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Chlorella Vulgaris

Chlorella VulgarisChlorella Vulgaris is a single-celled, green freshwater microalgae and one of over 30 different species of chlorella, that is commonly used for medical purposes.

What does chlorella do and why is it so popular in Japan and other countries? Read on to find out.

What is Chlorella Vulgaris?

Chlorella Vulgaris is a green microalga mainly used as a dietary supplement or protein-rich food additive.

Why? Due to its content of various complex compounds, it is a good nutritional supplement and natural medicine. The algae contains protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals.

This simple plant has a hard cell wall, and isn’t easy to digest, which is why it is recommended taking the algae in the form of a supplement to obtain its beneficial ingredients. Chlorella Vulgaris is available in powder, extract or capsules.

What are the Health Benefits of Chlorella Vulgaris?

As mentioned, chlorella contains different vitamins and minerals, but how can it potentially benefit our health?

Let’s take a look: 

  • Iron Deficiency Reduction

Some researchers found that taking chlorella may reduce the risk of anemia caused by low iron in the body during pregnancy.1

  • Immune System Enhancement

Some studies found that chlorella may have immune boosting effects in some individuals when taken on a daily basis.2

The results also show however, that not all people experienced enough immune-boosting response, so further studies are needed in this area.

  • Cholesterol Lowering

Chlorella Vulgaris contains niacin, fibre, carotenoids, and antioxidants considered to be cholesterol-lowering agents. Several studies showed that taking chlorella lowered “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure.3 

  • Depression Management

Chlorella extract tablets combined with prescribed pharmaceutical antidepressants, may improve depression and anxiety in some individuals. It may also help in other common psychiatric disorders with incapacitating symptoms.4

  • Blood Sugar Improvement

Some studies found that chlorella supplements help improve blood sugar levels and increase sensitivity in some individuals, including patients with fatty liver disease.5

However, chlorella should not be used by itself to manage blood sugar levels, and it is suggested that it be combined with other conventional medicines.

  • Respiratory Disease Management

Chlorella contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to manage respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease6 that depend on controlling inflammation.

  • Fibromyalgia Assistance

Some people with fibromyalgia, feel much better when they take chlorella supplements.7 Studies show that they can experience a better quality of life and reduction in various symptoms.7

  • Eye Health

Chlorella is rich in lutein, zeaxanthin and carotenoids - these maintain eye health and lower the risk of macular degeneration.8

  • Dementia Prevention

Whilst there is currently no cure for dementia, it can be prevented.

A 2009 study presented that chlorella helps prevent age-related mental decline, due to its powerful antioxidant effect.9

  • Endurance Enhancement

Chlorella supplements are even capable of improving endurance and aerobic performance through the algae’s ability to saturate the lungs with oxygen.10

Is Chlorella Vulgaris Safe?

Yes, algae are safe when taken for a short period. There are however, some common side affects you may experience. These include diarrhea, nausea, gas and cramps.

Individuals with fair skin should avoid long exposures to sunlight when taking Chlorella Vulgaris.

Have an allergy to moulds? You may need to reconsider taking this supplement.

Finally, chlorella contains iodine. So, if you’re sensitive to iodine, it’s recommended to avoid it also.

Talk to a health professional about adding Chlorella Vulgaris to your health regime today. 

Properties

  • Anaemia1
  • Anti-Inflammatory2
  • Antioxidant2
  • Anxiety4
  • Asthma6
  • Blood Pressure – Reduction3
  • Cholesterol3
  • Dementia Prevention9
  • Depression4
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar5
  • Digestive Restoration5
  • Enhances Endurance10
  • Eye Health8
  • Fibromyalgia7
  • High/Good Levels of Carbohydrates1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Fibre1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Iodine1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Niacin1,2
  • Immune Booster2
  • Physical Endurance10
  • Respiratory Support6
  • Toxin Removal2

References:

  1. Nakano S, Takekoshi H, Nakano M. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr Dordr Neth. 2010;65(1):25-30. doi:10.1007/s11130-009-0145-9
  2. Kwak JH, Baek SH, Woo Y, et al. Beneficial immunostimulatory effect of short-term Chlorella supplementation: enhancement of Natural Killer cell activity and early inflammatory response (Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial). Nutr J. 2012;11:53. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-53
  3. Merchant RE, Andre CA. A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001;7(3):79-91.
  4. Panahi Y, Badeli R, Karami G-R, Badeli Z, Sahebkar A. A Randomized Controlled Trial of 6-Week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.06.010
  5. Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Sadeghi Z, Abbasalizad Farhangi M, Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Aliashrafi S. Glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Beneficial effects of supplementation with microalgae Chlorella vulgaris: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr Edinb Scotl. 2017;36(4):1001-1006. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.07.004
  6. Gulati S, Wells JM. Bringing Stability to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient: Clinical and Pharmacological Considerations for Frequent Exacerbators. Drugs. 2017;77(6):651-670. doi:10.1007/s40265-017-0713-5
  7. Merchant RE, Andre CA, Wise CM. Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. J Musculoskelet Pain. 2001;9(4):37-54. doi:10.1300/J094v09n04_05
  8. Gille A, Trautmann A, Posten C, Briviba K. Bioaccessibility of carotenoids from Chlorella vulgaris and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2015;67(5):507-513. doi:10.1080/09637486.2016.1181158
  9. Nakashima Y, Ohsawa I, Konishi F, et al. Preventive effects of Chlorella on cognitive decline in age-dependent dementia model mice. Neurosci Lett. 2009;464(3):193-198. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2009.08.044
  10. Umemoto S, Otsuki T. Chlorella-derived multicomponent supplementation increases aerobic endurance capacity in young individuals. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2014;55(2):143-146. doi:10.3164/jcbn.14-58