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hc8meifmdc|20005939267D|healthm_live|health_library|health_library_details|0xfdffadff8d0000006e01000001002e00
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Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. The whole plant is used to make nutritional supplements and medicine.
Most of the chlorella that is available in the U.S. is grown in Japan or Taiwan. It is processed and made into tablets and liquid extracts. These extracts contain "chlorella growth factor," which is described as a water-soluble extract of chlorella containing chemicals including amino acids, peptides, proteins, vitamins, sugars, and nucleic acids.
Be aware that chlorella products can vary significantly depending on the way “the crop†used to make them was cultivated, harvested, and processed. Investigators have found that dried preparation of chlorella can contain from 7% to 88% protein, 6% to 38% carbohydrate, and 7% to 75% fat.
As a medicine, chlorella is used for preventing cancer, reducing radiation treatment side effects, stimulating the immune system, improving response to flu vaccine, increasing white blood cell counts (especially in people with HIV infection or cancer), preventing colds, protecting the body against toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and slowing the aging process.
Chlorella is also used to increase “good†bacteria in the intestine in order to improve digestion; and to help treat ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease, and diverticulosis.
Some people also use chlorella for the prevention of stress-related ulcers; treatment of constipation, bad breath, and hypertension; as an antioxidant; to reduce cholesterol; to increase energy; to detoxify the body; and as a source of magnesium to promote mental health, relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and reduce asthma attacks. It is also used for fibromyalgia.
Chlorella is applied to the skin for treating skin ulcers, rashes caused by radiation treatment, and a sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis.
What is Chlorella ?
Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. Yet chlorella offers more than protein. Miraculous stories have surfaced of people getting noticeable improvement in health and well being when consuming chlorella. When you realize that chlorella contains carotenoids, magnesium, and the super detoxifier chlorophyll-the health benefits of which have been well documented-we begin to understand chlorella's healing power. Americans are chronically low in magnesium and in great need of detoxifying. Chlorella may be the perfect antidote to our refined foods, nutrient-poor diets and toxic environment.
Chlorophyll is a remarkably protective and cleansing compound. It can inhibit cancer in all human organs. Chlorophyll is a vital part of all detoxification and health-building programs. The National Cancer Institute has begun to take notice of its ability to prevent cancer.
Detoxifying is essential for optimal health. When toxins are in our liver, brain, or other tissues and organs of the body, we age faster and have less health and vitality. Getting rid of toxins with powerful cleansers like chlorella helps us live longer, for toxins are a potent source of the free radicals which age us and cause disease. Chlorella appears particularly helpful at eliminating toxic metals like cadmium and uranium from the body.
Chlorella contains a range of carotenoids that is superior merely to taking a supplement of synthetic beta carotene. When you take a supplement that contains beta carotene, and it does not specify that it is derived from algae such as chlorella or d. salina, then you are only getting some of the benefits of carotenoids. There are many carotenoids- well over 600-and using chlorella as your source of carotenoids gives you much more benefit. While beta carotene has protective power, chlorella has much more. A recent study from China showed that when people with precancerous cells in their stomach were given synthetic beta carotene, there was no benefit. Yet when they were given natural carotenoids like those in chlorella, the precancerous cells turned back to normal. Chlorella has also been found to have powerful anti-cancer activity in animal studies when used orally.
Carotenoids protect against heart disease. Cholesterol cannot clog arteries until it oxidizes, and many studies have shown carotenoids can prevent this dangerous reaction from occurring. Although vitamin C appears to be the first line of defense in protecting cholesterol from going bad, carotenoids are also very important. A study of 333 patients showed that taking a carotenoid supplement reduced major cardiovascular events by half.
Chlorella is also a rich source of the remarkable mineral magnesium. Magnesium performs no less than 300 different tasks in the body. It is essential for heart function, immune function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar balance, stroke prevention, and for both muscle strength and muscle relaxation. It is critical for energy production. It promotes mental health, relieves PMS, and reduces asthma attacks. No cell in the body can function without this mineral.
Chlorella is also an immune booster. It contains a compound known as chlorellan that stimulates the body to make more interferon. Chlorella helps protector cells, called macrophages, function more effectively.
Chlorella can help heal the GI tract. Ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticulosis all seem to do better when chlorella is part of the diet. Animal studies have shown that chlorella is effective at healing ulcers. Chlorella has also been found to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria which are essential for intestinal health.
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Benefits / uses
Magnesium is an important element for the proper functioning of the heart. Chlorella helps the body in utilizing its stock of magnesium for the well being of the heart while it prevents anemia by uplifting the production of red blood cells by the way of body stimulation.
People who usually find trouble with their digestive system and do not like their body odor can find relief from it by including this high chlorophyll product in their diet. It eliminates constipation and thus the foul smelling stool.
Interferon level in the body can be raised by regular use of chlorella. The increased level of interferon is helpful in fighting cancer, which is a deadly disease.
The normal range of pH level of body is disturbed by eating processed or junk food. Chlorella helps in bringing down the pH level under normal range that is between 7.2 and 7.4. Any disturbance in the Ph level leads to diseases.
People after the age of 40, mostly suffer from blood pressure and low sugar level. Proper flow of blood to the heart and other vital organs of the body is very important for the normal functioning of the body. Chlorella normalizes blood sugar level as well as blood pressure.
Chlorella contains mainly protein and vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin B and vitamin C. The presence of minerals like zinc and iron further enhances the body functioning and resistance to diseases. Arthritis and degenerative diseases can be treated with it.
Best Form For Human Consumption
Chlorella is available in tablets, liquid extracts, and as a powder
Doses
2 to 3 grams per day, though higher doses may be suggested for "detoxification." (A teaspoon of dried chlorella is about 3 grams.)
Possible Side effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions:
Chlorella appears to be safe in those who are not allergic. If hives or a rash develops, stop taking chlorella.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Research studies / References |
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Bewicke, Dhyana and Beverly A. Potter. Chlorella, The Emerald Food. Ronin Publishing Inc. Berkeley, California 1984 |
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Dr. David Steenbock, B.S., M.Sc., D.O. President, Aging Research Institute.Chlorella Natural Medecine Algae. Aging Research Institute, Mission Viejo, CA 1996 |
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Paul Pitchford. Healing with Whole Foods.North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, Third Edition. |
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Schopf, J. William. Precambian Micro-organism and evolutionary Events Prior to the origin of Vascular Plants. Biol.Rev. (1970) |
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Kojima, M., T. Kasajima, Y. Imai, S. Kobayashi, M. Dobashi and T. Uemura. A New Chlorella Polysaccharide and Its Accelerating Effect on the Phagocytic Activity of the Reticuloendothelial System. Recent Adv. R. E. S. Res. 13:11, 1973 |
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Hoefer-Janker, H. et. Al. Arztl. Praxis 1969, 1971 |
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Hamada, M., M. Yakmazaki, I. Iwata, M. Hisada, S. Shimizu, N. Yamaguchi and Y-C Tung. [Immune Responsiveness of Tumor-Bearing Host and Trial of Modulation] in Japanese, Eng. Abs. J. Kanazawa Med. Univ. 1985 |
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Nathan, DF, Murray, HW, Wiebe, ME, Rubin, BY. Identification of interferon-gamma as the lymphokine that activates human macrophage oxidative metabolism and antimicrobial activity. J.Exp. Med. 1983 |
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Nathan, CF. et. al. Local and Systemic Efects of Intradermal Recombinant Interferon-Gamma in Patients with Lepromatous Leprosy. N. Engl. J. Med. 1986 |
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Hixson, J.R.: Beta-Carotene Showing Promise as Topical Agent. Medical Tribune August 6, 1986 |
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Shirota Minoru, et. Al. (Regarding the anti-virus components extracted from Chlorella.)Showa 42 nen Nihon nogika gakkai koen yori, 1967. |
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Sonoda, M. (Effect of chlorella extract on pregnancy anemia) Jap. J. Nutr. 1972 |
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Brinckerhoff, C.E. et. Al. Effect of retinoids on rheumatoid arthritis, a proliferative and invasive non-malignant disease. Ciba Found. Symp. 1985 |
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Noack, K. and Kiessling. The origin of chlorophyll and its relation to the blood pigment. Z. physiol. Chem., 1929. |
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Yamagishi, Y., Hasuda, S., Y.Mito. V. Experience in taking Chlorella for healing the less curable wound. In: Huang, C.J.: Application of Chlorella on Medecine and Food. Technical Bulletin, March 1970. Taiwan Chlorella Manufacture Co., Ltd., Tapei, Taiwan. |
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Udo Erasmus. Fats that Heal Fats that Kill. Alive Books, Burnaby BC Canada 1993. |
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Strum, W.B. and .M. Shapiro. Chronic Pancreatitis. Annals of Internal Medecine, 1971. |
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Mann, N.S.: Experimental acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis; Effect of chlorophyll-a. Gastroenterology, 1978. |
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Northcote, D.H., K.J. Goulding, and R.W. Horne.: The Chemical Composition and Structure of the Cell Wall of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Biochem, 1958. |
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Fink, H. Herold, E.: The quality of the protein of unicellular green algae and their effect in preventing liver necrosis. Zeitschr. Physiol Chem, 1956. |
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Tixier, L., et. Al. La thérapeutique des maladies par excès de cholesterol. Rev. Med. Paris, 1937. |
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Hunter, Brian and Peter Batham, "Acute Oral Toxicity to Rats of Green Chlorella and Yellow Chlorella Powders," Huntington Research Centre, Huntington, England (November 1972). |
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Sonoda, M. (Effects of chlorella extract on pregnancy anemia) Jap. J. Nutr. (1972). |
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Yamaguchi, N. S. Shimizu, T. Murayama, T. saito, R.F. Wang and Y.C. Tong: Immunomodulation by single cellular algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) and anti-tumor activities for tumor-bearing mice. Presented at the Third International Congress of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, Reims, France, July 7-13, 1985. |
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Okamoto, K., Y. Iizuka, T. Murakami, H. Miyake and T. Suziki: Effect of Chlorella Alkali Extract on Blood Pressure in SHR. Jpn. Heart J. 19(4), 1978. |
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Dupont, R. et Duhamel, G., Chlorophyll et cancer. Bull |
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Montgomery, R..M and Nachtigall, H.B.: Oral administration of chlorophyll fractions for body deodorization. Postgrad. Med., 1950. |
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Nedwin, G.E., Svedersky, L.P., Bringman T.S., Palladino, M.A.Jr., Goeddel, D.V.: Effect of interleukin 2, interferon-gamma, and mitogens on the production of necrosis factors alpha and beta. J.Immunol. 1985. |
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Effects of the administration of a chlorella preparation on the life spans and physiological functions of normal and congenitally diabetic animals. Scientific Reports on Chlorella in Japan, 1992:pp 76-77. |
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Cadmium induced hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens, 1999; 21(1-2):pp. 79-84. |
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Promotion of cultured vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by low levels of cadmium. Toxicol. Lett., 1998; 94(3):pp.175-180. |
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Chlorella vulagaris culture supernatant (CVS) reduces psychological stress-induced apoptosis in thymocytes of mice. International Journal of Immunopharmacology (Engalnd), 2000 Nov; 22(11):pp.877-85. |
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Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment. Neurology, 1991 May;41(%):pp.644-649. |
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Effects on long-term administration of chlorella preparations on the advancement of aging in humans and laboratory animals. Scientific Reports on Chlorella in Japan, 1992; Silpaque publishing, Inc. Kyoto, Japan. |
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Results of dental amalgam removal and mercury detoxification using DMPS and neural therapy. Alternative Therapies, 2000 July; 6(4):pp.49-55. |
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Mercury removal by immobilizing algae in batch culture systems. Jrn. Appl. Phycol., 1990; 4(6):pp.220-230 |
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Effect of dietary nucleotides on response to bacterial infections. Journal Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 1986; 10(2):pp.169-171. |
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Clinical effect of chlorella vulgaris E-25 on young children with atopic dermatitis. Pasken Journal, 1997; 9-10:pp. 11-14 |
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Oral administration of hot water extracts of chlorella vulgaris reduces IgE production against milk casein in mice. Int. Journal of Immunopharmacol-ogy, 1999; 21; pp.311-323. | |
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