If you’re looking for a systemic, convenient supplement and powdered, protein-rich, phytonutrient-rich superfood, Spirulina and Chlorella are for you. These algae are cousins with similar but different health benefits and are worth adding to your daily life.
If you don’t like leafy vegetables very much, or if you don’t get enough in your diet, spirulina or chlorella may help (although fresh vegetables are irreplaceable). Blending them into a smoothie will barely notice, but you will still benefit from all of their green goodness.
Chlorella is a blue-green single-cell microalgae that grows naturally in Japan and Taiwan, and is a supersource of amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, phosphorus, biotin, magnesium, B vitamins, beta carotene, and chlorophyll. Three tablespoons of powdered chlorella (about 1 ounce) are 16 grams of protein, 287% vitamin A, 202% iron, 133% zinc, 71% vitamin B2, 33% vitamin B3, and 22%. Provides magnesium.
(Editor’s Note: Many people have too much iron in their blood, which can be detrimental to their health. If you are eating processed iron-enriched foods, if you have a lot of iron in your well water, or Keep this in mind if you are taking multivitamins, including iron.]
What is Spirulina?
Like chlorella, spirulina is a unicellular turquoise microalgae that is high in protein (more than chlorella), boasts detoxification factors, and is rich in nutrients such as omega 3, iron, magnesium, and copper. .. Vitamin B group. It is called “the most nutritious single food on the planet”.
3 tablespoons of dried spirulina (21 grams) include 12 grams of protein, 33% RDA vitamin B1 (thiamine), 45% vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 12% nicotine, 62% copper, 33% iron. is included. It is also rich in magnesium, manganese, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
The use of chlorella and spirulina has been shown to have many health benefits. Here are some more notable ones.
Detoxifies heavy metals and radiation
Chlorella has the ability to attach to toxins in the body such as cadmium, lead, mercury and uranium and prevent their absorption. These and other heavy metals can enter the body through food (such as fish), mercury dental fillings, air pollutants, affected water, paints, environmental factors, and vaccinations. Chlorella chlorophyll can also protect against damage from UV treatment. Regular intake of chlorella can prevent heavy metals from accumulating in the body and eliminate radioactive particles.
Promotes intestinal health and digestion
Both Spirulina and Chlorella support and promote healthy digestion and a thriving beneficial bacterial environment in the gut. A healthy gut then supports an optimally functioning immune system.
Boosts immune function
According to South Korean researchers, immune system cells known as natural killer cells are boosted by chlorella. Other studies have shown that people with brain tumors who take chlorella have fewer diseases such as respiratory infections and the flu than people who do not take supplements.
Slow aging
Who doesn’t want this benefit? Spirulina contains an excellent combination of carotenoids and the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant) that can improve skin health by improving age spots, acne, rashes and eczema. It is shown.
According to a study published in a laboratory article, chlorella significantly reduces oxidative stress, a major factor associated with aging. Oxidative stress is caused by poor diet, pollution, and stress. Microalgaes also naturally increase the levels of glutathione, vitamin A, and vitamin C in the body, removing free radicals that damage cells.
Please help me lose weight
Chlorella promotes weight loss in several ways, including hormonal regulation, improved circulation, stimulation of higher energy levels, reduction of body fat, elimination of toxins, and promotion of metabolism. In a Japanese study, the authors found that chlorella supplementation resulted in a “significant reduction in body fat percentage” in both healthy adults and those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Fight cancer
The use of chlorella supplements may help fight cancer by strengthening the functioning of the immune system, removing toxic heavy metals from the body, and increasing the activity of T cells (immune cells that fight abnormal cells). ..
Acts as a substitute for vegetable protein
Spirulina and chlorella are superior sources of complete protein than lean meat and most vegetable proteins. In fact, beef is 22 percent complete protein and lens beans are 26 percent, while spirulina is about 65-71 percent protein and chlorella is 58 percent protein.
Supports cardiovascular health
Spirulina has a special cellular structure consisting of easily digestible mucopolysaccharides. This feature is why algae can lower triglycerides and cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
The authors of a recent study found that overweight adults with hypertension who took spirulina daily for 3 months showed improvements in blood pressure and endothelial function, as well as body weight and obesity index, all of which affect cardiovascular health. Reported to give.
How to buy and take spirulina and chlorella
Both supplements are available as powders, tablets, and capsules. The recommended form is powder, as it can be easily added to smoothies and liquids. Chlorella cell walls are difficult to digest, so you should look for a supplement that says “cracked cell wall chlorella.” This means that your body can absorb the supplement more easily.
The recommended prophylactic and therapeutic doses of spirulina for adults are 6-10 grams daily and 11-20 grams daily, respectively. For chlorella, it is 3-4 grams per day and 5-7 grams per day.
Source
Benefits of Chlorella Proven in Ax J.7
Azamai ESM et al. Chlorella vulgaris causes apoptosis in hepatic carcinogenic rats. Zhejiang University SciB 2009 Jan; 10 (1): 14-21
Jung SM et al. Evaluation of Spirulina-PCL nanofibers for regeneration of dermal fibroblast layer. Extracorporeal cells and developmental biology. Animals January 2013; 49 (1): 27-33
Kwak JH et al. Beneficial immunostimulatory effects of short-term chlorella supplementation: enhanced natural killer cell activity and early inflammatory response. Nutrition Journal 2012; 11:53
Leech J. 10 health benefits of spirulina.Healthline June 4, 2017
Merchant RE et al. Dietary chlorella pyrenoids for patients with malignant glioma: effects on immune capacity, quality of life, and survival. Phytotherapy Research December 1990; 4 (6): 220-31
Toru Mizoguchi et al. A nutritional genomics study of the effects of chlorella on subjects with high risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases. Journal of Medicinal Food September 2008; 11 (3): 395-404
Miczke A et al. Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive whites: double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. European Review for Medicine and Pharmacology 2016; 20 (1): 150-56
Panahi Y et al. Chlorella vulgaris: A multifunctional diet supplement with a variety of medicinal properties. Current pharmacological design 2016; 22 (2): 164-73
Panahi Y et al. A study of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplements on the regulation of oxidative stress in apparently healthy smokers. Clinical Laboratory 2013; 59 (5-6): 579-87.
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Deborah Mitchell is a freelance health writer with a passion for animals and the environment. She has written, co-authored and authored over 50 books and thousands of articles on a wide range of topics.This article was originally published on NaturallySavvy.com
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