WHAT EXACTLY IS CHLORELLA?

Unlike spirulina and AFA algae, chlorella algae have a cell nucleus, making it a microalgae. Spirulina and AFA, on the other hand, are merely bacteria (so-called cyanobacteria), although they are often referred to as "microalgae."

Although Chlorella algae is tiny, it is one of the most highly evolved living organisms and has managed to survive for more than two million years despite all the changes in its living conditions. This is probably the reason why scientists are so interested in this type of algae and why numerous scientific studies have now been conducted on its health benefits.

Another special feature of Chlorella algae is its high chlorophyll content, which is reflected in its deep green colour and which, in this concentration, has not been measured in any other plant to date. Chlorophyll's chemical structure is almost identical to the human blood pigment hemoglobin.

NUTRIENTS IN CHLORELLA ALGAE

Vitamin B12 in Chlorella algae

Chlorella algae offers a plant-based alternative for vegans and vegetarians to obtain vitamin B12: 100 g of dried algae contains approximately 25–100 μg of vitamin B12. Unlike spirulina, chlorella contains primarily real vitamin B12 rather than so-called vitamin B12 analogues. These are chemically similar to vitamin B12 and bind to the same transport molecules in the body, but have no effect. Chlorella is therefore the only algae suitable for vitamin B12 replacement.

Other vitamins, trace elements and minerals in Chlorella

Chlorella contains all water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in a natural combination. Furthermore, the chlorella algae contains the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, as well as the trace elements iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. Important for Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease patients with iodine sensitivity: Since chlorella is a freshwater algae, it is virtually iodine-free.

A study from 2010, for example, was able to show that, due to the iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid it contains, the risk of anemia (anemia) in pregnant women can be significantly reduced by taking 6 g of chlorella per day.

Chlorella as a protein source

Microalgae are among the most important sources of plant protein. The protein content of dried Chlorella vulgaris is over 50%, higher than that of fish, chicken, or beef.

In addition, the biological value, d.h. the proportion of the ingested protein that can be converted into the body's own protein and thus made available to the body, of the proteins from the Chlorella algae at 88.

But since Chlorella i.d.R. Of course, even if it's only consumed in small amounts, little protein is absorbed in absolute terms. Nevertheless, chlorella can help meet protein needs: A daily dose of 7 g of chlorella provides 4 g of protein. For a 60 kg person who wants to consume the officially recommended 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight, this would already be a good 8% of their protein needs.

Chlorella regulates carbohydrate metabolism

Chlorella accelerates the transport of glucose into the liver and muscle cells, so that the energy obtained from it is available noticeably faster. This fact is u.a. particularly interesting for athletes.For these reasons, chlorella supplementation has also proven effective in diabetes mellitus.

Chlorella is rich in detoxifying fiber

The cell wall of chlorella contains a wealth of fiber, which passes undigested into the intestines and stimulates bowel activity. Toxins and other harmful substances present in the intestinal fluid are bound by the fiber and excreted in the stool.

Fatty acids in Chlorella

The fat content of the dried algae is 12%, but can be more than 30% depending on cultivation and processing.

Chlorella provides more than 30 fatty acids, each consisting of one-third saturated, one-third unsaturated, and one-third polyunsaturated fatty acids. Together, they contribute to ensuring that every body cell remains stable, yet flexible, and thus healthy. Among the saturated fatty acids, capric and lauric acid are worth mentioning, as they can kill bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites. The high amounts of oleic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid) present in it have a preventative effect on various types of cancer and can also help prevent stroke and heart attack.

Chlorophyll in the microalgae Chlorella

The microalgae's high chlorophyll content is responsible for its green color and has anti-carcinogenic effects in humans. Chlorophyll is also known for its detoxifying properties.

CURRENT STUDIES ON POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS OF CHLORELLA ALGAE

detoxification

• Chlorella is characterized by a variety of detoxifying ingredients. In addition to the o.g. Chlorophyll, the algae contains a unique mix of cell-protecting and detoxifying carotenoids (z.B. Lycopene), glycoproteins (see CGF and CVE), and sporopollein (a highly detoxifying component of the Chlorella cell wall). Chlorella also contains protectons and deoxylipids:
• Protectoniums are storage proteins belonging to the phytochelatins produced by Chlorella itself. They exhibit a strong antioxidant effect and also form an insoluble bond with heavy metals (chelation), which are then easily excreted as a complex through the intestines. The substance de-noxilipidnin has a similar detoxifying effect. In addition to heavy metals, it also binds and neutralizes organic toxins.
• For ethical reasons, the relationship between heavy metal poisoning and chlorella is almost exclusively animal-based. In one of these studies, chlorella demonstrated a kidney-protective effect in rats with cadmium poisoning. Blood kidney function improved, and urinary protein excretion, a marker of kidney health, decreased.
• Due to its heavy metal-binding properties (chelation), chlorella can be used to support detoxification. In animal studies, the microalgae also demonstrated positive effects in cases of mercury poisoning in the mother during pregnancy. Chlorella prevented the transport of methylmercury to the fetus, thus protecting the unborn child from poisoning. Furthermore, less mercury was deposited in the brains of the mothers in the chlorella group than in the placebo group.
• In the human body, dioxin accumulates in fatty tissue and is broken down very slowly. Because breast milk is particularly high in fat, it is considered a good marker for the mother's overall dioxin exposure.Women who take chlorella during pregnancy have lower levels of dioxin in their breast milk. Therefore, it can be assumed that chlorella ensures that less dioxin is passed to the unborn child via the umbilical cord.
• Animal studies have also shown that chlorella increases dioxin excretion in urine. Test animals that received a dioxin-containing oil and chlorella simultaneously excreted more dioxin in urine than control animals. This result suggests that chlorella reduces the absorption of dioxin in the intestine and may thus protect against (chronic) dioxin poisoning.

immune system

• Taking 6 g of chlorella daily for one month leads to a significant increase in immunoglobulin A in saliva.
• Elevated IgA levels are also found in breast milk if the mother has taken chlorella during pregnancy. Immunoglobulin A in breast milk provides protection against infections for the breastfed child.

Pains

• In a 2000 study, fibromyalgia patients' pain was significantly reduced by taking chlorella. Patients reported a 20-50% improvement in symptoms after taking chlorella.

Gastrointestinal

• Animal studies have shown an increase in lactobacilli levels when taking Chlorella vulgaris. These regulate the pH in the intestines through the production of lactic acid, thus promoting digestion and also protecting against potential pathogens. Salmonella and pathologically elevated E. coli, on the other hand, decrease with the intake of Chlorella.
• Taking chlorella can reduce oxidative stress in the gut and strengthen the microflora. This has a positive effect on the intestinal mucosa and its barrier function, preventing bacteria, bacterial toxins, or other harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
• In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, Merchant et al. investigated the effect of chlorella on ulcerative colitis. They found that chlorella promotes wound healing and also improves immune function, significantly improving symptoms in colitis patients.
• Tamaka et al. found that taking Chlorella vulgaris can counteract the development of stress-induced gastric ulcers. This preventive effect is likely due to its positive influence on the gut-brain axis and the protection of the gastric mucosa.

Obesity

• In two studies, scientists administered four 300mg chlorella tablets per day to subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. After eight weeks of use, positive results were observed: The study participants who took chlorella lost more weight than those in the placebo group. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity improved in the chlorella group, which may reduce the risk of diabetes, a potential complication of obesity.

liver

• In their 2014 study, Aliashrafi et al. administered 300 mg of chlorella per day to patients with fatty liver disease caused by increased calorie intake. After 8 weeks, liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood significantly improved.
• According to the study by Noguchi et al., chlorella can also be used to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.In animal experiments, chlorella inhibited the activity of the MCP-1 protein in rats fed a high-fat diet. The algae also inhibited the growth of fat cells in the liver.
• Byun et al. showed that a Chlorella vulgaris extract could reduce alcohol-induced liver damage u.a. could be reduced by a decrease in γ-glutamyltransferase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in the blood.
• Responsible for the liver-protective effect is u.a. a The so-called "lutein-protein complex" (LPC), which was first extracted from Chlorella by Cai et al. in 2015. In animal models, LPC showed a positive effect on liver cells.
• Chlorella can be used as a supportive treatment for people with hepatitis C. In a 2013 study, patients with chronic liver inflammation were given Chlorella vulgaris for a period of three months. This not only improved their liver values, but more than 70% of study participants also reported an improved general well-being (v.a The fatigue typical of the disease improved in 60% of participants).

cardiovascular system

• Various studies have demonstrated a positive effect of Chlorella vulgaris on blood pressure, showing improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values.
• Studies have shown that people with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in their blood can benefit from taking chlorella. The microalgae can significantly reduce blood fat levels. In a 2014 study, scientists were able to reduce their subjects' cholesterol levels by an average of 1.6%. Triglyceride levels even decreased by almost 12%. Chlorella also had a positive effect on the ratio of "bad" LDL cholesterol to "good" HDL cholesterol. While LDL cholesterol levels decreased, HDL cholesterol increased by 4%.

Acid-base balance

• The ideal pH value of the blood, at which metabolic processes can function optimally, is 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. However, due to diet (e.g., a lot of meat), stress, etc., the pH value can shift into the acidic range. In order for the body to buffer acidic end products, it needs v.a. alkaline minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Because chlorella contains all of these minerals, it can help regulate acid-base balance.

Skin condition

• Studies have shown that chlorella has positive effects on dry skin or skin prone to inflammation (acne, neurodermatitis).
• Participants in a Polish study from 2017 reported not only a reduced susceptibility to infections after taking chlorella, but also a noticeable improvement in hair quality and skin appearance.

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