Chlorella Uses and Side Effects

chlorella-tablet
Probably the most popular super foods in the health-food industry is chlorella. I remember using this product more than 20 years ago to help with detoxification and energy levels. Chlorella is green algae that grows in freshwater. It is a single-celled plant. Out of many thousands of various types of algae, approximately 15 are edible. There are different species used medicinally. The name chlorella hails from the Greek, name chlorella comes from the Greek, “small.”

Chlorella is a whole food supplement available in various forms. The two most common are tablet and liquid. Additionally it is commonly seen in blends of “green” formulas in capsules, powders, granules, and liquids. Reputable products use a commercial process in their preparation that breaks down the cell wall in order to make chlorella digestible.

Chlorella contains a powerhouse of nutrients and is an important source of chlorophyll, protein (some products contain 1/2 to 3/4 g of protein per 3g chlorella), carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, nucleic acids, vitamins, and minerals. More specifically it is consists of several key amino acids, as well as vitamin C, beta carotene, chlorophyll, lutein, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, choline, vitamin K, lipoic acid, inositol, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, copper, protein, dietary fiber, omega fatty acids, and vitamin B12.

Test tube and animal studies suggest chlorella has antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities.

So far, I have NOT found side effects to be very normal with chlorella. Digestive upset could happen but normally this will dissipate with, reduced dosage and time. A small percent of people may go through some initial some preliminary fatigue, possibly because of detoxification occurring from the chlorella. Stools might be green from the chlorophyll content of chlorella.