Chlorella is a family of single-celled green algae whose habitat is freshwater. Chlorella is a family of single-celled green algae living in freshwater. There are at least 30 species of this single-celled organism, but only two important species are examined due to the high diversity of its species. Because chlorella has a strong cell wall, it is very difficult to digest, so tablets, powders, and extracts are recommended as food supplements. It is very useful to consume this alga during pregnancy, which of course is in the form of tablets, which you will learn more about in the following.
Chlorella At a glance
Chlorella single-cell green algae contain vitamin C, omega-3, beta-carotene, etc. Beta-carotene fights free radicals in the body. Chlorella is a valuable food source because it contains a lot of protein, fiber, vitamin B, and carbohydrates. These valuable elements have many benefits in the body, which will be fully explained below.
Benefits of using chlorella
Contains nutrients
- Chlorella has many nutrients such as protein. The proteins in chlorella contain all the essential amino acids.
- Some species of chlorella have vitamin B12.
- Chlorella is rich in iron and has vitamin C, which is very effective in absorbing iron.
- This single-cell alga has a lot of antioxidants.
- Algae have omega 3.
- This alga is rich in fiber.
- This single-cell organism causes detoxification by binding to heavy metals: the presence of some metals is very necessary for the body, but their amount should be very small, for example, iron and copper, because metals such as cadmium and lead are dangerous if their levels rise. People who work in mines are more at risk. Chlorella reduces the dangerous effects of metals. Dioxin is one of the chemicals found in some foods and is a hormone disruptor that modulates the effect of chlorella.
- Reduces blood cholesterol: The elements in chlorella, for example, niacin, fiber, carotenoids, antioxidants, etc., work very efficiently in lowering blood fat levels.
- Chlorella contains several antioxidants including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, which fight against chronic diseases.
- Keeps blood pressure balanced: Elements such as arginine, potassium, calcium, and omega-3 protect the vessels against hardening, which affects blood pressure balance.
- It lowers blood sugar: Chlorella supplement consumption lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity.
- If respiratory diseases are controlled by anti-inflammatory elements, their symptoms will decrease or disappear.
- Increases the aerobic endurance of the body: Chlorella contains branched amino acids, which play an important role in filling the lungs with oxygen.
- Protects the eyes: Chlorella is rich in two types of carotenoids named lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from the risk of macular degeneration.
- Eases digestion: Chlorella causes easy digestion and elimination of flatulence, although this issue has not been definitely proven.
- It is effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS: Chlorella contains calcium and vitamins that are effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS.
Risks of Chlorella Consumption
- Taking chlorella supplements sometimes causes abdominal pain and vomiting.
- There are no specific rules related to these supplements, and you cannot be sure of what you are buying and use it with peace of mind.
- All algae, including chlorella, which are consumed as a supplement, are different according to the conditions in which they are grown and we must consider these differences when consuming.
- Due to the fact that the use of chlorella affects the immune system of people, we should act very cautiously with people whose immune system has a problem or who take certain drugs, because it is possible that the use of chlorella may not be suitable for these people.
- We should always be careful about drug interactions when taking any type of food supplement.
How to Use chlorella
Despite the many tests that have been conducted in this field, the exact amount for daily consumption that is effective has not been determined, but for most supplements, about 2 to 3 grams per day has been found to be suitable.
Also, be sure of the quality of the supplement you are getting.
Similar algae are considered complementary.
Spirulina and kelp are two types of algae that are often used as dietary supplements. Spirulina is a type of green algae that is rich in nutrients and minerals, and kelp is a brown seaweed that is rich in iodine as an important food source for Humans are used.
Tips on buying and consuming chlorella
Chlorella is mostly sold as food supplements in the United States by food and specialty stores. If you intend to use this supplement, it is better to use the pill because the dosage is known, but the powder or liquid does not have a specific dosage and we must measure it accurately when using it. Also, when buying it, you must read the label on it. Read on to find out what other ingredients are in the supplement.
Is the use of chlorella effective in the alkalinity or acidification of the body’s environment?
In many advertisements for food and drinks, we see that they refer to the change in blood ph, but this is not true, and food cannot have a significant effect on the change in blood ph and make it acidic, alkaline, or neutral, and only the lungs And the kidneys are involved in this issue and regulate blood pH.
Is chlorella effective in modulating fibromyalgia symptoms?
In some cases, evidence has shown that the use of this food supplement has reduced the pain of fibromyalgia, but if we want to use chlorella for this purpose, we must consult a specialist doctor.
Is the consumption of chlorella effective in cases related to the liver?
Sometimes the consumption of chlorella has been effective in reducing the level of liver enzymes and its inflammation, but it has not been definitely proven that it works in all cases, and you should consult a specialist doctor.
Conclusion
Even though single-celled chlorella is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, minerals, etc, and it is definitely very useful, it does not replace the main foods, such as fruits, vegetables, etc., and can only be used as a supplement should be taken with the doctor’s approval. It should not be forgotten that pregnant women go through a sensitive period and should be very careful about their daily diet and use natural and healthy foods as much as possible to avoid the possible side effects of some supplements.
