The medicinal properties and nutritional value of Chlorella can help shield the heart, brain, liver, and more. Asian traditions have used this microalga for centuries, and modern science now brings it to the west. Read on to learn about Chlorella health benefits, potential side effects, and user reviews.<\/p>\n
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Chlorella<\/em> is a type of single-celled green alga (microalga) that is usually found in freshwater environments. Some species of this microalga have myriad health benefits while being packed with essential nutrients [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The interest in Chlorella<\/em> production began in the 1960s when a Japanese company started to culture it on a massive scale, and by 1980 the production spread in Asia, reaching more than 1,000 kg of produced microalga (mainly Chlorella<\/em>) per month [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Today, Chlorella<\/em> is being used in Japan, the USA, Europe, and other countries. In East Asia, it is ingested with rice, tea, and pancakes. Furthermore, Chlorella<\/em> is sold extensively as a supplement or nutraceutical product [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Due to its high concentration of protein (50%), Chlorella<\/em> is a good source of the essential amino acids required for our nutrition [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Proponents:<\/strong><\/p>\n Skeptics:<\/strong><\/p>\n Although the most frequently studied types of Chlorella<\/em> are quite similar (Chlorella vulgaris<\/em> and Chlorella pyrenoidosa<\/em>), the composition may vary among different species [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Chlorella<\/em>\u2019s main constituent is the Chlorella Growth Factor <\/strong>(CGF<\/strong>), an extract composed of diverse substances including essential amino acids, peptides, proteins, vitamins, sugars, and nucleic acids [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Chlorella<\/em>\u2019s principal components are [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Lycopene isolated from Chlorella marina <\/em>lowered inflammatory enzymes (COX<\/a>, LOX, and MPO<\/a>), improved inflammatory blood markers (CRP<\/a>), and markedly decreased swelling in the paw and joints of rats with arthritis. It had a more potent activity than tomato lycopene [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Chlorella ellipsoidea<\/em> reduced the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF\u03baB<\/a>), thus lowering inflammation in a type of white blood cell (macrophage) of mice fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol<\/a> diet [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A Chlorella <\/em>component (Chlorella <\/em>11-peptide) suppressed the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha<\/a> and an inflammatory mediator (nitric oxide) in both injured rats and white blood cell cultures (macrophages) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A meta-analysis of 19 randomized control trials with 797 subjects revealed that Chlorella<\/em> significantly decreases fasting blood glucose [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A study performed in 70 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients revealed that those who ingested C. vulgaris <\/em>for 8 weeks had reduced blood glucose<\/a> levels [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a placebo-controlled study with 57 borderline diabetic patients, Chlorella <\/em>tablets for 12 weeks alleviated some features of type 2 diabetes by decreasing resistin production and increasing adiponectin<\/a> receptor (ADIPOR1) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice, C. pyrenoidosa<\/em> enhanced the glucose-lowering effect of insulin<\/a> (thereby increasing insulin sensitivity<\/a> and decreasing insulin resistance<\/a>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to the results obtained from mice studies, Chlorella<\/em> enhanced glucose uptake by liver and muscle cells and, consequently, lowered blood glucose [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It reduced cataract formation in diabetic rats by decreasing oxidative stress<\/a> in the lens [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n<\/a>Snapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Components<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Anti-Inflammatory Properties<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Health Benefits of Chlorella<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Possibly Effective:<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>1) Diabetes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n