Chlorella Powder 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Chlorella Powder – 100 g ($20.99), 50 g ($13.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits:
Nutrition
Chlorella’s impressive nutritional profile has led some to call it a “super food.” While its exact nutrient content depends on growing conditions, the species used and how supplements are processed, it’s clear it’s packed with beneficial nutrients, including:

• Protein: Chlorella is 50–60% protein. What’s more, it’s a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids (3, 5).
• Vitamin B12: Some chlorella varieties may also contain vitamin B12, but more studies are needed (6).
• Iron and vitamin C: Chlorella can be a good source of iron. Depending on the supplement, it may provide anywhere from 6–40% of your daily need. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron (1, 3, 7).
• Other antioxidants: These tiny green cells provide a wide range of antioxidants (1, 3).
• Other vitamins and minerals: Chlorella provides small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid and other B vitamins (1, 3, 8).
• Omega-3s: As with other algae, chlorella contains some omega-3s. Just 3 grams of chlorella delivers 100 mg of omega-3s (8).
• Fibre: In large quantities, chlorella can be a good source of fibre. However, most supplements don’t provide even 1 gram of fibre per dose (1, 8).

Table. The nutritional value of 5 grams of chlorella powder (DV = Daily Value)
Nutrient	Amount in 2 tbsp (5 grams) of chlorella powder
Calories	15
Carbohydrates	2 grams, 1 percent of the DV
Protein	3 grams
Vitamin C	2 percent of the DV
Vitamin B12	250 percent of the DV
Vitamin A	60 percent of the DV
Calcium	2 percent of the DV
Iron	70 percent of the DV

Chlorella also contains the following:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Zinc
• Carotenoids
• Polysaccharides

Iron Deficiency   Chlorella is a plant-based source of several nutrients that are often low in many people’s diets, including iron. Iron is a mineral involved in cellular function, growth, and hormone production. It’s required to produce hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is very common, especially among people assigned female at birth. A 2-teaspoon (tsp) serving of chlorella powder provides 12 milligrams (mg) of iron, which covers 67% of your daily needs. Studies show that chlorella may effectively boost iron levels in people with iron deficiency, such as pregnant people. Chlorella can be especially beneficial for people following plant-based diets, such as vegan diets, as it’s entirely free from animal-derived ingredients and can provide a rich source of several nutrients that tend to be low in vegan diets, like iron. In addition to iron, chlorella is also high in folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, all of which play critical roles in health. Chlorella also contains omega-3 fats, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties.

Antioxidants    Chlorella is high in antioxidant compounds like chlorophyll, vitamin C, and is an especially good source of plant pigments called carotenoids. These antioxidants can help fight many chronic diseases (26). Carotenoids concentrated in chlorella, such as lycopene, lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin, have powerful cellular-protective properties. Higher blood levels of these compounds may support overall health and protect against the development of several health conditions, such as breast cancer and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), an eye disease that’s currently the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A small study that included 11 people without pre-existing conditions found that a single 6 g dose of chlorella significantly increased blood levels of the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin for three days after supplementation. This suggests that taking chlorella supplements is an effective way to increase your body’s antioxidant defenses.

Some of these antioxidants seem to reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive many of the complications of diabetes (1, 27).

In animals and lab studies, chlorella has interfered with the way genes age (1, 28). Also, a human study showed chlorella supplements increased antioxidant levels in chronic cigarette smokers, a population at a higher risk of oxidative damage (29, 30).

Detox – Heavy Metals  Chlorella has gotten some buzz for its ability to help the body “detox.” In fact, animal studies indicate that it’s effective at helping remove heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (9, 10, 11). It boosts liver function, which can aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Heavy metals include some elements that are essential in small amounts, such as iron and copper, but these and other heavy metals like cadmium and lead can be toxic in larger amounts. While it’s rare for people to have dangerous levels of heavy metals in their system, people can get exposed to heavy metals through pollution or certain jobs such as mining (12). In animals, algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken the heavy metal toxicity of the liver, brain and kidneys (13).  Furthermore, chlorella has been shown to help lower the amount of other harmful chemicals that are sometimes found in food. One of these is dioxin, a hormone disruptor that can contaminate animals in the food supply (14, 15). Based on this evidence, it seems that chlorella could help enhance your body’s natural ability to clear toxins.

Immune  Your immune system helps keep you healthy by fighting off infections. It’s a complex system made up of multiple mechanisms and cells that get into gear when an invader enters your body. Chlorella has been found to enhance the immune response in both animal and human studies, although the evidence so far is limited.

In one small study, men produced more antibodies when taking chlorella than when they took a placebo. Antibodies help fight foreign invaders in your body, meaning this finding is quite promising (16). In another small, eight-week study, healthy adults who took chlorella showed markers of increased immune activity (17). Nevertheless, findings have been mixed, with some studies showing little to no effect. For instance, one study found that chlorella supplements enhanced immune function in participants aged 50–55, but not those over 55 (18).

So it’s possible that chlorella may have immune-boosting effects in some populations and age groups, but not in all.

Studies report that chlorella can boost natural killer cell activity and trigger the inflammatory responses required to combat infections. Another study suggested that chlorella supplementation enhanced antibody synthesis in the body, which fights infections and the invasion of disease-causing bacteria.

Heart Disease  Certain health conditions, like elevated blood lipid (fat) levels and high blood pressure, can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. Taking measures to reduce your heart disease risk factors through diet and lifestyle can help protect your heart health in the long term.

Research has shown taking certain dietary supplements, like chlorella, may effectively lower heart disease risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol. A review of 19 studies that included 797 people found that when taken in doses higher than 4 grams (g) per day for eight weeks or longer, chlorella supplements significantly decreased LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people without pre-existing health conditions and in people with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The review also found that chlorella supplements effectively reduced fasting blood sugar, which may also benefit heart health.

Chlorella may reduce heart disease risk factors through several mechanisms. For example, chlorella contains the amino acid arginine. Arginine is required to produce nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that widens your blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow and better blood pressure regulation. The algae also contains substances that reduce cholesterol absorption in the digestive system, increase cholesterol excretion from the body, and reduce LDL-cholesterol, all of which can promote healthy blood lipid levels.

Cholesterol  Several studies have suggested that chlorella supplements may help lower cholesterol (5, 19, 20).

Specifically, several studies have shown that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol (5, 19).

Chlorella’s content of the following may help improve blood lipid levels:
Niacin: A B vitamin known to lower cholesterol (1, 21).
Fiber: A cholesterol-lowering agent (1, 22).
Carotenoids: Have been shown to naturally lower cholesterol (19, 23, 24).
Antioxidants: Help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is known to contribute to heart disease (25).

In some studies, chlorella pills helped decrease total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood. People with high blood pressure or slightly raised cholesterol have reported a decrease in triglycerides because of nutrients chlorella, including niacin, fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids.

Blood Pressure  Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure.

In one study, people with mildly high blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks. By the end, these people had lower blood pressure readings than participants who took the placebo (31). Another small study in healthy men showed that taking chlorella supplements was linked to less stiffness of the arteries, a factor that affects blood pressure (32). One theory to explain this is that some of chlorella’s nutrients, including arginine, potassium, calcium and omega-3s, help protect arteries from hardening (32, 33).

A study of 80 people (with normal-high blood pressure and borderline hypertension) report that taking Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich chlorella pills for 12 weeks significantly decreased blood pressure. Chlorella substantially reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials including 797 participants. Taken together, the effects of chlorella on blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure suggest that it has the potential to prevent heart disease, but further research is needed. Chlorella promotes heart and kidney function and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Studies suggest that consuming four grams of chlorella daily reduced the incidence of high blood pressure. Chlorella contains potassium, arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium, which protect the arteries.

Blood Sugar  Some research shows that chlorella may help lower blood sugar levels (1).

One study found that taking chlorella for 12 weeks lowered fasting blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases (20). Other studies have shown that supplementing with chlorella improves blood sugar control and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (34, 35, 36). It includes magnesium, which improves blood sugar levels. Furthermore, chlorella ingestion activates genes that promote insulin sensitivity inside cells. Some of the antioxidants seem to reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive many of the complications of diabetes (1, 27).

Respiratory  Managing respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often requires controlling inflammation (37, 38). Chlorella has some components that can help reduce inflammation, including its many antioxidants (1, 39). One study found that chlorella supplements improved antioxidant status in COPD patients, but that didn’t translate into any improvements in breathing capability (40). More studies are needed to determine its true effect on respiratory conditions, but chlorella might help with inflammation.

Athletic Performance, Aerobic Endurance  Some evidence suggests that chlorella supplements may benefit exercise performance by improving oxygen intake and muscle endurance. Chlorella helps widen blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles during intensive workouts.

A small study that included 20 adults without pre-existing conditions found that supplementing with 6 g of chlorella for two days increased peak oxygen pulse, or the amount of oxygen consumed per heartbeat during exercise. It also decreased peak blood lactate concentration during exercise compared to a placebo. Peak blood lactate concentration is a measure used to determine endurance capacity during exercise. These findings suggest that taking chlorella may be a natural way to enhance performance during physical activity.

Only one study has looked at chlorella’s effect on aerobic endurance, but it showed a positive effect. Researchers gave a group of young adults six grams of chlorella or a placebo daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, the chlorella group showed a significantly improved ability to saturate their lungs with oxygen, which is a measure of endurance. The placebo group did not experience any changes in endurance (41). This effect may be due to chlorella’s branched-chain amino acid content. These are a collection of three amino acids that have been found to improve aerobic performance in various studies (42, 43). Studies suggest that athletes who were supplemented with chlorella had considerable gains in endurance and blood oxygen saturation levels. Researchers determined that this was due to the high amino acid and chlorophyll levels.

Cancer and Chemotherapy  Chlorella inhibits cancer cell development by triggering apoptosis or cell death. This single-celled alga boosts the activity of natural killer cells, a kind of white blood cell that aids in tumor rejection by the host.

Chlorella contains a protein, chlorella vulgaris culture supernatant (CVS), that has antitumor properties. By stimulating T cells (a kind of white blood cell), CVS prevents tumor metastasis (the spread of malignant cells from their place of origin). When activated, this protein promotes the recruitment of T lymphocytes to tumor locations, hence preventing tumor spread.

There is evidence that chlorella can benefit cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemo radiation frequently weakens the immune system. However, it has been discovered that chlorella lowers these negative effects and helps eliminate cancer-causing substances, such as heavy metals.

Weight Loss  The high nutritional content of chlorella can help normalize cell and tissue function and reverse numerous degenerative disease processes. By addressing any dietary deficiencies, the body is likely to experience fewer cravings and hunger episodes. Compared to low-nutrient items, such as chips and chocolate, eating a high-nutrient diet may result in delayed hunger signals. These variables might help stick to a better diet.

Amino acids are found in chlorella. They offer energy to the body, as well as help break down food and rebuild muscle tissue. Phenylalanine, an amino acid, has been shown to boost the synthesis of the hunger relief hormone, cholecystokinin, and reduce the tendency to overeat.

Eye Health: Chlorella contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that protect the eye and lower the risk of macular degeneration (44, 45, 46).

Though no specific studies on chlorella and visual health have been undertaken, evidence indicates that carotenoids (especially lutein) in chlorella may help enhance or prevent the development of age-related macular disorders.

Liver Health: Chlorella supplements have been shown to improve markers of liver health in people with liver disease. However, it’s not clear whether there’s a benefit for healthy people (34, 35, 36, 47).

Digestion: Many sources claim chlorella eases digestion and reduces bloating. However, no studies have assessed these proposed benefits. Chlorella promotes good digestion by supplying enzymes to the intestines, such as pepsin and chlorophyllase. This helps the body remove waste and maintains the health of the digestive system. It purifies the blood and eliminates moulds that reside in and pollute the body.

PMS: Chlorella can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) like menstrual cramps, headaches, exhaustion and inflammation. Chlorella contains calcium and B-vitamins, both of which have been shown to reduce PMS (48, 49). A study was conducted with 44 females, who were suffering from menstrual cramps. Ingesting 1.5 grams of chlorella daily for eight weeks alleviated symptoms, such as cramping, headaches, exhaustion, and lowered inflammation. While there’s no specific research to back up these claims, chlorella’s nutrient content could, in theory, have these benefits (8).

Botanical Name: Chlorella Vulgaris
English: Chlorella
Also, known as: Algue Verte d’Eau Douce, Bulgarian Chlorella, Bulgarian Green Algae, Chinese Chlorella, Chlorella Algae, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorelle, Clorela, Freshwater Green Algae, Freshwater Seaweed, Green Alga, Green Algae, Japanese Chlorella, Seaweed, Yaeyama Chlorella.
Origin: Fresh water anywhere
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: All

General Information:

Chlorella is a genus of about thirteen species of single-celled or colonial green algae of the division Chlorophyta. The cells are spherical in shape, about 2 to 10 μm in diameter, and are without flagella. Their chloroplasts contain the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and -b. In ideal conditions cells of Chlorella multiply rapidly, requiring only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals to reproduce.

The name Chlorella is taken from the Greek χλώρος, chlōros/ khlōros, meaning green, and the Latin diminutive suffix -ella, meaning small. German biochemist and cell physiologist Otto Heinrich Warburg, awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931 for his research on cell respiration, also studied photosynthesis in Chlorella. In 1961, Melvin Calvin of the University of California received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on the pathways of carbon dioxide assimilation in plants using Chlorella. Chlorella has been considered as a source of food and energy because its photosynthetic efficiency can reach 8%, which exceeds that of other highly efficient crops such as sugar cane.

Chlorella is a single-celled, green freshwater algae. There are over 30 different species, but two types — Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa — are most commonly used in research. Because chlorella has a hard cell wall that humans cannot digest, you must take it as a powder or extracted supplement to reap its benefits (3). In addition to being used as a nutritional supplement, chlorella is also used as a biodiesel fuel (4).

Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) is a single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. Chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, “chloros” meaning green and “ella” meaning small.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dosage
Chlorella dosing varies, but most studies have used doses ranging from 3-10 g daily for time periods of 2-3 months. Depending on the supplement, you may take chlorella in single or divided doses.