Natural Health Advisory

Chlorella has become well known as a health food because it is extremely nutritious. Tablets made from pure chlorella can be about 60% protein, 20% carbohydrates, and 11% unsaturated fats.[1] Plus, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals[1,2] and is a rich source of  chlorophyll.[1]

What is chlorella?

Chlorella is a type of single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. It is often harvested and processed into either liquid or powder form to be taken orally in tablet form as a dietary supplement.

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Chlorella benefits

Laboratory studies have shown that chlorella stimulates the immune system, promotes growth and healing, controls stress-related conditions, and might even exhibit anti-cancer activity.[1,3] It also treats the following conditions.

1. High blood pressure. Hypertensive patients given 10 g of chlorella daily for two to three months showed decreased blood pressure after supplementation.[4]
2. High cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers found that daily supplementation with 5 g of chlorella for 4 weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in patients with mild high cholesterol.[2] Another study found chlorella intake to be associated with reduced cholesterol as well as body fat percentage.[3] The researchers conclude that chlorella can improve fat metabolism and attribute the effects to the unsaturated fatty acid and fiber content of chlorella.[2,3]
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3. High blood sugar. One study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that chlorella benefits blood sugar control. Chlorella intake resulted in reduced fasting blood glucose levels. The researchers also found that genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway were affected by chlorella consumption, which helped glucose to be cleared from the blood efficiently.[3]
4. Fibromyalgia. Chlorella also may help to relive symptoms of fibromyalgia.[4] Patients with fibromyalgia were given 10 g chlorella tablets each day for 2 months. The results of the study found that the addition of chlorella into the diet was associated with a significant reduction in pain. Almost half of the patients also expressed that some of their symptoms other than pain also improved.[1]

Taking a chlorella supplement

Take 5 to 10 g of chlorella daily for treating the conditions listed above. Talk with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. Chlorella may activate your immune system, so it may interfere with immunosuppressant drugs and should be avoided in those with autoimmune disorders. It also contains a large amount of vitamin K, which is involved in blood clotting, so should not be used with blood thinning medications like Warfarin.

Share your experience

Do you take chlorella? Does it improve your health, and does it help treat any of the conditions listed above? Share your experience with chlorella in the comments section below.

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[1] Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):167-73.

[2] Nutr J. 2014 Jun 11;13:57.

[3] J Med Food. 2008 Sep;11(3):395-404.

[4] Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 May-Jun;7(3):79-91.

Originally published in 2014, this blog has been updated.

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