Research - Chlorella
Chlorella Research from American Botanical Council
Chlorella spp. (Chlorophyceae) is a single-celled, fresh-water green algae that has survived for at least 2 billion years. Each of Chlorella's cells is self-sufficient and capable of all life-sustaining functions. The algae contain, pound-for-pound, the highest concentration of chlorophyll known to any plant. It is considered an adaptogen, antiviral, an immunostimulant, and nutritive. Chlorella contains all the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, as well as many minerals including zinc, calcium, iron, and magnesium, and all of the dietary-essential amino acids. The algae also contain a "controlled growth factor" which can facilitate an increase in sustained energy and overall health. It has also been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Chlorella contains chlorellan, a life-force stimulant produced by the excitation of macrophage activity. Chlorellan, in a hot extract of Chlorella, can stimulate the production of interferon. In traditional Chinese medicine, the algae have been used to treat cancerous growths and viruses. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and asthma. Studies have shown that Chlorella can directly and indirectly affect the inhibition and prevention of cancer. The algae have also been used in the treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus and in Crohn's disease. Concentrated chlorophyll has been shown to aid in the treatment of pancreatitis. A 2012 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study found that short-term Chlorella supplementation provided a beneficial immunostimulatory effect in healthy Korean subjects (See HC 101211-465). Chlorella's biological coding elements of RNA and DNA have been shown to protect against ultraviolet radiation effects. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Used to promote healthy gums, the chlorophyll in Chlorella has been shown to tighten teeth, aid new tissue growth, and prevent bleeding of the gums. In granular form, it can be mixed with water and applied to the gums through a water jet device.
The algae have often been used in detoxification and cleanses. Chlorella has been used as a detoxifier of heavy metals including cadmium, lead, mercury, and copper. As part of a spring detoxification program, Chlorella can aid in increasing oxygen, cleansing the bowel, liver, and blood, supporting the elimination of molds in the body, promoting growth and repair of body tissues, balancing the body's pH levels, and providing energy during a fast.
Source : American Botanical Council
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Natural News Information on Chlorella
A single-celled, water-grown micro-algae, chlorella is widely known as a powerful "superfood" supplement with extraordinary nutrient density. It is believed to have been around for eons. One of the few edible species of water-grown algae, chlorella is full of chlorophyll. It contains all of the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, amino acids, magnesium, iron, trace minerals, carbohydrates and a higher amount of protein (more than 50%) than meat, per grams of weight (http://www.naturalnews.com). It also has a unique set of phytonutrients (http://www.naturalnews.com/034109_chlorella_superfood.html). It binds to toxins and carries them out of the body. It's high amount of protein makes it a staple for many people who do not eat meat. Phyllis Balch, CNC, says it is virtually a complete food.
Why take it?One of the main uses of chlorella is to detoxify, or cleanse, the body. It has been found to chelate, or remove, heavy metals from the body according to a Russian study (http://www.naturalnews.com/035177_chlorella_cilantro_detox.html). A study involving rats demonstrated the effectiveness of using chlorella as a counteragent for heavy metal poisoning ( http://www.naturalnews.com). Chlorella-treated rats also had less tissue damage than the control group.
Heavy metals are typically very difficult to get out of your tissues. If you have mercury fillings in your teeth, work in certain industries, have received vaccinations, or have been exposed to radiation, you have heavy metals. Most people have at least some, from our environment and food supply, such as the mercury found in fish. NaturalNews' Paul Fassa reports on a Japanese study which found that all cancer cells contain mercury (http://www.naturalnews.com/035177_chlorella_cilantro_detox.html). Additionally, heavy metal toxicity has been associated with mental decline illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
Additional BenefitsChlorella cleanses the blood and optimizes oxygen into the blood. It alkalizes the body, correcting a state of acidosis, in which most disease thrives. By definition, then, it also relieves inflammation, which is the root of much disease. It follows that chlorella is a pain reliever, reduces hypertension and enhances the immune system (http://www.naturalnews.com).
In this NaturalNews report, Donna Earnest Pravel says a study on fibromyalgia patients showed a significant reduction in pain and tenderness. In a similar study, hypertension patients were able to go off of their prescriptions upon taking chlorella
In addition, Pravel also cites a study done on patients receiving flu shots. They took chlorella before receiving their vaccine for a few weeks. They were found to have 2 - 4 times more antibodies when tested, a few weeks after being vaccinated.
Chlorella has also been proven effective for:
• Balancing hormones (relieving PMS, regulating cycles, etc.)
• Treatment of ulcers
• Balancing the digestive system (improving digestion, relieving constipation)
• Increasing the white blood cell count (helps with infections, warding off of illness)
• Reduces or eliminates body odors
• Balances blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar (fighting/preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity)
• Reduces occurrence of asthma attacks and allergies
• Treats fatigue
• Helps boost immune response
• Protects the brain and nervous system
• Supports elimination of many kinds of pollutants, from heavy metals to molds
• Boosts tissue growth, healing and repair
• Detoxifies harmful radiation, protects organs
These are just some of the benefits of taking chlorella. These statements have not been validated by the FDA, but have been validated by centuries of use across many cultures.
How to get it in your dietChlorella requires processing due to a strong cell wall that makes it otherwise impossible to gain access to its nutrients. Be sure the products you buy do not use heat or chemicals in their processing. Fassa says a special milling process or rapid pressure change method is necessary to break down the cell wall and make the nutrients bioavailable. You can find chlorella in pill form or powder form, to add to smoothies.
The herb cilantro is also known for its ability to leech mercury out of the body. It combines nicely with chlorella as a superfood and detoxifying combo (http://www.naturalnews.com/035177_chlorella_cilantro_detox.html).
Other things you should knowAccording to Michelle Bosmier, because of the toxic load the average person carries, sometimes when people start a regime of chlorella they think they are experiencing side-effects. In reality, they are experiencing the effects of detoxification. The cleansing of toxins from the body may give you gas, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. For this reason, its good to start taking chlorella on a weekend, when you can stay close to home. If the side-effects of detoxing are too much for you, ease up on your consumption, adding it in slowly. The symptoms will pass in a couple of days.
Chlorella has a high amount of vitamin K, so it could interfere with blood thinning medications (http://www.naturalnews.com/028017_chlorella_diabetes.html). It also contains iodine, so if you are allergic, avoid it.
Chlorella is inexpensive partially because it is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth. It is the most potent source of pure chlorophyll available (http://www.naturalnews.com/034109_chlorella_superfood.html). Chlorophyll is identical to human blood except for the center element - blood's is iron; chlorophyll's is magnesium. For this reason it is uniquely wonderful for our health. It is a good addition to most diets and disaster kits. It is readily available and stores well, so stock up!
Source : Natural News
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Link to Dr Mercola's Information on Chlorella
Video from Dr. Mercola on Chlorella