Chorella, also known as Chlorella Pyrenoidosa, or Chlorella Vulgaris, is a single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the 19th century. It derives its name from the Greek “Chloros” = green, and “Ella” = small
It is used to boost the immune system and help fight infection (increasing white blood cell counts), and it has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract – which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn's disease.
Chlorella can also be used to prevent or as a treatment for bad breath, constipation,fibromyalgia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, to relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS), promote mental health (as a source of magnesium), reduce asthma attacks and to boost the body's energy in general.
It is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains carbohydrates, fibre, 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. Some of these include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, B12), vitamin E and K.
Due to its high concentration of chlorophyll, chlorella is applied to the skin for treating skin ulcers, rashes caused by radiation treatment, and a sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis.
In people with cancer, there has been promising research to show that chlorella fights infections. In a study of brain tumors and chlorella, Prof. Randall Merchant of the Neurosurgery and Anatomy at Virginia Commonwealth University said, “It didn’t make brain tumors go away or shrink, so it didn’t cure the cancer, but it did help the patients by boosting their immune system so that they resisted opportunistic infections.”
Last but not least, we should mention its natural detoxification abilities, which make it such a useful detoxification tool in “detox” programs these days.
When chlorella is taken into your body, its natural action will bind it to lingering heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides found in your digestive tract, which is your body's pathway to your bloodstream where these harmful toxins are delivered and deposited into your body's cells.
So chlorella first and foremost will help your body eliminate unwanted metals and toxins.
Also, chlorella is uniquely designed to not bind to the minerals your body naturally needs to function optimally. It does not bind to beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, or zinc. So, supplementing with chlorella is like unleashing a tiny army inside your body to fight the battle of removing toxins from your tissues and ushering them back outside your body where they belong.
Chlorella destined for human consumption is generally cultivated outdoors in mineral-rich freshwater ponds under direct sunlight – usually in Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia. After being harvested, it has to be dried and crushed and made ready for human consumption.
Normally you can take it as a supplement - in capsules, tablets or in a powder form - or eat it whole. In a powder form you can add it to fluids, smoothies, yoghurt, salads or other healthy recipes.
References:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chlorella.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-907-chlorella.aspx?activeingredientid=907&activeingredientname=chlorella
https://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-chlorella-disease-fighting/
Insert date: 2016-11-15 Last update: 2016-11-16
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Authors > Translators > Sónia Cruz
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