Chlorella can also help improve blood circulation by ensuring clear arteries. This is crucial for delivering the essential nutrients that different parts of the body need to function optimally. In addition, improved blood circulation can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Researchers also noted the positive contribution of antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, arginine, and unsaturated fatty acids in preventing arterial stiffness. All of these essential compounds can be found in chlorella.
A study was done on young healthy men taking chlorella tablets for four weeks. The results showed a decrease in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, which measures arterial stiffness. The researchers attributed it to chlorella containing antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, arginine, and unsaturated fatty acids, which all contribute to preventing arterial stiffness.
4. Benefits of Chlorella for Brain Health
Nucleic acids are essential for optimal brain functioning. However, the brain’s ability to produce nucleic acids declines with age — which can explain age-related memory loss and other cognitive deficits. In addition, studies have found that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with high levels of free radicals and low levels of thiamine.
Thankfully, chlorella is rich in nucleic acids, zinc, and other nutrients that help support brain health. This includes antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, which help protect the brain from free radical oxidative damage.
Chlorella is also rich in essential fatty acids to help reduce brain inflammation. In addition, it is also a source of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), which can help boost memory function.
5. Benefits of Chlorella for Gut Health
Is Chlorella Good for Constipation?
Studies have found that chlorella has dietary fibers, digestive enzymes, and nutrients that can help relieve constipation. It can stimulate intestinal contractions, which may help improve bowel frequency.
Does Chlorella Cleanse the Gut? Is Chlorella Good for Digestion?
Chlorella cleanses the gut by stimulating bowel movement and is also beneficial for your overall gut health. Chlorella contains chlorophyll, antioxidants, and vitamins, which can reduce gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps associated with inflammation.
One study shows chlorella’s ability to help relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. In one study, participants with ulcerative colitis took 10 grams of chlorella tablets and 100 mL of chlorella extract for two months. Results showed a decrease in stool frequency and less rectal inflammation. Participants also noted a decrease in the severity of symptoms, which increased their quality of life.
Chlorella growth factor, nucleic acids, and protein in chlorella also help soothe and repair digestive tissues resulting from toxin accumulation. There is also scientific evidence that chlorella helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome by sustaining healthy microorganisms like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while eliminating bad bacteria like E. coli.
6. Benefits of Chlorella for Liver Health
Does Chlorella Cleanse the Liver?
High liver enzymes can indicate that your liver is not functioning properly. This means that your liver may not be as effective in filtering toxins, which can escape into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the body.
Studies show that chlorella has hepatoprotective properties and may help cleanse liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) — which have been linked to oxidative damage.
Given these findings, chlorella may benefit those diagnosed with liver disease. In one study, participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were administered 1.2 grams of chlorella vulgaris daily for eight weeks. Results showed lower body weight, lower serum concentrations of liver enzymes, and improved inflammatory biomarkers.
Similarly, participants with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 who took a chlorella tablet daily and extract for 12 weeks had lower ALT levels, which indicates a decrease in their HCV viral load. By lowering ACT levels, the liver can become healthier and more capable of carrying out essential liver functions.
7. Benefits of Chlorella for Cancer Prevention
Chlorella is known for exhibiting anticancer and antitumor properties. Numerous studies have found that the carotenoids in chlorella may help prevent cancer cell growth and induce cancer cell apoptosis (cancer cell death). This effect was found in colon cancer cells, breast cancer cells, and lung cancer cells.
Other components of chlorella are also beneficial when it comes to staving off cancer. For instance, chlorophyll can scavenge for reactive oxygen species (ROS), bind with them, and then remove them from the body. Similarly, antioxidants can also neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing cell mutations.
Though we cannot say for certain that chlorophyll can prevent cancer, it is rich in vitamins and minerals that are often considered deficient in individuals with cancer. This includes iron, zinc, vitamins A, B, and C.
Chlorella and Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiation are the most common treatments for cancer. Unfortunately, to kill cancer cells, these interventions can also damage healthy cells in the process.
Chlorella is beneficial because it has been found to stimulate the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and albumin — which may help increase immunity and resistance.
Animal studies also show that chlorella has radioprotective action that helps prevent body damage after exposure to chemotherapy radiation.
8. Benefits of Chlorella for Respiratory Health
Is Chlorella Good for the Lungs?
Chlorella is known for its oxygen-producing capabilities. It contains chlorophyll, iron, and protein that help increase red blood cells, ensuring the body has an adequate oxygen supply. This can benefit respiratory health, especially with constant exposure to smoke and other air pollutants.
Chlorella Benefits for Exercise
Since the body uses more oxygen when exercising, chlorella supplementation may help replenish oxygen levels after intense physical activity. Chlorella may also help increase energy and endurance during training and promote recovery after exercise.
One study found that chlorella supplementation was able to increase maximal oxygen uptake in young men. A healthy maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) allows for a more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This can help enhance physical performance, allowing you to engage in sports or exercise more intensely.
Chlorella for Respiratory Conditions
Chlorella may also help manage respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In one study, participants with COPD or asthma were given 2,700 mg of chlorella extract daily for 8 weeks. Results showed an improvement in sputum and wheezing compared to the control group.
Murine models also showed that chlorella supplementation could reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling associated with respiratory conditions.
9. Benefits of Chlorella for Viral Infections
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how deadly viral infections can be. Thankfully, one of the health benefits of chlorella is strengthening our immune system. It has antiviral properties that help increase our resistance to airborne viruses and their debilitating symptoms.
One study also showed that chlorella might help inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which may affect COVID-19 treatment. However, these findings are preliminary and need further validation.
Nonetheless, the importance of keeping a strong immune system cannot be underscored. Chlorella is rich in vitamin B-12, iron, folate, protein, amino acids, and antioxidants. These have immunity-boosting effects and may be able to protect against acute respiratory infections like COVID-19.
10. Benefits of Chlorella for Skin
Oxidative stress plays a key role in aging. As such, exposure to harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants can promote the development of fine lines and wrinkles, dry and rough skin, sagging, and hyperpigmentation.
Thankfully, there are many chlorella skin benefits that can give you healthier and younger-looking skin.
Does Chlorella Increase Collagen?
Chlorella is rich in lysine and beta-carotene, both known to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Nucleic acids and antioxidants also prevent oxidative stress that can damage the skin’s existing collagen and elastin fibers.
This is important since these compounds provide structure to the skin — helping keep skin hydrated and supple. In addition, vitamin E can help address hyperpigmentation and melasma.
The skin benefits of chlorella also include helping lighten dark circles, enhancing lymphatic system drainage, reducing the redness of spider veins, and decreasing the color of stretch marks.
Chlorella for Wound Healing
Chlorella skin benefits also include wound healing and damaged tissue repair. The main actors are chlorophyll and nucleic acids in CGF, which help cleanse the wound and accelerate healing. In one study, chlorella was found to be effective in healing diabetic ulcers on murine models.
Another study found that chlorella can address undesirable factors such as inflammation, high glucose, and excessive reactive oxygen species that can interfere with tissue regeneration. As such, it can promote a faster healing process.
11. Benefits of Chlorella for Hair
Does Chlorella Help Hair Growth?
Studies are limited when it comes to chlorella benefits for hair. But based on existing literature, chlorella may have a beneficial effect on hair growth due to the presence of certain vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin B-12, which can increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to strengthen your hair and scalp. Iron and selenium also help prevent oxidative damage that can lead to hair loss.
Nucleic acids in Chlorella Growth Factor also play an essential role in the development and regeneration of hair follicles.
12. Benefits of Chlorella for Weight Loss
Can Chlorella Help You Lose Weight?
Many are surprised to see that weight loss is also one of the benefits of taking chlorella. Since chlorella is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it may address any nutrient deficiencies you have. As a result, the body no longer needs to overcompensate and can focus on ensuring optimal functioning.
One benefit you will notice is less intense food cravings and a lower tendency for binge eating. B vitamins can help quell hunger signals in the body, while the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in chlorella helps lower blood sugar levels to reduce carb binges.
Chlorella may also boost metabolism and energy levels to engage in exercise and other physical activities.
Best of all, there are only 15 calories per 3 grams of chlorella, so it fits well in a healthy diet.
13. Benefits of Chlorella for Allergies
Exposure to allergens triggers the release of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which then leads to the release of histamines, which leads to wheezing, itching, hay fever, sneezing, congestion, eczema, and asthma.
According to studies, chlorella may help reduce allergic inflammation by suppressing IgE production and histamine release. This may be due to its rich content of polysaccharides, which are known to have antiallergic properties.
The chlorophyll in chlorella may also bind to toxins and remove them from the body — rather than setting off the allergic chain response. There is also evidence that shows antioxidants can help attenuate allergic responses.
14. Benefits of Chlorella for the Eyes
Chlorella may also help improve eyesight and protect against eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Carotenoids in chlorella protect the eyes from free radical damage.
Lutein, in particular, is known to prevent macular degeneration that can lead to vision loss. Meanwhile, B vitamins help preserve nerve function within the eyes and may protect against age-related cataracts.
Chlorella also has magnesium and zinc, which can protect against vision problems. Amino acids such as taurine help promote good vision.
15. Benefits of Chlorella for Chronic Pain
Does Chlorella Help With Arthritis?
The anti-inflammatory properties of chlorella may help relieve chronic pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. The cell wall of chlorella also contains glucosamine, which helps protect and renew cartilage.
Studies have also shown that oxidative stress can lead to osteoarthritis. Since chlorella is packed with antioxidants, it can help neutralize free radicals before they cause irreparable damage to the body.
Is Chlorella Good for Fibromyalgia?
Chlorella has also been found to be beneficial for those with fibromyalgia — particularly when it comes to easing symptoms such as chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
In one study, patients with fibromyalgia were given 50 chlorella tablets and 100 mL of chlorella extract daily for three months. Fifty-seven percent of participants noted improvement in at least two parameters (pain, anxiety, sleep, digestion) compared to the 29 percent of the placebo group.
16. Benefits of Chlorella for Oral Health
Does Chlorella Help Clean Teeth, Gums, and Mouth Sores?
More studies are needed to explore the health benefits of chlorella on oral health. However, given its antibacterial and antifungal properties, there is a lot of potential in chlorella supplementation to help improve and manage oral diseases.
For instance, chlorella is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and chlorophyll — all of which have been associated with oral health benefits such as protecting against caries and gum infection, improving enamel strength, and reducing bad breath.
Limited studies also show that chlorella can help increase saliva production for those with hyposalivation and protect against the potential effects of having titanium dental implants and fillings.
17. Benefits of Chlorella for Mental Health
Chlorella for Anxiety and Depression
In recent years, researchers have explored the role of oxidative stress in the development of depression and anxiety. Since the brain is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, it can lead to neurotransmission and neural function changes, increasing the risk of psychological conditions.
Given that chlorella contains plenty of antioxidants that neutralize free radical scavengers, it may lead to potential mental health benefits. In one study, participants with major depressive disorder were given 1800 mg of chlorella extract daily for 6 weeks (along with their antidepressant medication).
Results showed a significant reduction in their anxiety and depression scores compared to the control group.
These findings are promising, but we need more studies to explore the health benefits of chlorella on mental health.
It’s possible that chlorella may also have an indirect effect on mental well-being. Since chlorella helps relieve pain and discomfort associated with chronic diseases, individuals could see an improvement in their overall mood.
Participants with hypertension saw improvement in their anxiety and depression symptoms because they no longer had to take antihypertensive medication and were supplementing with chlorella.
Chlorella for Sleep
In the same study, participants with fibromyalgia also saw improvements in their sleep and anxiety. Both helped increase pain tolerance and provided relief from fibromyalgia symptoms.
Chlorella for Stress
Exposure to chronic stress can disturb the body’s homeostasis, which is crucial to optimal functioning. Studies show that chlorella may help reduce the impact of stress on the body.
In animal studies, chlorella was found to reduce the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
18. Benefits of Chlorella for Women’s Health
Does Chlorella Help with Fertility?
Chlorella may help address issues with fertility. This is due to the high content of protein and antioxidants that can help support healthy fertility. According to studies, chlorella may help protect against monosodium glutamate ovarian dysfunction that can cause infertility. This is by reducing monosodium glutamate alterations in ovarian tissue, raising levels of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants, and improving sex hormone content.
Chlorella supplementation may be beneficial for pregnant women. According to studies, chlorella is a rich source of iron, folate, and vitamin B-12, which can help reduce the risk of pregnancy-related anemia, hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.
One study also found that chlorella supplementation during weeks 16-20 of gestation had higher carotenoid levels in their breast milk. This can provide infants with vitamin A, which can help protect against oxidative stress and other health issues.
19. Benefits of Chlorella for Hormone Imbalances
Does Chlorella Affect Hormones?
Estrogen is essential for reproductive health. However, some people have difficulty clearing excess estrogen from the body.
This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, swelling, headaches, and cramps. In addition, it can also increase breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
According to studies, chlorella may help clear estrone — considered the “bad estrogen” — and only leave out estriol — a weaker and safer form. This may help address symptoms and risks associated with high estrogen levels.
Similarly, the ability of chlorella to bioaccumulate and biodegrade testosterone has also been studied.
20. Benefits of Chlorella for Chronic Fatigue
Does Chlorella Help with Chronic Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue could be due to hypothalamus dysfunction. Adrenal glands also become sluggish, which leads to fatigue and lack of energy.
According to studies, vitamins B, C, iron, magnesium, and zinc play an important role in preventing mental and physical fatigue. All of these vitamins and minerals — and more — are in chlorella.
According to studies, chlorella may also help reduce hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and boost adrenal function. This helps revitalize energy levels, boost metabolism, and promote better sleep.
Chlorella may also help address fatigue caused by candida overgrowth. This is by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria and removing candida and other pathogenic bacteria from your gut.
21. Benefits of Chlorella for Blood Glucose Levels
Can Chlorella Lower Blood Sugar?
The body uses blood glucose or sugar as energy. It comes from carbohydrates that have been broken down into single glucose molecules, making them readily available for when the body needs energy. The Endocrine System uses, stores, and replenishes the body’s blood glucose levels.
Whenever a person has blood sugar issues, it means the Endocrine System is having problems producing hormones (like insulin) that signal the addition and reduction of glucose in the blood. This can lead to diabetes, where patients suffer from high inflammation, increased risk of heart problems, and damaged blood vessels.
Several studies examined how chlorella may help in lowering blood glucose levels. In one study, chlorella improved insulin sensitivity, allowing for better utilization of glucose in the blood. This helps in preventing blood sugar levels from skyrocketing.
Chlorella was discovered to help stabilize blood sugar in a study on 325 middle-aged adults. Meanwhile, another study showed that chlorella could help lessen sugar spikes when eating carbohydrates. Both benefits are beneficial to people with diabetes.
22. Benefits of Chlorella on Kidney Health
Does Chlorella Help Kidney Function?
According to studies, long-term exposure to cadmium may lead to kidney damage, among others. Since cigarette smoke is a significant source of cadmium exposure, experts have found that smokers may have double the risk of developing kidney cancer.
Besides chlorophyll’s ability to bind to heavy metals like cadmium, chlorella is also rich in antioxidants that can neutralize the oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke. In one study, smokers given 3,600 mg of chlorella extract for 6 weeks showed higher levels of antioxidants and a significant reduction in toxic malondialdehyde levels.
In a similar study, smokers also had reduced lymphocyte DNA damage, a marker of oxidative stress.
23. Benefits of Chlorella on Endocrine Health
Does Chlorella Help the Pancreas?
Studies show that chlorella may help restore the insulin-secreting function of the pancreas in diabetic patients. As such, it may help delay the complications related to this chronic metabolic disorder. Chlorella may also help protect the pancreas from damage due to oxidative stress.
Does Chlorella Help Thyroid Function?
Researchers have investigated the connection between heavy metal exposure and thyroid problems. Given chlorella’s ability to bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body, it may also help reduce the risk of thyroid-related issues, including cancer.
How Much Chlorella to Take? Are There Side-Effects?
Make sure to introduce chlorella gradually and give your body time to adjust. Ideally, you can start with just 1 tablet daily and build up a tolerance for up to 3 grams daily. This may also help lessen uncommon but possible side effects.
Some may notice improvements within a few days or weeks. Still, seeing the full benefits of chlorella supplements may take 3 to 6 months.
As with any food supplement, it is best to consult your doctor or medical practitioner if you take any medication. This is to avoid any medication interactions.
Take Advantage of the Health Benefits of Chlorella
If you’ve been looking for ways to improve overall health, it’s time to add chlorella to your daily routine!
As a fantastic superfood, chlorella contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and many other nutrients the body needs. Chlorella supplementation can help address deficiencies that may interfere with optimal health and functioning.
When incorporated into a healthy diet and regimen, you can take advantage of the amazing health benefits of chlorella. It’s important to note that chlorella is a food supplement and will not replace any medication and treatment from your healthcare provider.
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