Chlorella, sometimes called green algae, Chlorophyta, or its scientific name, Chlorella vulgaris, is a superfood from the Chlorellaceae family. It is found alone or in fresh or saltwater clusters (1). Although there are over 30 types of chlorella, the two most commonly researched types are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (2).

Chlorella’s cell size varies but is usually 2-12 µm (micrometers) in diameter. The chloroplasts are hollow, cup-shaped, or plate-like and sometimes bear sub-cellular micro-compartments known as pyrenoids (3). Pyrenoids are dense structures inside or beside chloroplasts of certain algae and are one of the required enzymes in photosynthesis for carbon fixation and sugar formation (4). Pyrenoid proteomes contain 190 proteins responsible for functions such as the carbon-concentrating mechanism, starch metabolism, ribonucleic acid (RNA) metabolism, and the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules to amino acids during protein synthesis (5).

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Chlorella

Although most known as a superfood, chlorella’s health benefits reach far beyond its excellent nutritional values, such as:

Highly Nutritious

Vegans often supplement chlorella because it has the highest natural chlorophyll content (6). Aside from being the richest source of chlorophyll, chlorella has many different nutritional values. Although the nutritional content varies depending on growing conditions, it typically contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and other B vitamins (7). Chlorella is rich in the following nutrients:

• Complete protein (8)
• Fiber (9)
• Iron (10)
• Omega-3s (11)
• Vitamin B12 (12)
• Vitamin C (13)

Antioxidant Properties

Chlorella is rich in antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease (14).

Chlorella’s plant compounds, such as chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, all act as antioxidants (15). Studies have found that chlorella interferes with DNA and how genes age (16). Other studies demonstrate that chlorella supplements increase antioxidant levels in populations at heightened risk of oxidative damage, such as chronic cigarette smokers (17). It would probably be a great option for vapers, too.

Binds to Heavy Metals, Aiding in Detoxification

Aside from being a highly nutritious superfood, chlorella is most often recognized for its detoxification abilities. Animal studies indicate that chlorella effectively removes heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (18,19).

If you read my post, Should You Worry About Heavy Metals, you know humans are exposed to heavy metals daily, from food and water contamination to vaccinations and even our clothing. Heavy metals that rank highest in toxicity include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury (20).

Animal studies found algae like chlorella weakens the toxic effects of heavy metals in the liver, brain, and kidneys (21). One study noted 37%, 43%, and 67% removal of copper after 4, 8, and 12 days of chlorella (22). Chlorella has also been proven to help decrease the amount of other harmful chemicals found in our food supply, like dioxins (23).

It’s important to use other detoxification methods along with chlorella to ensure the heavy metals bind and leave the body. If you’re not using something like Jagielolia’s Binder + All-in-One Detox, which contains binders, I highly recommend MaryRuth’s Activated Charcoal Capsules for binding. To learn more about detoxing heavy metals, check out my post, How to Detox From Heavy Metals.

May Support & Enhance the Immune System

The immune system protects the body from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other toxins (). When you support and enhance your immune system, you potentially support your body’s ability to fight off sickness. One study found men who took chlorella produced more antibodies than when they took a placebo (25). Another study learned healthy adults taking chlorella showed markers of increased immune activity (26).

May Promote Respiratory Health

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States (27). These respiratory diseases often require controlling inflammation for proper respiratory health management (28,29). Chlorella has components like antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation (30). One study discovered chlorella supplements improved COPD patients’ antioxidant status and pulmonary function (31).

May Promote Eye Health

Chlorella contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin (32). Lutein and zeaxanthin are the primary dietary carotenoids in the human retina, protecting the macula from blue light damage, improving visual acuity, and scavenging harmful reactive oxygen (33). Studies suggest chlorella’s natural plant compounds would decrease these risks and protect against macular degeneration (34,35).

May Promote Liver Health

The liver is the largest internal organ, responsible for over 500 vital functions such as bile production, detoxification, production and regulation of vital bodily processes, and more (36). When the liver becomes overburdened, it may become congested, resulting in liver disease. Several studies have demonstrated that chlorella supplementation can improve markers of liver health in individuals with non-alcoholic liver disease (37,38,39).

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

As of 2020, 34.2 million (1 in 10) Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million (1 in 3) Americans have prediabetes (0). On the bright side, studies indicate that chlorella may help lower blood sugar levels. An animal study found chlorella to have a hypoglycemic effect on rats with type 2 diabetes (41). A human study discovered that taking chlorella for 12 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels in healthy individuals and those at elevated risk of lifestyle-related diseases (42).

May Improve Cholesterol Levels

There are two types of cholesterol: bad LDL and good HDL. Too much bad cholesterol, or insufficient good, increases the risk of cholesterol building up in the artery’s inner walls responsible for feeding the heart and brain (43). Studies have uncovered a link between chlorella and reduced cholesterol levels. One study demonstrated that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily reduced total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol (44). Chlorella plant compounds like niacin, fiber, carotenoids, and antioxidants are responsible for this effect (45,46,47,48).

May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death in America. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of Americans have uncontrolled high blood pressure (49). Thankfully, chlorella may be able to help. In a 12-week study, participants with mildly elevated blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily. By the end of the 12 weeks, the participants had lower blood pressure readings than those who took the placebo (50). Another study demonstrated that chlorella supplementation was linked to reduced artery stiffness (a factor affecting blood pressure) in healthy men (51).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Surprisingly, mainstream sources aren’t anti-chlorella. Some sources, like WebMD, highlight chlorella’s many benefits and successes (52). Some recommend avoiding chlorella if you are taking blood thinners or have a history of non-melanoma skin cancer (53). Aside from that, taking too much chlorella may result in diarrhea, nausea, gas, green stools, and stomach cramping (54). In my experience, lowering the dose or temporarily discontinuing will resolve these symptoms.

How to Use Chlorella & Product Recommendations

I try to buy herbs locally when I make my own herbal remedies. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands I trust:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I have used chlorella and other herbs to detox heavy metals. Aside from that, I haven’t had the opportunity to make herbal remedies with chlorella, but I enjoy a few premade herbal products, including:

• Anthony’s Organic Chlorella Powder is certified USDA Organic, batch-tested, and verified gluten-free. It is high in protein, iron, vitamin C, and chlorophyll with broken cell walls for easy digestion! Blend this emerald green superfood into smoothies and juices, sprinkle it on foods, or add it to desserts to easily mask the taste and promote heavy metal detoxification.
• Dr. Mercola Fermented Chlorella with Chlorophyll is a highly digestible and bioavailable superfood blend that supports immune and healthy organ function while playing a key role in your body’s normal detoxification processes.
• Jagielolia’s Binder + All-in-One Detox is a bioavailable formula designed especially for the gut microbiome, digestion, and detoxification process. The proprietary blend, combined with liver-supporting and antioxidant-rich herbs, is beneficial for overall and comprehensive wellness.
• Micro Ingredients Organic Chlorella Tablets are a highly concentrated, natural superfood that uses pure, vegan-friendly ingredients. These tablets are created with raw, organic chlorella treated under low temperatures and non-irradiated for superior quality. They are designed to retain most of chlorella’s nutrient-dense profile, leaving behind absorbable broken cell wall chlorella tablets.
• The Brother’s Apothecary Super Green Capsules combine a blend of powerful superfoods, including Spirulina, Chlorella, and Wheatgrass. Each has been chosen for its nutrient-dense profile, including its variety of vitamins, minerals, and other secondary plant metabolites such as chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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