We have just analyzed what Chlorella Algae means to the world of marine vegetables. Its properties are multiple and varied, as well as its benefits.
Of the 14 main benefits that can be highlighted, we have seen that the most relevant researchers in the field (Chidley and Davidson, 2018; Lin and Lowary, 2018; Panahi, Badeli, Karami, Badeli and Sahebkar, 2016; Greger, 2018 ; Ciliberti, Albenzio, Francavilla, Neglia, Esposito and Caroprese, 2019) indicate how we detailed in the previous entry of the benefits of Chlorella Algae because:
• Detoxifies the organism.
• It is a superfood
• It is a magnificent antioxidant
• Reduces the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Reduce the cholesterol
• Stimulates the immune system
• Lower the sugar level.
In this second part, we will analyze what are other of these remarkable benefits, added which make it an essential seaweed to be incorporated into our daily diet. Let’s take a closer look at the other relevant benefits:
8th Benefit: Contributes to weight loss and improves metabolism
Different studies showed that Chlorella intake stopped the increase in blood cells and fat levels, which improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
It follows that the consumption of this seaweed was valid to help control sugar levels and that, consequently, there was an obvious reduction in the percentage of total serum cholesterol, fasting blood glucose levels, and in the proportion of body fat.
If the growth of fat cells is inhibited, it helps weight gain and fight obesity. Also, as our bodies lose weight, toxins are released and can be. It is important to eliminate these toxins from our system as soon as possible, because if we take into account the detoxifying function of this algae, the benefits of Chlorella multiply.
9th Benefit: It is a preventive against cancer
Other scientific studies found that Chlorella intake helps fight cancer when taken preventively, as it increases the body’s strength to react to adversity, since it strengthens our immune system. By eliminating heavy metals and toxins from our body, we are stronger and less likely to develop diseases caused by the environment or by a pathological surrounding environment.
Chlorella also improves the action of T cells, helping to fight the new abnormal and diseased cells, to which they react properly. In the studies carried out with animals, it was stated that Chlorella has the capacity to reduce cancer cells and can even annihilate and destroy existing cancer cells, through a process known as apoptosis or programmed cell death.
Similarly, research suggests that applied to the skin, Chlorella is useful for the treatment of skin ulcers and various forms of rashes that may be caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Especially in healthy people, it is claimed that it helps increase the reaction capacity of the human body. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, resisting infections becomes easier.
Chlorella has a positive effect on cellular activity related to the body’s immunity (Haratake, Hatanaka, Fuchigami, Akashi and Nakayama, 2012, p.1260).
10th Benefit: Prevents against aging
At the cellular level, studies indicate that it can delay the aging process since it greatly reduces oxidative stress, which can be caused by pollution, heavy metals, stress and / or a nutrient-poor diet. Also, the intake of Chlorella has as a direct result a younger looking skin, since it increases the levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and glutathione in the body, which eliminates free radicals and protects the cells.
Taking only a teaspoon or a couple of capsules daily, you can see the results in just two weeks. And, just as it happens at the cellular level, it happens at the cognitive level. Thanks to the fact that Chlorella contains vitamin B12 (and in fact it is one of the few sources of plant origin), magnesium and amino acids, it promotes brain function, improving its functioning.
And as other studies claim, this could not only prevent oxidative stress that age-related cognitive impairment can cause, but it could also decrease memory loss.
11th Benefit: Improves cardiovascular health
According to different studies, Chlorella beneficially influences blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, body mass index and lipid profile.
If these 4 factors have an essential impact on the risk of cardiovascular disease, and this algae regulates them, it can be stated, consequently, that regular consumption of Chlorella improves cardiovascular health.
12th Benefit: Increases energy and improves aerobic endurance
Scientific studies conducted with sick patients (some of them, with breast cancer) conclude that Chlorella increases energy, increases vitality and decreases the fatigue of patients. Likewise, the effect of the intake of this algae on aerobic resistance was investigated, showing a positive effect.
Specifically, there was a significant improvement in the capacity of pulmonary saturation with oxygen of the patients analyzed, and that has its cause in the amino acid content of the branched chain, which has been demonstrated in several experiments.
13th Benefit: Prevents depression
It has been proven that patients suffering from depression and other mental disorders have a lower level of antioxidants in the brain and blood plasma than non-diseased subjects.
As Chlorella is rich in antioxidants and has several trace elements that fight oxidative stress, this makes the level of antioxidants rise significantly, intervening in certain mental disorders, such as depression.
In the same way, and as we have seen in the previous benefit, by increasing energy production, it allows a better physical functioning, which directly results in a more positive mood. Also, the usual intake of Chlorella has proven beneficial in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms.
14th Benefit: It is an antiviral
Some scientific studies have indicated that it causes the multiplication of certain beneficial bacteria of the intestine, so that it improves intestinal health by increasing the flora of the intestine itself, in order to avoid colitis and improve digestion, as well as other disorders (such as the Syndrome Crohn’s or diverticulosis), something that is supposed to be due to the ability of Chlorella to stimulate the activity of enzymes in the digestive tract.
Likewise, in animal studies, it was found that Chlorella can increase the body’s defenses, increasing the activity of certain proteins that regulate cell functioning, and increasing certain natural cells, which can attack tumor formations (Ristic, Novkovic, Ritter and Yazdi, 2019)
Other aspects to take into account Chlorella Algae
What Chlorella has to buy?
Chlorella stands out, especially for its ability to quickly capture both harmful substances and pathogenic substances. In other words, since Chlorella traps poisonous substances from its surroundings, it loses – as a consequence – part of its detoxification properties.
This, of course, is reflecting the importance of taking Chlorella from organic, clean and controlled crops, since even under favorable conditions, it is difficult to find free Chlorella one hundred percent heavy metals.
How should it be taken?
Everything will depend on whether it is in capsule (take it with liquid, preferably with water) or powder (in this case, it can be taken with smoothies, salads, yogurts or juices or, simply, taken with a glass of water) and, very importantly, It should not be added to any hot food.
Another rule to follow is not to take the Chlorella supplement with vitamin C since when taking the vitamin, there is a possibility that heavy metals that are linked to Chlorella are released and, therefore, are reabsorbed into the system instead of being eliminated. Avoid taking vitamin C for three hours after taking the supplement.
It is recommended to take it daily, and preferably half an hour before meals, in order to help the digestion process and to absorb nutrients more effectively.
What precautions should be taken?
If we take into account that Chlorella has high concentrations of iron, care must be taken with its intake in the case of men and in the case of women who no longer have the menstrual cycle, since an excess of iron could be A problem, consult your doctor. In the case of vegans and vegetarians, one must also be cautious.
If we consider that Chlorella has an important detoxification power, it is composed of 50 percent protein, and is a great source of amino acids and vitamins of group B, it is clear that vegetarians and vegans can benefit greatly from the intake of Chlorella , something that can be extremely attractive to them, especially because of the contribution of Vitamin B12, since as we well know, there is no plant source – except for a few algae – that provides it.
From our point of view, we must be very cautious in this regard, because we understand that only the consumption of Chlorella is not a sufficiently effective alternative option that replaces animal sources of vitamin B12, which can be a problem for vegans. and vegetarians (who should consult their doctor also in this case).
An algae with many properties and benefits for the body
In conclusion, after all the above, and according to the scientific studies consulted, it is considered that Chlorella, used in a therapeutic way, has many properties and benefits, which makes it suitable for:
• Prevent cancer,
• Reduction of side effects due to radiation and chemotherapy treatment
• Stimulate the immune system
• Improve the response to the flu vaccine
• Increase white blood cells (especially in people with HIV infection or cancer)
• Prevent colds
• Protect the body against poisoning with metals such as lead and mercury, and finally
• To slow the aging process.
Also, Chlorella is used to increase the number of good bacteria in the intestine in order to improve digestion and also to help treat ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis.
Some people also use Chlorella for the prevention of stress-related ulcers; for the treatment of constipation and hypertension; as an antioxidant; to reduce cholesterol; to increase energy; to detoxify the body, and as a source of magnesium to promote mental health, relieve premenstrual syndrome and reduce asthma attacks.
Also, this seaweed is used to combat some symptoms of fibromyalgia and, applied to the skin, is useful for the treatment of skin ulcers and various forms of rashes that can be produced by radiation and chemotherapy.
References
Chidley, C. and Davison, G. (2018). The effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation on immune responses to 2 days of intensified training. European Journal of Nutrition, 57 (7), 2529-2536.
Ciliberti, MG., Albenzio, M., Francavilla, M., Neglia, G., Esposito, L. and Caroprese, M. (2019). Extracts from Microalga Chlorella sorokiniana Exert an Anti-Proliferative Effect and Modulate Cytokines in Sheep Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Animals (Basel), 9 (2), 23-35.
Greger, D. (2018). Chlorella May Help Preserve Immune Function During High Intensity Athletic Training. Nutrition Facts.org. April 28th. At https://nutritionfacts.org/2018/04/24/chlorella-may-help-preserve-immune-function-during-high-intensity-athletic-training/
Haratake, M., Hatanaka, E., Fuchigami, T., Akashi, M. and Nakayama, M. (2012). A strontium-90 sequestrant for first-aid treatment of radiation emergency. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 60 (1), 1258-1263.
Lin, S. and Lowary, TL. (2018). Synthesis of the Highly Branched Hexasaccharide Core of Chlorella Virus N-Linked Glycans. Chemistry, 3 (2), 26-31. DOI: 10.1002 / chem.201804795.
Panahi, Y., Badeli, R., Karami, GR., Badeli, Z. and Sahebkar, A. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. Complement Ther Med., 23 (4), 598-602. DOI 10.1016 / j.ctim. 2015.06.010.
Ristic, A., Novkovic, B., Ritter, J. and Yazdi, P. (2019). 10 Chlorella Health Benefits + Side Effects & Reviews. At https://selfhacked.com/blog/chlorella-benefits/
