Chlorellais a light green algae rich in nutrients. It is considered a "superfood" because it is rich in protein,iron,dietary fiber,B-vitamins, ucomplex carbohydrates.
Chlorella also contains high levels of antioxidants such asvitamin C,Omega-3 fatty acids, and carotenoids such asBeta karotenwhat a battlefree radicals.
Chlorella has been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of anemia during pregnancy.Some claim that it can treat a number of health problems. However, there is insufficient evidence to support most of these claims.
As a supplement, chlorella is available in tablet, powder, and extract form.
This article describes the uses and benefits of chlorella as a dietary supplement, as well as possible risks, side effects, and interactions.
Dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve their safety and effectiveness before products are released to the market. If possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.
But even if supplements have been tested by third parties, that doesn't mean they're necessarily safe for everyone or generally effective. It is important to talk to your doctor about any supplements you plan to take and to check for possible interactions with other supplements or medications.
What is the use of chlorella?
Supplement use should be individualized and supervised by a health care professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or physician. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Chlorella is a good source of many nutrients, such as protein,iron, fiber, carbohydrates, antioxidants and more. Because of its nutritional value, some claim it can treat various health conditions. However, there is insufficient evidence to support most of his claims.
Below are some possible uses of chlorella.
It lowers high cholesterol
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Dietary adjustments are recommended to lower cholesterol levels when they are high.Medicinesthey are also often prescribed to treat high cholesterol. However, there is great interest in alternative ways to lower cholesterol.
Chlorella has been studied to help lower cholesterol.
According to a study published in 2014diet diary,a daily dose of 416 milligrams of chlorella improved blood lipid levels in 62 adults with moderately elevated cholesterol. Not only was there a reductiontotal cholesterol,triglycerides, uLDL ("bad") cholesterol, but he also had an increaseHDL ("good") cholesterol.
A meta-analysis published in 2018 found that taking 4 grams of a chlorella supplement daily for at least eight weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar compared to a placebo.
A more recent study published in 2021 found that lower doses (1,500 milligrams per day) had a positive effect on lipid profiles and blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Another meta-analysis published in 2022 concluded that chlorella supplementation reduced total and LDL cholesterol, but did not improve triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. This worked at 1500 milligrams per day, while higher doses had no effect.
More research is needed before chlorella supplementation is recommended for high cholesterol. Consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
Herbs and supplements that lower cholesterol
It reduces the risk of anemia during pregnancy
The need for iron increases during pregnancy, which sometimes leads toAnemiaif a pregnant person becomesiron deficiency. Chlorella is an excellent source of iron.
In a 2010 study in the journalplant food for human consumption,researchers in Japan gave 70 pregnant women a daily dose of 6 grams (6,000 milligrams) of a chlorella supplement or a placebo. Treatment started from 12-18 weeks of pregnancy and continued until delivery.
Compared to the placebo group, people in the study who took chlorella had significantly morehemoglobinlevels during the second and third trimesters. A low hemoglobin level may indicate the possibility of a diagnosis of anemia.
Interestingly, those taking chlorella also had a lower incidenceedema(tissue swelling),proteinuria(proteins in the urine) and gestational hypertension (high blood pressure).
Chlorella may help lower cholesterol levels, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness and appropriate dosage. Chlorella is also a good source of iron for people at risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Side effects of Chlorella
Chlorella is generally considered safe and well tolerated. However, chlorella can cause side effects, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. That includes:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Full
- Diarrhea
- Green chair
In addition, some have reported allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis.
Most of these side effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Chlorella can also causephotosensitivity, increasing the risk of rashes and sunburn.Wear plenty of sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure to reduce this effect.
Precautions
Chlorella is not expected to cause any harmful effects in a nursing baby. However, it can cause breast milk to turn green. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, it is best to consult a healthcare professional about using chlorella.
The safety of Chlorella for children has also not been established.
peopleallergic to moldmay also be allergic to chlorella. To be safe, take a small "test" dose of chlorella and wait 24-48 hours to see if allergy symptoms develop. The same concern applies if you are allergic to iodine, as chlorella is particularly high in iodine.
Chlorella can also cause bad reactions in people with thyroid disease, as excessive iodine intake can make it worsesymptoms of hyperthyroidismor cause an "iodine crash" in people with iodinehypothyroidism.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-benefits-of-chlorella-89048-inline-bf7f8bcf6cb4468587cefdb89c9a4b1a.jpg "What is Chlorella and how is it used? (1)")
How to take chlorella
There are no guidelines for proper use or amounts of chlorella.
The usual daily oral intake ranges from 3 g to 10 g.
Never exceed the dose recommended by the manufacturer. In any case, start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it. In this way, you can avoid gastrointestinal side effects.
Tablets are the easiest form of chlorella to take because the dosage remains controlled and consistent. If you take it in powder or liquid form, stick to the exact measurements to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
Chlorella powder can be mixed with water, juice, yogurt and smoothies, but be aware that it has a slight seaweed smell and taste. Some find that adding vinaigrette dressing, miso soup, French fries or wheatgrass can hide the smell and taste. Cooking chlorella does not reduce its nutritional value.
What happens if I take too much Chlorella?
There is not much information about chlorella and dosage, but you are more likely to experience side effects if you take too much.
Interactions
Chlorella contains large amounts of vitamin K, which can promote blood clotting and reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin).If your doctor prescribes warfarin, talk to him about the supplements you are taking (or plan to take), including chlorella. The doctor should order blood tests to check how well the warfarin is working and can adjust the dose if necessary.
Chlorella can increase the effects of photosensitizing drugs (drugs that increase sensitivity to sunlight), putting you at greater risk of sunburn.Use sunscreen or stay out of the sun.
How to store Chlorella
For storage, follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product label. Always keep out of reach of children.
Similar plugins
Spirulina and algae are two other popular algae-based supplements.
spirulinais a blue-green algae that contains nutrients including fat-soluble vitamins, beta-carotene and minerals.
Kelp is a type of brown seaweed that usually grows in underwater forests. It provides food for marine life, but it is also a staple food for humans. As a supplement, it often serves as a source of iodine.
Health benefits of spirulina algae
Chlorella sources and what to watch out for
Chlorella is commonly available in supplement form in the United States. You can easily buy it online, as well as in many health food and supplement stores.
Tablets are the easiest form of chlorella to take because the dosage remains controlled and consistent. If you take it in powder or liquid form, use the correct measurements to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
To ensure quality and safety, choose brands that have been tested and certified by an independent body such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab or National Science Foundation (NSF). Contamination often occurs with algae-based ingredients. The presence of the USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab seal indicates that the product has been tested for contaminants, such as arsenic and lead, and none were found.
A type of algae calledAphanizomenon waterbloem, is known to contain toxins and is best avoided.
Although you might be tempted to buy "real" chlorella from Asia, caution is advised. If you can't read the language on the product label, you can never be sure what other ingredients are in the supplement (or what ingredients may be missing).
A study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that Chinese herbal medicines are sometimes contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, drugs and undeclared animal and plant products.
Continue
Chlorella is an algae-based food supplement rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It is often promoted as a good source of these nutrients for people who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. However, research does not support many of the touted health benefits of chlorella.
A diet that includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day provides many of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants you need. You should not consider green powders and algae-based supplements as an alternative to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Does chlorella help alkalize the body?
Although marketing uses this term to promote products, no food or drink can significantly change your bloodPH value(pH refers to whether a substance is acidic, alkaline or neutral). The idea that many of the foods we eat in our diet are acidic and can lead to disease is theoretical and not based on evidence. Our lungs and kidneys are involved in strict blood pH regulation regardless of what we eat. An abnormal pH level in your blood is not desirable and can lead to further health problems.
Can Chlorella Help Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Some preliminary (early) evidence suggests that chlorella supplementation may help reduce pain symptomsfibromyalgia.In one study, a combination of chlorella tablets and a liquid extract helped reduce pain symptoms compared to a placebo. More research would help determine the best form of supplement and proper dosage. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using chlorella.
Is a chlorella supplement good for your liver?
Some preliminary (early) evidence suggests that chlorella supplementation reduces liver enzymes and markers of inflammation (compared to placebo) in people withnon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Further research is still needed. If you are considering chlorella supplementation, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor first.
FAQs
What is Chlorella and how is it used? ›
Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. It's sometimes called seaweed. It's used for nutrition and as medicine. Chlorella is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.
What does chlorella do for your body? ›The antioxidants and other nutrients in chlorella have shown anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties. In clinical studies, chlorella increased white blood cell levels, which can stimulate your immune system and help fight infection.
Who should not take chlorella? ›Chlorella may make it harder for warfarin and other blood-thinning drugs to work. Some chlorella supplements may contain iodine, so people with an allergy to iodine should avoid them.
Why not to take chlorella? ›Chlorella is usually well tolerated, but can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, and green stools. Allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis, have been reported in people taking Chlorella, and in those preparing chlorella tablets.
What happens when you take chlorella everyday? ›Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure. In one study, people with mildly high blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks. By the end, these people had lower blood pressure readings than participants who took the placebo ( 31 ).
Does chlorella have side effects? ›The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gas (flatulence), green discoloration of the stools, and stomach cramping, especially in the first week of use. Chlorella has caused serious allergic reactions, including asthma and other dangerous breathing problems.
What is the warning about chlorella? ›The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gas, green stools, and stomach cramping. Chlorella can also make the skin extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned.
Is chlorella hard on the liver? ›A recent clinical trial demonstrates chlorella can play an important role in keeping your liver healthy. High levels of certain enzymes can indicate a stressed liver. When people with high levels of these particular liver enzymes took chlorella on a daily basis, their liver enzyme levels dropped.
Does chlorella clean the gut? ›The chlorophyll in chlorella helps keep the bowel clean, while the tough cellulose membrane of chlorella (which is not digested) binds to cadmium, lead and other heavy metals and carries them out of the body. The CGF stimulates repair of tissue damage.
Is it worth taking chlorella? ›Chlorella has great nutritional credentials: it's a source of heart-friendly fat as well as fibre and supplies the blood pressure-lowering nutrients potassium and arginine. So, perhaps it's no wonder that one human study found daily supplementation helped reduce high blood pressure.
How long does it take chlorella to remove heavy metals? ›
Chlorella with cilantro need to be taken 3 times a day for up to 3 months. According to various studies that heavy metal chelation using cilantro and chlorella can naturally remove an average of 87% of lead, 91% of mercury, and 74% of aluminum from the body within 45 days.
When should I take chlorella morning or night? ›Ideally, take chlorella in the morning and other pills at night. If it is more convenient, chlorella can be taken in two or three doses throughout the day rather than all at once. Take chlorella before meals and with a large glass of water.
Can chlorella cause blood clots? ›Chlorella contains high amounts of vitamin K, which can promote blood clotting and reduce the efficacy of blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin).
Does chlorella affect blood pressure? ›Reduces high blood pressure
Chlorella promotes heart and kidney function and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Studies suggest that consuming four grams of chlorella daily reduced the incidence of high blood pressure.
The typical maintenance dose for chlorella is 3-6 grams per day. However, much higher dosages can be used to fight existing degenerative conditions and for heavy metal detox (as much as 20-30 grams per day).
Does chlorella detox the liver? ›Chlorella has been shown to bind with a variety of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and aluminium and supports liver detoxification.
Does chlorella reduce inflammation? ›Chlorella fights inflammation.
The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3s that chlorella contains are known to have ant-inflammatory properties.
There are no dietary recommendations for taking chlorella, but some studies use 1.2g a day, and others 5-10g daily. If you want to take chlorella, read the label carefully and avoid taking more than advised.
Is chlorella good for kidneys? ›Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure.
Does chlorella help hair growth? ›Not only does chlorella aid in hair growth and protection, but when ingested, can help treat your body. Chlorella has the awesome ability to bind with heavy metals, aiding in detoxing the body.
How long does it take for chlorella to work? ›
Within a few months, regular consumption of 3 to 20 g of chlorella per day significantly reduces heavy metal levels in the blood and fat. Chlorella is the most effective plant for naturally and safely eliminating heavy metals and chemical molecules that our bodies have a hard time getting rid of.
Is chlorella a virus or bacteria? ›Chlorella viruses or chloroviruses are large, icosahedral, plaque‐forming, double‐stranded‐DNA—containing viruses that replicate in certain strains of the unicellular green alga Chlorella.
Does chlorella help you lose weight? ›Chlorella helps in weight loss
Another very important and popular use of this superfood is that it can greatly help in weight loss. Studies have shown that chlorella reduces body fat percentages, fasting glucose levels as well as cholesterol levels that help in weight loss.
Chlorella sorokiniana dietary supplementation also affects the thyroid hormone-induced increase in state 3 respiration.
Does chlorella block B12 absorption? ›Absorption and bioavailability are important factors when taking supplements— especially chlorella. The reason why Sun Chlorella is able to raise B12 levels, is likely due to the unique processing method it uses, which allows chlorella's nutrients to become highly digestible and readily absorbed by the body.
What's healthier chlorella or spirulina? ›While both chlorella and spirulina are high in protein, nutrients and antioxidants, chlorella has a slight nutritional advantage over spirulina. However, both are great choices.
Can chlorella Constipate you? ›The main side effects associated with the Chlorella treatments in our trial included constipation and diarrhea. Four of the 13 patients (30.7%) with a previous history of constipation reported their symptoms as worse or somewhat worse during the first two weeks of treatment.
Does chlorella remove toxins from the body? ›From mercury, to cadmium, to nickel and dioxin; chlorella has been shown to increase the rate at which your body gets rid of toxins. In a Japanese study, chlorella helped cadmium-poisoning victims get rid of the heavy metal at 7 times the normal rate.
Does chlorella clean you out? ›For a natural detox
Chlorella has long been thought to have a detoxifying effect on the body. In particular, it's shown to have an ability to bind to harmful heavy metals, which are then flushed out of the body naturally in waste.
The typical maintenance dose for chlorella is 3-6 grams per day. However, much higher dosages can be used to fight existing degenerative conditions and for heavy metal detox (as much as 20-30 grams per day).
Is it better to take chlorella at night or in the morning? ›
Ideally, take chlorella in the morning and other pills at night. If it is more convenient, chlorella can be taken in two or three doses throughout the day rather than all at once. Take chlorella before meals and with a large glass of water.
Does chlorella reverse aging? ›It has an abundance of nucleic acids, which have powerful rejuvenating properties that regulate the aging process. Chlorella also supports youthful looking and wrinkle-free skin, and helps you have a longer potential lifespan.
Does chlorella detox kidneys? ›Binds to Heavy Metals, Aiding Detox
In animals, algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken the heavy metal toxicity of the liver, brain and kidneys (13Trusted Source). Furthermore, chlorella has been shown to help lower the amount of other harmful chemicals that are sometimes found in food.
The researchers conclude that Chlorella has “significant weight-reducing effects” with “meaningful improvements” in liver function.
Does chlorella help cleanse the liver? ›Chlorella has been shown to bind with a variety of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and aluminium and supports liver detoxification.
Does chlorella help you sleep? ›[4] Furthermore, the tryptophan found in chlorella is a sleep-enhancing amino acid used by the brain to produce neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin that help you relax and go to sleep.