Chlorella vulgaris or Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a special form of freshwater algae. In naturopathy, chlorella is often used as a dietary supplement because it is exceptionally rich in nutrients. In addition, the alga is also used to detoxify the human body. You can take chlorella as tablets or also as powder.
Chlorella vulgaris and spirulina platensis.
Chlorella vulgaris is a very small, spherical algae that is only a few micrometers in diameter. It has an intense green color due to the chlorophyll contained in the alga in large quantities. Chlorella is one of the oldest living organisms on our planet and has probably existed for over two billion years. Because it has a high adaptability, it has been able to survive in a wide variety of habitats and is found almost everywhere in the world. However, due to the increasing pollution of waters, it is no longer practical to extract the alga from its natural habitat. For its use as a natural remedy, Chlorella is therefore artificially bred to prevent possible contamination. In addition to chlorella, spirulina platensis is another well-known freshwater algae species that has similar effects.
Chlorella: positive effect on nutrient deficiency.
Chlorella is mainly used in cases of nutrient deficiencies. Because this freshwater algae contains many nutrients important for humans, it can quickly correct a nutrient deficiency. Chlorella provides both essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. Both substances cannot be built up by our body itself, so they must be taken in with food. Essential fatty acids clean our vessels and thus protect them from calcification. Thanks to the many unsaturated fatty acids, chlorella algae can help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
Vitamins and minerals in chlorella
In addition, chlorella also contains plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The following minerals are included, among others:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
In addition, the freshwater algae is particularly rich in vitamins of the B group, but also contains beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Health effects of chlorophyll
In addition to all these ingredients, chlorella also impresses with its high content of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a positive effect on intestinal activity and protects cell walls from oxidation damage. In addition, it is also said to contribute to a reduction in mouth and body odor. This occurs because chlorophyll neutralizes the body’s own pollutants and then releases them through the skin.
Detoxification of the body through chlorella
However, chlorella is also a valuable food because it is completely free of toxins. Its cell wall is composed of several layers of cellulose, and this special structure allows the algae to absorb even the most diverse pollutants. Thus, chlorella contributes to the detoxification of the body: For example, it can bind xenobiotics but also heavy metals and enclose them within itself. Since the pollutants can no longer be released from the binding, they are later excreted from the body. Thus, the chlorella algae, along with wild garlic and coriander, represents another option for detoxifying the body. The freshwater algae is used, for example, when the body is contaminated with mercury from amalgam fillings in the teeth and needs to be detoxified. So far, no side effects have been reported from the consumption of chlorella. As with other foods, however, intolerance can occur in isolated cases. In addition to its detoxification function, chlorella algae is now increasingly used for other medical purposes. For example, studies from Asian countries indicate that people who regularly consume chlorella have a strengthened immune system and are less susceptible to infectious diseases. When the alga is used for medical reasons, chlorella dosage should always be discussed with the treating physician.
Chlorella products: with or without broken cell walls?
Depending on the intended use, it may make sense to buy a chlorella product with mechanically broken cell walls.Because on the one hand, the thick cell walls help to bind and eliminate harmful substances, which is why intact algae are particularly suitable for detoxification. On the other hand, the thick cell walls bind not only toxins but also the valuable ingredients inside the cell. So if you don’t want to use the algae for detoxification, you should reach for products in which the cell walls of the algae have been broken open beforehand. This not only increases the usability of the ingredients, but also makes the chlorella algae easier to digest.