Article at a glance:
- Chlorella supplements come in powder, tablet, capsules, and liquid extract forms, which are all made convenient for human consumption.
- It is safe to take chlorella daily as long as you follow the recommended daily dosage.
- The best time to take chlorella is when you want to take it. It will power you through the day and help you sleep well at night.
More people are becoming interested in taking chlorella supplements. This isn’t surprising, considering all the amazing health benefits of this blue-green algae.
As one of the most complete plant foods, chlorella is a rich source of nutrients that can support your overall health. Knowing how to incorporate chlorella supplements into your daily regimen properly is essential to take advantage of this.
What Does a Chlorella Supplement Offer?
Chlorella supplements are associated with a wide range of health benefits. This is because chlorella contains vitamins B, C, and D, essential minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
Unique to this blue-green algae is a complex called chlorella growth factor with nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and peptides. It is also a rich source of chlorophyll.
All of these are beneficial for overall human health. To learn more about what chlorella vitamins and nutrients can do, there is an abundance of scientific literature and nutrition journals that outline the different health benefits.
Top Benefits of Chlorella for the Immune System
An enhanced immune system is one of the main benefits of chlorella supplementation. According to studies, it can help increase natural killer cell activity.
With increased natural killer cell activity, the immune system also sees enhanced levels of cytokines like interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-12. These help the body attack tumor cells, bacteria, infections, and other pathogens.
Research also shows that chlorella can increase salivary secretory immunoglobulin levels. By improving mucosal immunity, chlorella may help ward off illnesses — from the common cold and flu to more dangerous viral infections like COVID-19.
Chlorella ingestion may also help attenuate the early inflammatory response that triggers allergies, asthma, and viral infections.
Antioxidant Benefits of Chlorella
Chlorella products are also rich in carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene. These function as antioxidants and help neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. Free radical damage is associated with a wide range of health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, and psychological disorders, among many others.
Chlorella may also help when it comes to fighting cancer. Studies showed that carotenoids might play a major role in chlorella’s anticancer and antitumor properties. It can inhibit cell mutations that promote cancer and tumor growth.
Chlorella may also protect against radiation that kills both cancer and healthy cells.
Mineral Support
Chlorella is a rich source of essential minerals for our overall health. In particular, chlorella is a rich source of iron — which plays a crucial role in cell growth, DNA synthesis, energy production, and other physiological functions.
Studies show that chlorella can help reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anemia. In a study, Japanese women were given 6 grams of chlorella daily during the 12-18th week of their pregnancy until delivery. It was found that chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria, and edema. Increased iron levels were also noted in other studies.
Given these findings, chlorella supplementation may also help ward off iron deficiency anemia among vegans and vegetarians due to low vitamin B12 levels. This can be detected by having high serum methylmalonic acid levels. Chlorella pyrenoidosa, in particular, is the preferred strain due to its higher vitamin B12 content than chlorella vulgaris.
Chlorella Benefits for Detoxification
You can expect a strong detoxification effect with chlorella supplementation. This is due to the blue-green algae’s thick cell wall and high levels of chlorophyll and dietary fiber.
This allows chlorella to bind with heavy metals and carcinogenic toxins that may have accumulated in the body. Taking chlorella helps release these toxins rather than being absorbed by the body.
Chlorella Benefits for Liver Health
Chlorella also has hepatoprotective properties that help cleanse the body of damage-inducing liver enzymes.
In one study, participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who received 1.2 grams of chlorella vulgaris daily for 8 weeks showed lower liver enzyme concentrations than the placebo group.
Chlorella Benefits for Heart Health
Chlorella supplementation may also support heart health by lowering blood pressure. In one study, participants who took 10 grams of chlorella tablets and 100 mL of chlorella extract per day for two months saw improvements in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Chlorella is also found to reduce high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are cardiovascular risk factors. According to researchers, chlorella may help inhibit the absorption of lipids, leading to lower serum total cholesterol levels.
When combined with exercise, chlorella may lower fasting blood glucose levels. Improvements in fasting blood glucose levels were also more pronounced than in exercise alone. This is essential for glycemic control, especially for those with high blood sugar, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Other Notable Health Benefits of Chlorella
We have only touched the surface of chlorella’s impressive health benefits. With more studies being conducted, researchers may continue to discover additional ways that chlorella can support our overall health.
So far, studies have shown that chlorella products MAY have the potential to:
- improve depressive and anxiety symptoms of those with major depressive disorder
- inhibit cognitive decline that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- promote healthy bacteria for gut health
- stimulate collagen and elastin fibers for skin health
- reduce chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia
- lessen food cravings to aid weight loss
Is Chlorella Worth Taking?
Chlorella supplementation is worth considering all the nutrients you’ll feed your body. Chlorella can also be easily incorporated into your daily regimen. It goes well with a healthy diet and other dietary supplements that you may be taking.
For most individuals, chlorella helps support overall health. It can provide the boost or revitalization you need if you’re not feeling your best. It can also address any nutrient deficiencies that hinder you from optimal functioning.
However, take note that chlorella supplements may not be suitable for those with certain conditions. This includes those who are taking warfarin or other blood thinners. Chlorella contains vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting — the opposite function of anticoagulants or blood thinners.
It is also not recommended for those with hemochromatosis (excess iron levels) due to its high iron content and for those with iodine sensitivities, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Chlorella food supplements may also make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when staying outside.
If you have pre-existing conditions or serious health concerns, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking chlorella supplements. Your healthcare provider can also inform you about proper dosage and usage and avoid any adverse reactions.
How to Take Chlorella Supplements
You can mix chlorella powder with water, juices, smoothies, and even tasty recipes. Just as long as you take it raw, you can mix it with virtually any food.
Chlorella also comes in tablets and capsules. Take it with a glass of water or a non-caffeinated beverage, and this can be more convenient as no prep work is required.
According to chlorella usage recommendations, most adults can take 3 to 5 grams of chlorella daily, which is about 6 to 10 chlorella capsules (at 500 mg). There are no strict guidelines when it comes to taking chlorella. Depending on your nutritional needs and tolerance, you can increase the chlorella supplement dosage to 10 grams (20 capsules) daily.
For instance, there may be times when you need to increase dosage due to stress, fatigue, or other physical symptoms. You can also take more during the winter when the immune system is sluggish.
Thankfully, there is no risk of overdose with chlorella supplements. You can take as much of it as you see fit according to your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Just make sure to choose the best chlorella supplement available. This ensures you can take advantage of all the impressive chlorella supplement benefits.
You’ll have to consider how chlorella is cultivated, harvested, and processed. For instance, Taiwan-sourced chlorella is known for having better quality control than those sourced in other countries like China.
You must also choose between the most common chlorella species: chlorella pyrenoidosa and chlorella vulgaris. Though both strains are known for their nutrient-dense composition, studies show that chlorella pyrenoidosa has a thicker cell wall (for stronger detox) and a higher nutritional value than chlorella vulgaris.
Does Chlorella Have Side Effects?
For first-timers, it’s important to introduce chlorella supplements gradually. You can start with a low dosage of about 1-2 capsules for the first few days.
This is because chlorella is known to work quickly. You may start to notice changes in your body on the first day. For instance, chlorella will already begin to dislodge heavy metals that accumulate in your body, which can lead to certain reactions like headaches or nausea.
If you also take more than the body can handle, it can lead to side effects such as:
- gastrointestinal discomfort
- gas
- bloating
- diarrhea
- nausea
- dizziness
- fatigue
- cramps
- allergic reactions
- joint pain
- green-colored stool
- photosensitivity
If you notice these side effects, it may help only to take chlorella supplements every other day. You can also increase liquid intake to help lessen the side effects. Take note, though, that this is just your body trying to adjust to the extra nutrients.
In about 10 days, your body will start to build tolerance. You can increase intake to the recommended daily chlorella dosage. It may take slightly longer for those with a weakened immune system as the body has to adjust much more.
When Should You Take Chlorella?
The best thing about chlorella supplements is that you can take them any time of the day. You can easily adjust intake according to your schedule.
Many health experts say the morning is the best time to take chlorella supplements. Take it with your breakfast, which allows the body to digest and absorb chlorella better. Nonetheless, taking it at night time can also be helpful. Its chlorophyll content helps the body relax and prepare for restful sleep.
But of course, there is no stopping anyone from taking chlorella in the morning, afternoon, and night. You can instead take chlorella tablets because they are easy and convenient to consume. Given the nutritional benefits of chlorella, they can provide sustained energy levels throughout the day.
Some even add chlorella powder to tasty recipes that are nourishing and boost energy. Just ensure that chlorella is consumed raw to avoid losing potency. You can add dishes after they have finished cooking to preserve chlorella nutrition levels.
Avoid taking it with coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks, as these can interfere with the absorption of chlorella.
In addition, take all other medications one hour before your chlorella supplements. Though chlorella is not known to have moderate or severe interactions with other drugs, it is still better to take precautions.
How Often to Take Chlorella Supplements?
You can take chlorella supplements as often as you like or need them — make sure to stay within the daily recommended dose. Consistency is also important. The longer you take it, the more health benefits you will experience.
Some choose to take daily chlorella supplements for about 3 to 4 months. Then, they will take a rest period. During this time, you can note how the body functions and if there have been notable changes. You can follow this short-term chlorella supplementation cycle once or twice a year.
Is it safe to take chlorella every day? You can also choose to take chlorella year-round. There are no adverse effects associated with taking chlorella supplements every day.
Although the Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate chlorella supplements, they have been placed in the “Generally Recognized as Safe” category.
How to Store Chlorella Supplements
Chlorella supplements have a stable shelf life of about 1 to 3 years, depending on the brand or manufacturer. To maximize the health benefits of this amazing superfood, store your supplements in a dark, dry area and at room temperature.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, air, and humidity, as these natural elements may cause chlorella supplements to break down and lose their nutritional value.
As a precaution, you can store your chlorella supplements in a dark, airtight container. Some also opt to place them in the refrigerator, though it is not necessary.
Boost Your Health Journey with Chlorella Supplements
Chlorella offers and provides many fantastic health benefits. However, chlorella supplementation is not a one-stop solution for all your health concerns.
Instead, this dietary supplement supports human nutrition. Complementing chlorella with a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and fiber is best. If there are any nutritional gaps, chlorella can help fill them in to ensure optimal functioning.
Chlorella is now made more convenient to consume. Take advantage of this and add chlorella to your daily supplementation regimen right away!
- Is Spirulina Good For Arteries? How Can This Help Improve Overall Heart Health - September 10, 2023
- Spirulina Blood Pressure Benefits To Take Advantage Of - September 10, 2023
- Spirulina For Cancer: How Can This Blue-Green Algae Help? - September 10, 2023
