Chlorella Benefits
|
Chlorella benefits have been analyzed and studied for decades. The exceptional nutritional content of chlorella has made it into the list of promising food sources and 'superfoods' around the world.
Chlorella is a single-celled green alga that belongs to the phylum chlorophyta. Believed by many scientists as among the Earth's oldest living organisms, chlorella has a sphere shape, is about 2 to 10 µm in diameter, and has no flagella. Chlorella is comprised of a fibrous, indigestible outer shell and its inner nutrients.
|
Chlorella contains chlorophyll-a and -b in its chloroplast. Chlorella derives its name from the Greek words for "green" and "small" and is named as such due to its high content of chlorophyll. The algae are said to contain more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant.
The process of photosynthesis allows the algae to multiply rapidly. It requires only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals to reproduce. However, due to its very nature as an alga, harvesting poses practical difficulties. It is currently being mass cultivated in large ponds.
Chlorella is rich in proteins and other essential nutrients. When it is dried, it is composed of about 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrate, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals, vitamins and amino acids (mostly phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and C).
The popularity of chlorella reached its zenith in the late 1940s and early 1950s when fears of runaway population growth fueled a determined search for new and promising food sources. Due to its high protein content, chlorella was viewed as a potential candidate.
Subsequently, scientists discovered that it would be much more difficult and costly to produce than previously thought. Chlorella can only reach its full potential if it is produced in highly artificial conditions. Consequently, interest in chlorella waned during the subsequent decades.
In the present day, the search for food sources that have an abundance of nutrients reactivated the interest in this lowly green alga. More and more people are seeing chlorella as a type of superfood that may imbue people with lots of health benefits.
It is now commonly used as a food supplement, and consumed in powdered form. It is often added to teas, drinks and food. It may also be consumed in the form of capsules or extract.
Some European studies have showed that chlorella may weaken vitamin B supplies in the body, so it may be wise to supplement with vitamin B at least once a week when consuming chlorella. There have also been reports of an increase in uric acid in some patients when consuming chlorella so consulting with a physician is best when one has problems with uric acid levels.
|
The following are the chlorella benefits that may be derived from eating this superfood:
Chlorella may be helpful in detoxification and cleansing the system from toxic substances.
Chlorella may be helpful in strengthening the immune system.
Chlorella may be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels.
Chlorella may be helpful in lowering blood pressure levels.
Chlorella may be helpful in combating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia in women.
Chlorella may help in digestive support.
Chlorella may be helpful in stimulating the production of red blood cells in the body and may contribute to better circulation.
Chlorella may help stimulate natural defenses against cancers and tumors.
|
HealthFoodBenefits.com
Featured Product
 |
|
|
Do you find the contents of this site useful and helpful? Feel free to bookmark, share and tell your friends about this site."
|
Ready to take that first step toward a healthier life?
Buy Chlorella Powder here!
Check out these Interesting Books on Chlorella Benefits:
|