Chlorella

What is it?

  Chlorella is a so-called superfood that has earned a glittering reputation among its supporters as a fix-all supplement. This humble alga, native to Taiwan and Japan, has been reported to do everything from boosting antibody count to promoting weight-loss and even fighting cancer.

   Chlorella is a single-celled, freshwater alga, naturally rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. There are plenty of practical benefits to eating and growing chlorella, including the fact that it is high in protein and grows quickly. On top of its more everyday benefits, however, there are many claims made about its ability to fight various diseases.

   Chlorella comes in different strains with each one having different nutritional qualities. The types of chlorella most commonly sold as food supplements are claimed to have the highest nutritional value. Supplements are available as tablets, powder, or liquid extracts.

   Chlorella has a tough cell wall, which makes it rigid and impossible to digest in its natural form. For that reason, chlorella is processed before being sold so its nutrients can be properly digested. Researchers have also looked at chlorella as a possible alternative and renewable fuel source for agricultural equipment. 

Nutritional benefits

     The exact balance of nutrients found in chlorella can vary a lot depending on the way it has been grown and processed, as well as the particular strain used. A 2014 study found that chlorella treated with activated clay, to make it more suitable as a fuel source, lost over 70 percent of its fatty acid content. Chlorella sold in health stores should have a higher nutritional value than that being considered for fuel. There is a lack of regulation over the safety and efficacy of supplements in the United States, however, so people should still use caution when purchasing from these retail stores.

Below are some of the nutritional benefits of chlorella:

Protein

    Chlorella vulgaris, one of the most commonly used varieties, is up to 58 percent protein. Chlorella protein is absorbed by the body almost as well as protein from eggs and milk. This is rare for plant protein sources and makes chlorella a great protein option for vegans.

B-12

   Chlorella is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B-12, as confirmed by a 2002 study. A 2015 study found that B-12 taken from chlorella helped to improve the health markers of 17 vegans and vegetarians between the ages of 26–57 years old with a history of B-12 deficiency. This result suggests that the body effectively absorbs the B-12 found in chlorella, making the alga a useful option for vegans and vegetarians with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Iron

   Chlorella is rich in iron and can stave-off an iron deficiency. One 2009 study found that a group of pregnant women given a chlorella supplement experienced significantly lower rates of pregnancy-associated anemia.

Possible health benefits

                                      May protect against dementia 

     Alongside the nutritional content mentioned above, several studies have also suggested that chlorella has the potential to provide other health benefits:

    A 2009 study in mice found that chlorella played a significant role in preventing age-related mental decline. A big part of this seemed to be chlorella's antioxidant effects on the brain.

However, no human studies have been done to date.

May improve the immune system

   Animal studies dating back decades have found that chlorella improved the ability of the immune systems of mice to fight against both bacteria and viruses.

   A 2012 study was carried out to test the effects of chlorella on the salivary immune system of human subjects.

   A total of 30 healthy people were given chlorella and studied over a 4-week period alongside 30 people who received a placebo. This trial was repeated 12 weeks later for another 4-week period on the same individuals.

   The researchers found various positive and significant changes that suggested a strengthened immune system due to taking chlorella. However, the researchers recognized there were limitations to the study and suggested further testing was needed.

May fight estrogen-mimickers and reduce cancer risk

    Estrogen is a naturally occurring hormone, important for the health of both men and women. There are certain estrogen-mimicking substances that can get into the body through contaminated soil, water, air, and other sources.

  These mimicking substances are called xenoestrogens, and research has linked them to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer. A 2005 study found that a laboratory culture contaminated with a xenoestrogen called BPA could be effectively treated with chlorella. In the study, the chlorella completely removed all of the estrogenic activity of the BPA from the culture. While research needs to be carried out on animal and human subjects, chlorella may be able to reduce significantly the risk of cancers caused by estrogen-mimicking compounds. The American Cancer Society have previously stated that there is a lack of scientific evidence showing chlorella is effective in fighting cancer or any other human diseases.

   Anyone who wishes to take chlorella as a dietary supplement should be aware of potential risks from lack of oversight in its production.

Risks and side effects

    A 2003 study noted that green algae, such as chlorella, could become infected by viruses.People should be aware that every superfood could have a few potential risks and side effects associated with it. Unfortunately, chlorella is no different in this respect.

   Some evidence has been found by researchers at Johns Hopkins University of these algal viruses infecting humans and leading to reduced mental functions.

   A study dating back to 1996 found endotoxin-like properties in an extract of chlorella. Endotoxins are substances that are known to cause inflammation in humans when given in laboratory conditions. The effect depends largely on the size of the dose, however.