Chlorella

Chlorella, scientifically known as chlorella pyrenoidosa, is a solitary-celled edible plant that grows in fresh water. Distinguished as a ‘green food’, chlorella forms a group of food products that are derived from other micro-algae. Normally, chlorella is grouped with essential phyto-chemicals that possess exceptional qualities to combat different diseases. It is also packed with amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Chlorella is widely used in Japan where it is advertised as a dietary supplement capable of removing or detoxifying damaging chemicals, heavy metals and noxious wastes from the body. Herbal medical practitioners recommend usage of chlorella for general illnesses like fatigue and also for people who usually wish to experience a stronger and healthier life. Physicians practicing alternative medicine also recommend ingestion of chlorella as a part of their overall cancer healing course.

Researchers in Japan have found that ingestion of chlorella is capable of raising the blood levels of the protein albumin. It may be mentioned here that albumin is one of the most influential antioxidants found in the body. Albumin is also present in the body’s foremost transport system that carries vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, hormones and other vital materials all the way through the body. Significantly, albumin is also involved in carrying toxins or contaminants away from the cells. Albumins carry these toxins to the liver where they are disintegrated and later excreted from the body. Various researches carried from time to time have established that without sufficient levels of albumin in the body, crucial organs like the kidneys, liver, and others cannot function properly. Low albumin presence in the body also prevents the immune system in the body from functioning effectually.

Over the years, several researches, both clinical studies as well as experiments on animals, have shown that stumpy levels of albumin in the body is an indicator for various diseases, including cancer and heart ailments. The researches have found that people having lowest serum albumin levels suffered the maximum rate of death from diverse causes, including heart diseases. It has been found that as the levels of serum decline in our body, we age faster. This is another suggestion that albumin may play a crucial role in keeping our bodies vigorous, physically powerful and young.

Incidentally, albumin levels have been found to be lesser than average among smokers. Hence it is not unusual for the researchers to assume that enhancing albumin levels in the body will have a beneficial effect. Substantiating their views, these researches point out that the test-tube studies have corroborated the fact that enhancing albumin levels in the body is beneficial in thwarting cancerous growth as well as increasing the life span of human cells.

Scientists as well as herbal medical practitioners have been promoting the use of chlorella to combat and cure a wide range of diseases. Advocators of chlorella assert that the substance eliminated different types of cancers, combats infections caused by bacteria and viruses, and strengthens the immune system in the body, enhances the development of ‘friendly’ germs in the digestive tract, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, chlorella also helps in curing disorders like intestinal ulcers, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease. According to researchers, chlorella is also known to rinse out the digestive system, blood, and the liver.

People advocating the use of chlorella also claim that dietary supplements prepared from the substance helps in enhancing the albumin levels in the body. Incidentally, albumin is a key protein found in the blood stream. They further assert that albumin protects us against diseases like cancer, diabetes, anemia, arthritis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and even AIDS! The remedial properties of chlorella are also reported to thwart cancer owing to its aptitude to purify the body of toxins, venoms and heavy metals.

A broad analysis of the chemical contents of chlorella has established that it comprises vitamin C and carotenoids - both of which are rich antioxidants. It may be mentioned here that antioxidants are amalgams that obstruct the exploits of stimulated oxygen molecules generally called free radicals. These activated oxygen molecules or free radicals have the capability to harm cells. In addition to the above properties, chlorella is also known to possess rich intensity of vitamin B-complex.

Usual dosage

Commercially chlorella is available in the markets in different forms - tablets, powder as well as liquid extracts of the substance. Many herbal medicine practitioners recommend ingestion of two to three grams of the substance daily. However, there are many herbalists who recommend higher dosages for detoxification of the system. There are also some people who intake doses as high as 10 to 15 grams (measuring two to three teaspoons in case of liquid extracts) daily. While it is safe to intake chlorella individually, it is advisable to mix the chlorella powder with bread, cookies or any other food made with flour.