Have you heard of Chlorella before? It is one of the types of algae rich in nutrients, which is used as a nutritional supplement with great benefits, and it has also gained a good reputation as a dietary supplement to treat everything, is this true? In this article, we will learn in some detail about the benefits and harms of chlorella, as well as what research says about these benefits, so read the following lines.

What is chlorella?

Chlorella is one of the types of unicellular green algae, and it lives in fresh water, and there are more than 30 species of it, but there are two types that are most common in research and experiments.

Chlorella is a natural source that is very rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Among its well-known benefits are boosting immunity, aiding in weight loss, and fighting cancer and other diseases.

And since the cell wall of chlorella is very strong, which makes it difficult to digest, it can be benefited by taking it in the form of nutritional supplements, as it is available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, powder, or extract.

Chlorella benefits

1. Rich in nutrients

Sources indicate that Chlorella contains amazing amounts of different nutrients, so some people call it a “superfood.” However, these nutrients vary according to many factors, such as algae growing conditions, the type of species used, and the method of manufacturing the supplement. . Among its effective nutrients are the following:

• Protein: It contains about 50-60% of proteins.
• Vitamin B12: There is a belief that some types of them contain vitamin B12, but more studies are needed.
• Iron and Vitamin C: Chlorella is a good source of iron, and depending on the type of supplement you take, it may give you approximately 6-40% of your daily iron requirement. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption.
• Antioxidants: This type of algae is rich in antioxidants.
• Many vitamins and minerals: It contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and various types of vitamin B.
• Omega 3: It contains loads of omega-3, so according to sources, just 3 grams of chlorella provides about 100 mg of omega-3.
• fiber: This type of algae is rich in fiber, and in large quantities.

2. It helps rid the body of toxins

There is a lot of fuss about the benefits of chlorella in detoxing the body, as some studies conducted on animals indicate that it has an effect in removing heavy metals and harmful compounds from the body, such as cadmium, lead, iron, and copper. These minerals cause harm if they are present in large quantities than the body needs.

In these studies, she indicated that algae, including Chlorella, help eliminate the toxicity of these minerals in the liver, brain, and kidneys.

3. It boosts the immune system

According to both human and animal studies, chlorella has been shown to enhance immunity, although evidence is lacking. In a small study on two groups of men, a group taking a dietary supplement, and another group taking a placebo, the results showed that the bodies of men in the first group produced more antibodies compared to the other, which indicates promising results.

In another short, 8-week study of adults who took the supplement, results indicated signs of elevated antibody amounts. Based on what was mentioned about these studies, it is possible that chlorella has a role in enhancing immunity, and there is still a need for more studies.

4. It improves cholesterol levels

Some studies indicate that consuming between 5 and 10 grams of chlorella per day may contribute to reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.

It is likely that the credit is due to the fact that it contains some nutrients that help reduce cholesterol levels and harmful fats, such as niacin, fiber, carotenoids, and antioxidants.

5. Benefits of chlorella for hair

It is believed that chlorella has good hair benefits because it contains B vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin C, and minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and many other nutrients that are good for hair.

6. May help manage symptoms of respiratory illness

Chlorella contains some nutrients that may help reduce inflammation and fight antioxidants for many respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it did not improve the ability to breathe, as indicated by a study in this regard, and there is still a need for more studies.

7. It enhances stamina

In a study published in 2014, trials showed that taking the supplement for 4 weeks affected oxygen levels, which indicated increased endurance. Although this is a small study, this supplement may be used by athletes.

8. Other benefits:

Believes “theoreticallyThis dietary supplement has the following benefits:

• Eye health: It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids that play a role in protecting the eye from the risk of retinal diseases.
• Promotes liver health: Some studies indicate that it improves liver health for patients with liver diseases, however, its benefits are not clear for liver health in healthy people.
• Improved digestion: Sources indicate that these supplements improve digestion and reduce bloating, though there are no studies evaluating these proposed benefits.
• Reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: Chlorella is believed to have this benefit due to the vitamins and minerals it contains, such as B vitamins and calcium.

Benefits of chlorella for women

There are many hypotheses that indicate the existence of benefits for this dietary supplement for women during pregnancy due to the fact that it contains folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron, which reduces the risk of anemia.

Other sources also indicate that it may contribute to the prevention of high blood pressure during pregnancy. According to a study of a number of women in Japan, they took 6 grams per day of this algae dietary supplement for a period ranging between 12-18 weeks, and another group took a placebo. The results showed lower levels of anemia and higher pregnancy-related stress for these women.

Important notice: No pregnant woman should take any nutritional or herbal supplements or medications except after consulting the attending physician to find out the extent of their effect on pregnancy and the fetus. Therefore, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor first before taking chlorella.

Chlorella dose

There are no standardized guidelines for the appropriate use of chlorellaIt is available in many doses and pharmaceutical forms such as tablets, and there are many companies producing nutritional supplements containing it.

For example, chlorella tablets are available from a concentration of 500 mg to 1 gram, and it is possible to take more than one tablet per day as many sources mention, but at the same time, stress the importance of reading the instructions written on the food supplement packaging, and the accompanying drug leaflet, and not Dosage exceeding the prescribed limit.