Article at a glance:
- Many refer to chlorella growth factor (CGF) and chlorella interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
- CGF is a compound produced only in chlorella during photosynthesis and helps the alga’s cell rapidly multiply in about 24 hours.
- CGF on its own may be beneficial to our health because of its unique cellular growth properties, especially in terms of muscle repair, immune health, and healthy aging.
If you’re a fan of superfoods, you’ve likely heard of or may have even taken chlorella before. It has been a popular choice among superfood enthusiasts due to its amazing health benefits.
Chlorella is a single-cell alga found in freshwater and is known for having high levels of chlorophyll. Research shows that it is composed of 60% complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a desirable component for health supplements.
This superfood is typically consumed in the form of capsules, tablets, and powder.
What Is Chlorella Growth Factor?
CGF is a bioactive compound found in chlorella that is produced during intense photosynthesis and can then be extracted from the algae’s nucleus.
CGF has been regarded as one of the vital components of chlorella because it promotes rapid cellular growth. Each chlorella cell can multiply into four more cells every 24 hours. That makes CGF primarily responsible for the rapid growth of chlorella.
Apart from being rich in vitamins, essential amino acids, enzymes, and polysaccharides, research also found CGF to be a potent source of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA). Some studies suggest nucleic acids may help improve the body’s immune response and digestion.
Is Chlorella the Same as Chlorella Growth Factor?
Based on the above discussion on what is CGF, simply put, chlorella and Chlorella Growth Factor are not the same. Chlorella refers to the entire organism, whereas CGF is a compound of substances in blue-green algae native to Taiwan and Japan.
Chlorella, by itself, is a rich source of nutrients because it has high concentrations of chlorophyll, which reportedly has anti-inflammatory properties, among other potential Chlorella Growth Factor benefits.
But chlorella, particularly Chlorella Vulgaris, has been widely researched due to its rapid cellular growth capabilities largely attributed to CGF.
What Makes Chlorella Growth Factor Unique?
The mere function of the Chlorella Growth Factor to promote cellular growth at a rapid rate makes this bioactive compound unique. It is even more unique because only chlorella has been found to produce this kind of growth factor, and a similar nutrient complex has yet to be found in other microalgae.
5 Benefits of Chlorella Growth Factor
Chlorella Growth Factor, being different from chlorella, has its own set of benefits. Here are the most important ones:
1. Strengthens the Immune System
Polysaccharides are one of the components found in the Chlorella Growth Factor. And scientists have observed water-soluble chlorella extracts have alpha-glucans polysaccharides that may help strengthen the body’s immune system.
Some clinical studies have also shown that plant-derived polysaccharides have the potential to improve immune functions and have shown activities against inflammation, viral infections, and tumor growth.
Animal clinical trials have also shown promising results, suggesting that consuming hot water extracts of chlorella may help improve the immune system.
2. May Promote Muscle and Tissue Repair
Athletes or anyone who goes to the gym regularly can also benefit from consuming supplements with Chlorella Growth Factor. The characteristics of Chlorella Growth Factor may help people who often exercise or lift weights at the gym to recover faster by stimulating tissue repair and muscle recovery.
With the possibility of reducing the need for downtime to recuperate, the intake of chlorella supplements might be vital in achieving their training goals. One study also found Chlorella Vulgaris has the potential to promote muscle regeneration.
3. May Improve Energy Levels
There are claims that a boost in energy level could be one of the benefits of taking chlorella supplements. While this still needs more research, it’s worth noting that Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is one of the vitamins found in Chlorella Growth Factor. And all B vitamins are known to help increase energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose.
So, theoretically, Chlorella Growth Factor may have positive effects in terms of energy levels. However, this still needs further research to confirm claims that CGF has a direct positive effect on improving energy levels.
4. Detoxifying Properties
Chlorella is rich in minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin B2, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and Vitamin E (tocopherol). It’s also known for having healthy components like beta carotene, lutein, and chlorophyll. All these combined make chlorella supplements a great source of antioxidants.
A 2019 study showed similar results, further suggesting that chlorella supplements may help boost the antioxidant defense system. A scientific analysis published in the same year also found promising results in chlorella’s potential as a detoxifying agent.
Nutritional supplementation of chlorella improved the detoxification of heavy metals, suggesting this microalga helps remove toxic substances from the body.
Riboflavin also acts as an antioxidant by fighting free radicals in the body. And more studies have found CGF may help improve the body’s antioxidant protection mechanism.
5. Healthy Aging Process
Another study sought to find if chlorella supplements may help relieve symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. While results weren’t entirely conclusive, researchers noted that the results were promising enough to warrant wider clinical trials.
This suggests chlorella may also help improve the regenerative functions of young and senescent myoblasts, which indicates its potential to aid in a healthy aging process.
The research on Chlorella Pyrenoidosa also supported claims that the chlorella algae possess anti-aging properties, suggesting it may help manage degenerative diseases.
How Do You Get Chlorella Growth Factor?
As mentioned, CGF is a compound unique to the chlorella. But experts noted that the raw form of this green algae could be tougher for humans to process.
This is where high-quality chlorella supplements become extremely helpful. It’s highly advised to take chlorella supplements, which may come in tablets or capsules, from trusted brands for higher chances of getting CGF into our bodies.
Chlorella powders have also become widely available. Unlike capsules and tablets, you can get a bit more creative with powder supplements, as they can be added to your daily smoothies or other foods.
Who Can Benefit From CGF?
CGF and chlorella supplements can benefit many users, especially based on age and overall health factors.
Chlorella Growth Factor for kids and can be taken as a vitamin supplement. More research is still needed to support claims that CGF can increase height. But other studies on its potential health benefits, particularly for the immune system, make it a great supplement for kids and teenagers.
Chlorella Growth Factor for adults is more widely available in different dietary supplement forms. Due to its cellular regeneration qualities, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential anti-aging benefits, adults can greatly benefit from regularly taking chlorella supplements.
Other claims on the health benefits of chlorella go as far as linking it to cancer treatment. It’s important to note that insufficient scientific evidence supports such claims.
However, there have been experiments where the hot water extract of Chlorella Vulgaris showed the potential to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chlorella Algae Have a Growth Factor?
Growth factor refers to a substance naturally produced in an organism that helps regulate cellular growth. But due to biotech advancements, some growth factors can now be produced in laboratories.
Chlorella is unique compared to other microalgae because it’s the only one that produces a growth factor called the CGF. And this has made chlorella one of the best superfoods widely available in supplements.
What Does Chlorella Growth Factor Do?
CGF is a nutrient compound produced during an intensive photosynthesis process in chlorella. It’s responsible for the algae’s rapid cellular growth, as each chlorella cell multiplies into four in 24 hours.
CGF is composed mostly of protein and has essential amino acids. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it one of the most important superfoods found in supplements.
Plenty of research and clinical studies have been conducted to explore the CGF’s potential to boost immune function, promote faster muscle and tissue repair, and boost detoxification.
Does Chlorella Growth Factor Make You Taller?
Because it is responsible for chlorella’s fast cellular replication or growth, there have been claims that Chlorella Growth Factor can increase height.
You’ll find tons of vitamin supplements, particularly marketed for younger consumers. These promise to help improve their growth and make them taller. However, there is not enough scientific evidence yet to support these claims.
What Essential Amino Acids Are in Chlorella?
Aside from being composed of up to 60% complete protein, chlorella has also been found to be rich in all nine essential amino acids, including alanine, arginine, and leucine.
As you may know, protein-packed plants are quite hard to find. And this makes dietary CGF a great source of protein, especially for people on a vegetarian or purely plant-based diet.
Can I Take Chlorella Every Day?
Most studies and clinical trials on CGF and Chlorella Vulgaris showed that they deliver their potential health benefits with minimal side effects. So chlorella supplements are usually taken daily and are generally safe to take regularly.
However, it may have interactions with certain drugs. There is also not enough research yet on how safe it is to take for people with allergies and breastfeeding moms. In this case, it’s best to consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking chlorella tablets or any CGF supplement.
Chlorella Growth Factor for Better Overall Health
The chlorella algae earned its right to be considered one of the best, if not the best, superfoods. That’s attributed to its sheer amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. And the wonders of the Chlorella Growth Factor’s rapid cellular growth mechanism only make it better!
Additionally, there are not that many foods rich in Chlorella Growth Factor since it is unique to chlorella. Turning to chlorella supplements for support is a wise move.
Luckily, reputable brands now offer chlorella and CGF supplements in various forms. So you’ll have options that would work once you decide to include it in your daily health routine.
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