Your diet is the most crucial factor affecting your health. What you consume can either support or diminish it. While you must continue eating healthy, nutritious food, you should not discount the benefits of superfood supplements.
Spirulina is the most commonly consumed supplement, but recently, many people have started discovering Chlorella. Algae is one of the best superfoods that you can take in your daily diet, and chlorella is a nutrient-dense alga that has several health benefits.
Read on to know more about the health benefits of Chlorella.
Unicellular algae like chlorella have been around for over 2.5 thousand million years. It is believed to be one of the first forms of life to have occurred and has survived extinction. Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a freshwater alga which grows in colonies. Since this minute organism can only be seen through a microscope, it is also called microalgae. The medicinal properties of chlorella are being considered for the treatment of various diseases. The scientific community has also found several essential nutrients in Chlorella. Here are some of the health benefits of Chlorella because of which you should consider taking these supplements every day.
Your immune system is responsible for fighting off infections to keep you healthy. According to studies, chlorella can boost the immune system by enhancing the immune response of a person. Men who took chlorella produced more antibodies than when they took a placebo. These antibodies are responsible for fighting infections. A study also found that chlorella had benefits on the immune function of athletes gearing up for training over some time. The group that was given chlorella over two days had higher levels of secretory IgA levels, which is, in fact, your body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders. This suggests that athletes’ immune system can be protected better with chlorella supplementation.
The presence of certain compounds such as chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein make chlorella an excellent antioxidant. These antioxidants are responsible for fighting chronic diseases and reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause complications related to diabetes. One study on cigarette smokers showed that chlorella supplements increased their antioxidant levels and reduced the risk of oxidative damage
Studies have shown that chlorella supplements can reduce cholesterol levels. Taking as little as 5-10 grams of chlorella showed that total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced in people with high blood pressure. Chlorella has nutrients such as niacin, fiber, and carotenoids, all of which help improve blood lipid levels and lower cholesterol.
Studies have suggested that chlorella supplements may be useful for people with high blood pressure. Consuming chlorella helps promote heart and kidney health, which ensures normal blood pressure. It also causes arteries to become less stiff and reduces blood pressure in return. Chlorella has nutrients such as arginine, potassium, calcium, and omega-3s, which help protect arteries from hardening.
When combined with other therapies, supplementing with chlorella improves blood sugar level and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with fatty liver disease. Research has shown that taking chlorella helped lower fasting blood sugar levels in healthy people, as well as those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Pollution, stress, and poor diet can cause the skin to age prematurely. This can be stopped or even reversed by taking chlorella supplements. A study done on elderly subjects showed that chlorella reduced oxidative damage to red blood cells, thereby showing anti-aging benefits. Chlorella helps increase the levels of vitamin A, C, and glutathione naturally in our bodies. These aid in eliminating free-radicals and protect cells, thus making it appear younger.
Chlorella encourages healthy digestion by delivering enzymes like pepsin and chlorophyllase to the intestines. This helps your body eliminate wastefully and keeps your intestinal tract in good health. Chlorella supplement ensures that you are getting the most out of everything you eat and also clears up the toxic remains inside your digestive tracts. It also helps purify your blood and gets rid of the molds that live and contaminate your body.
Chlorella surely packs a big nutrient punch and is an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With so many health benefits of chlorella, taking its supplements is a great way to support your overall well-being.