Chlorella caused a huge interest in the scientific world just after the Second World War. The mass production of chlorella was seen as a solution to the problem of imminent famine with the increase in the population after the war. Eventually, however, as a result of improved crop yields, chlorella was abandoned for a while.
Nowadays this algae has regained its popularity and, thanks to its nutritional properties, is considered a superfood. It is available for sale both in powdered form and as ready-made tablets. The emerald green powder can be drunk after mixing with water, as well as added to smoothies or yogurts. It is important not to heat the mix, otherwise, it can lose a lot of nutritional value. And there are many of them in this small algae!
Chlorella cleanses and supports the immune system
Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll. This compound, called "plant blood", helps cleanse the body of toxins and get rid of harmful bacteria and free radicals responsible for the aging process. At the same time, it is a natural mouth deodorizer, which helps to get rid of bad breath, mainly thanks to the properties inhibiting the process of bacteria multiplication, which are often the main cause of this unpleasant condition.
Another treasure of this algae is the so-called CGF - Chlorella Growth Factor. It is considered by researchers to be the ally of the human immune system. It has been shown in studies (for example on ulcerative colitis patients) that daily intake of chlorella for 2 to 3 months can help the body weakened by the disease, by improving the functioning of the immune system and supporting blood pressure regulation (especially in the case of hypertension).
Source of vitamins and minerals - straight from nature!
Similarly to other well-known algae – spirulina - chlorella is also rich in complete protein. This factor tempted scientists looking for a superfood to help fight hunger, to pay closer attention to algae.
We can also find a lot of carotenoids, which our body converts into a friend of beauty and sight - vitamin A. Similarly as in spirulina, there is also a lot of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which supports the nervous system work and takes care of mental balance and good mood.
It is also worth looking for folic acid and iron - two substances that are necessary especially for women who are expecting a baby. In a study conducted by Japanese scientists on a group of pregnant women, it turned out that taking chlorella reduced the incidence of anemia - a common ailment of future moms.
Buying chlorella? Look at the certifications!
When buying chlorella, it's a good idea to choose a product described as "bio” or "organic”. It is best if it has an international quality label or certificates that prove its origin or quality. Why is this important?
First of all, because chlorella intensively absorbs environmental pollution. For this reason, it should be grown in specially designed, clean water reservoirs. Researchers have also discovered that depending on how the chlorella is grown, harvested, and processed, its nutritional value can vary greatly. For example, one product may contain about 80% protein and another less than 10%.
