Properties and benefits of chlorella algae

The chlorella it is a very small unicellular alga with a diameter of between 2 and 11 microns, that is, it is a microorganism unattainable for our eyes. The name chlorella was given to this algae for its high content of chlorophyll, which gives it that dark green color. However, chlorella also contains other nutritional values which are very beneficial for health:

• Chlorophyll: It is the organism that contains the highest content of this nutrient. Chlorophyll is a substance rich in carotenoids, it is a great blood tonic due to its similarity to red blood cells, and it has cleansing and detoxifying properties.
• Vitamins: Among them, we find a wealth of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12, vitamin E, biotin ( vitamin H), provitamin A, choline, para-aminobenzoic acid and inositol.
• Minerals: It has a high content of iron, which is easily absorbed thanks to its vitamin C and zinc content. It also contains other minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, iodine, and cobalt.
• Fatty acids: 80% of these are unsaturated, which is why they become healthy for our body. Among them, omega 3 and omega 6 stand out.
• It also contains a great source of protein (being 60% of its molecular weight), enzymes, polysaccharides and sterols.

The wealth of an endless list of essential nutrients makes chlorella both a food that meets daily energy needs and a medicinal supplement for the treatment of some disorders and diseases. These are the different properties of chlorella for health:

Detoxifies the body

Thanks to the high chlorophyll content, we can include in the list of benefits of chlorella its excellent cleansing and detoxifying properties. It has the extraordinary ability to cleanse and purify both the blood and the liver of heavy metals such as uranium, mercury or lead, and also of other agents such as pesticides, radiation and herbicides. These properties are thanks to both chlorophyll and its unique membrane, which is capable of absorbing and eliminating toxic substances.

Fight anemia

The chlorophyll it contains is very similar to hemoglobin, that is, the proteins in blood cells or red blood cells. Due to this characteristic and its richness in both iron and vitamin C, chlorella is also very effective both in combating anemia or lack of iron and due to its cellular regeneration properties that stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Digestive properties

It has digestive properties thanks to its enzyme and vitamin content that fulfill various stomach functions, such as improving digestion, fighting constipation and improving the growth of flora, that is, beneficial bacteria that fight and prevent possible intestinal infections.

Anti-cancer properties

Another of the properties and benefits of chlorella is the cancer cell prevention due to these three properties:

1. Your wealth in carotenoids, which contain cell regeneration properties that reduce the oxidation of cells.
2. Its content in Vitamin E, makes it a great antioxidant that protects us from free radicals.
3. It also contains strengthening properties that increase the defenses of the immune system.

• Chlorella regulates the pH levels of our body because it is an alkaline organism.
• It also regulates blood sugar levels and is highly recommended for hypoglycemia.
• It has healing properties that repair cellular tissues.
• Reduces pain caused by fibromyalgia thanks to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lowers the level of bad cholesterol and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• Thanks to its high content of iron and vitamin C, it is an ideal nutritional supplement for vegetarians and vegans.
• It has satiating properties that reduce appetite, making it a recommended food for overweight people and taking chlorella seaweed to lose weight can help.

One of the most frequently asked questions about this superfood is: how to take chlorella seaweed correctly and what is the recommended dose? First of all, we must say that it can be taken both in dust like in capsules or tablets, so you can go to herbalists or health food stores, either physical or online, and acquire it in the format that best suits your needs.

If you wish, you can add chlorella algae powder (between 2 and 3 g) to any of your recipes for green juices or detox, smoothies, natural fruit juices, sauces or salad dressings, etc.

On the other hand, in case you are going to take chlorella seaweed therapeutically, experts advise taking 1 teaspoon (about 5 g daily) mixed with a glass of water about 3 times a day. You can take it with the main meals of the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the event that you want to take advantage of the properties of chlorella algae to lose weight, we recommend that you take it just before meals to benefit from its satiating effect.

It has been pointed out that at recommended doses, there are no significant adverse effects nor risk of toxicity in relation to the chlorella seaweed. However, in high doses, photosensitivity, an increase in uric acid, stomach pain, gas, flatulence and nausea can occur.

In the first weeks of consumption, some people may have symptoms such as nausea, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and greener stools. If these symptoms appear, it is important to stop taking chlorella immediately.

Regarding the chlorella algae contraindications, we can point out the following:

• People who are sensitive to iodine, since chlorella contains this substance could cause allergic reactions and promote the onset of asthma or respiratory problems.
• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid its consumption.

Now that you know the properties and benefits of chlorella algae, you may also be interested in this other oneHOWTO article about the properties of krill oil.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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