Chlorella

Introduction

Some scientists believe that this single celled algae may be among the Earth's oldest living organisms, but it was only in the 1960's that Japanese scientists began to study chlorella as a tool of good health. Natural health enthusiasts know chlorella well as a detoxifier, immune stimulator, and excellent source of general nutrition. The Chlorella offered by Mountain Rose Herbs has a cracked outer cell wall with an 82% digestibility rate. It is grown in outdoor secluded ponds in one of Japan's two primary reef areas and is fully protected from industrial pollutants.

Constituents

Moisture- 4.4%

Protein- 71.09 g

Total lipid (fat)- 11%

Carbohydrate- 5.4%

Fiber- 5%

Chlorophyll- 2.86 mg

CGF- 18.8%

Calcium- 190mg

Iron- 139mg

Magnesium- 308mg

Phosphorus- 895mg

Potassium- 864mg

Vitamin A- 40,200iu

Vitamin E- 17.2mg

Vitamin C- 91mg

and over 18 beneficial amino acids

Parts Used

The entire plant, dried. The cell wall is practically impenetrable, and indigestible in most regards. When purchasing Chlorella, make sure the outer cell wall has either been cracked or opened.

Typical Preparations

Powder to be added to drinks and smoothies, and may be made into a capsule or extract.

Summary

No group of people benefits more from chlorella than women with fibromyalgia. A study at the Medical College of Virginia found that taking 10 grams (3 tablespoons) of chlorella a day for two months substantially reduced pain, although it did not eliminate it. Other studies at the same medical school have found that chlorella reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis and hypertension, health problems frequently occurring in women who have fibromyalgia. In one study, daily supplementation with chlorella was seen to reduce high blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing and enhance immune functions.

Precautions

There actually is a controversy in the medical literature about the interaction of chlorella and vitamin B12, although you'd have read the literature in French and German to get the other side of the story. As a precaution, if you use chlorella every day, take a vitamin B capsule at least once a week. Use only certified chlorella products to make sure you are not getting harmful algae sometimes encapsulated by unscrupulous vendors.

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The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.