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Title: 7 Proven Chlorella Benefits
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URL Source: https://draxe.com/7-proven-chlorella-benefits-side-effects/
Published: May 26, 2019
Author: staff
Post Date: 2019-05-26 20:59:00 by Horse
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Views: 157
Comments: 1
Are you looking for an all-natural supplement that boosts your energy, supports fat loss and helps detox heavy metals like lead and mercury from your body? If so, a freshwater algae called chlorella may be exactly what you need. Native to Taiwan and Japan, this superfood is rich with phytonutrients, including amino acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium and the B-complex vitamins. Chlorella’s rich green color comes from a high concentration of chlorophyll, and chlorella is loaded with chlorophyll benefits. We are all told to eat more leafy green vegetables for good health, but sometimes it can be difficult to get the 5–7 servings of vegetables a day recommended by nutritionists and doctors of functional medicine. While juicing is another option, it’s simply too time-consuming for most people. Meanwhile, frankly, most green leafy vegetables pale in comparison to the health benefits that chlorella can provide. By consuming organic, low-temperature-extracted chlorella supplements, you can receive all of the chlorella benefits in a simple powder or tablet form. What Is Chlorella? What Does It Do? Chlorella is genus of green algae (family Chlorellaceae) found either singly or clustered in fresh or salt water. The whole chlorella plant is used to make nutritional supplements and medicine. There are several species of chlorella with Chlorella vulgaris being one of the most commonly used in supplements. Chlorella algae is a cousin of spirulina, and we will compare the nutrients of these superfoods later in the article. What does chlorella do for your body? Studies have shown that chlorella benefits the entire body by supporting healthy hormonal function, promoting cardiovascular health, helping to negate the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and aiding in the detoxification of our bodies. Chlorella has also been used to try to treat or prevent the following: (1) Asthma attacks Bad breath Fibromyalgia High cholesterol High blood pressure Low B-12 levels Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) White patches on genitals called vulvar leukoplakia Some people also take chlorella to try to: Boost energy levels Detox the body Improve mental function 7 Chlorella Benefits As you can see people use chlorella for many different health concerns. Here are seven scientifically proven chlorella benefits you can hope to receive by incorporating this superfood into your daily diet. 1. Detoxifies Heavy Metals If you have mercury fillings in your teeth, have been vaccinated, eat fish regularly, have been exposed to radiation or consume foods from China, you may have heavy metals lurking in your body. It is important for your overall health and wellness to be proactive in detoxing heavy metals and toxins. One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it wraps itself around even stubborn toxins residing in our bodies, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. Regular consumption of chlorella can even help keep heavy metals from accumulating in our bodies’ soft tissues and organs in the first place. (2, 3) 2. Detoxifies Radiation and Chemotherapy Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common forms of cancer treatment today. Anyone who has gone through either of these treatments, or knows anyone who has, knows what a toll they take on the body. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body. According to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College, Cellular components and functions of the immune system remain at or near normal levels and are less adversely affected when patients are undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids. The university’s two-year study allowed researchers to observe that glioma-positive patients have fewer respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses when taking chlorella. (4) 3. Supports Your Immune System Research published in 2012 in the Nutrition Journal found that after 8 weeks of chlorella intake, NK cell activity improved. Researchers from the Yonsei University in Seoul Korea studied healthy individuals and their immune system’s response to chlorella supplements. The results showed that chlorella supports a healthy immune system response and helps “natural killer” cell activity. (5) 4. Promotes Weight Loss Losing weight is difficult, especially as we age. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers state, “Chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels.” (6) Chlorella benefits you by helping to regulate hormones, helping with metabolism, improving circulation and promoting higher levels of energy. It also helps to reduce weight and body fat, and removes stored toxins. As our bodies lose weight, toxins are released, and can be reabsorbed. It is important to flush these toxins out of our system as quickly as possible. Chlorella’s ability to surround the toxins and heavy metals resident in our bodies helps facilitate elimination and prevent reabsorption. 5. Makes You Look Younger Are there chlorella benefits for skin? There sure are! Research continues to reveal that chlorella may also slow the aging process, making you look younger. A study published in the journal Clinical Laboratory revealed that chlorella greatly reduces oxidative stress, that can be caused from pollution, stress and a poor diet. (7) The reason chlorella is so effective at giving you younger looking skin is because it naturally increases levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and glutathione in your body, which eliminates free radicals and protects your cells. By just taking one teaspoon or a couple capsules daily of a chlorella supplement, you may see results in as little as two weeks. 6. Fights Cancer It is believed that all human bodies at some time develop cancer cells. Properly functioning immune systems have the ability to attack and destroy these cells, before they have the chance to take hold and create cancer. A recent medical study found that chlorella helps fight cancer in several ways. (8) First, when taken preemptively, it strengthens the immune system, so our bodies respond properly. Second, because it removes heavy metals and toxins from our body, we are less likely to get environmentally based cancers. Third, studies have shown that individuals once diagnosed with cancer, chlorella enhances the action of T cells helping to fight new abnormal cells. And, as mentioned above, if cancer is diagnosed, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy is used, chlorella can help to fight the side effects and be used in addition to natural cancer treatments. 7. Lowers Your Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol are two of the serious chronic conditions facing many Americans today. Years of improper eating, stress and a lack of sleep have led many to one or both of these diagnoses. In a study published the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found that doses of 8,000 mg of chlorella per day (divided into 2 doses), helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Researchers observed first a decline in cholesterol levels, and then the improvement in blood glucose. They believe that chlorella activates a number of genes at the cellular level that improve insulin sensitivity, encouraging a healthy balance. (9, 10) Chlorella Nutrition Facts As you’re about to see, chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world. Three tablets of chlorella contain about: (11, 12) 10 calories 2 grams protein 0 grams fat 1 gram carbohydrate 0 milligrams sodium 78 milligrams vitamin C (87 percent DV) 3000 international units vitamin A (60 percent DV) 6.3 milligrams iron (35 percent DV) In addition, chlorella nutrition contains a good amount of vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. When you look at its nutrient density score, it’s easy to see why chlorella is ranked one of the top 10 health foods in the world. In fact, it is more nutrient dense per gram than other greens, including kale, spinach and broccoli! Chlorella Uses in Traditional Medicine With its impressive mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, chlorella is used as a supplement and remedy by many practitioners of traditional medicine. With its high chlorophyll content, it’s often employed for inflammatory-related conditions as well as its detoxifying and renewing benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chlorella is said to provide yin energy. This means that it is very helpful to an overstimulated or imbalanced body. It can have a calming effect on the nervous system while nourishing and restoring the body as a whole. In Ayurvedic Medicine, chlorella (as well as ghee) is believed to supply ojas (“vitality” or “life force”) to people who feel run down or who could use an extra boost to their already positive state of health. (13) Chlorella vs. Spirulina vs. Chlorophyll Is chlorella or spirulina better? While most Americans may have not heard of chlorella, many people have been taking spirulina for years. They are both waterborne organisms, but at the cellular level, they are quite different. Spirulina is a spiral-shaped, multi-celled plant with no true nucleus. It’s blue-green in hue and can grow up to 100 times the size of chlorella. Comparably, chlorella is a spherical-shaped single-celled microorganism with a nucleus and is solid green. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in both spirulina, chlorella and all green plants. While chlorophyll is completely natural, a similar semi-synthetic mixture called chlorophyllin is made in laboratories to be used in supplements, such as those marketed as “liquid chlorophyll.” Green algae like chlorella are often used to make chlorophyllin. Spirulina can be used and consumed in supplements right after harvest, but chlorella has to go through processing to break its cellular walls to enable the absorption of its benefits by users. Chlorophyll, as I just mentioned, comes from green plants and algae. Chlorella is said to be higher in chlorophyll (maybe even double the amount!) than spirulina while spirulina is typically higher in protein, iron, protein and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The benefits of chlorella and spirulina are very similar because both have a concentrated balance of nutrients shown to help cleanse and detoxify the body, and a high concentration of protein that supports energy and clarity. Chlorophyll’s known benefits of liver detoxification, skin protection and improved digestion are very similar which isn’t surprising since chlorophyll is a star ingredient of both spirulina and chlorella and is behind many of its benefits. Chlorella and spirulina nutrition both contain additional nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins and more that is not contained in chlorophyll supplements. Spirulina has even been used in the World Health Organization’s feeding programs for malnourished children in undeveloped countries. A single one-gram dose of spirulina powder a day can counteract a vitamin A deficiency that can lead to blindness. Chlorophyll, spirulina and chlorella supplements are all available in powder, tablet or liquid form. Depending upon your health goals and what other supplements you’re taking, one of these supplements may appeal to you more than the others. Chlorella and spirulina are both algaes that contain chlorophyll and offer additional nutrients. Chlorophyll supplements are a concentrated way to specifically hone in on the benefits of chlorophyll. Where to Find & How to Choose Chlorella You can purchase chlorella in powder, tablet or liquid form at your local health store or online. Chlorella’s tough exterior cellular walls are difficult to digest. It took many years of research, study, trial, and error to find a way for the human body to effectively digest it. The substance in these walls is believed to be what surrounds heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins and helps to remove them from the human body. What is the best chlorella? When purchasing a chlorella supplement make sure to buy “cracked cell wall chlorella” because they are completely absorbable. You also want to look for a brand that is organic and low-temperature-extracted. Chlorella reviews may be helpful in helping you decide on the best brand. Chlorella Supplements, Dosage & How to Take When taking a chlorella supplement, there are two main ways to consume it: 1. Smoothie — Chlorella has a very strong taste, so you will not want to add more than about 1/2 teaspoon of chlorella to a smoothie. You can use other ingredients like banana, coconut water, vanilla protein powder and lime juice to help hide the taste. 2. Tablets — Simply take 3–6 tablets of chlorella with 8 ounces of water 1–3 times daily to experience chlorella health benefits. In addition, the following dosage has been studied in scientific research: (14) For iron deficiency during pregnancy: 2 grams of chlorella 3 times daily taken from the 12–18th week of gestation until delivery. Studies suggest that chlorella is safe when taken by mouth for a short amount of time, up to two months. (1) 
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#1. To: Horse (#0)
I dissolve a B-12 tablet under my tongue every morning. ;)
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