Chlorella is an edible water-grown algae. Because of its rich nutrient composition, some consider it a complete food. Vegans and strict vegetarians often use chlorella as an effective protein source. Natural health practitioners recommend chlorella powder or capsules for a variety of conditions including convalescence, chemical or metal toxicity, radiation illness, malnutrition and malabsorption.

Nutrients Found in Chlorella Powder

Protein

Chlorella is made up of 58% protein, which makes it a richer source of protein by weight than meat. This makes it a great alternate protein source for vegans, strict vegetarians, and those intolerant to meat. Protein has a large number of benefits in the body. 

Healthy Fats

Under the correct growing conditions, chlorella has been shown to contain relatively high levels of healthy fats. Overall by weight, it contains about 10% fat, and up to 40% of this can be EPA, an essential fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

B Vitamins

This algae is also an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), biotin and folic acid. There are many forms of B12 present in chlorella and there is conflicting evidence about whether or not it is bioavailable in humans. If you do not ingest other sources of B12, it may be a good idea to supplement until research can establish chlorella as an effective source.

Other Vitamins and Nutrients

Chlorella is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Beta-carotene. Each of these is an excellent antioxidant and also has several other health benefits. It is also a good source of minerals including calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Each of these nutrients is essential to health, making chlorella a great addition to any limited diet.

Key Health Benefits of Chlorella Powder

Chlorophyll

Part of the green colour of chlorella is created by the presence of chlorophyll. This nutrient is a potent detoxifier that can help speed the release of toxins from the bloodstream by binding them in the intestines. Chlorophyll can also help to increase the oxygenation of tissues by nourishing red blood cells. Interestingly, it has also been shown to do the work of hemoglobin in the blood, which is thought to be due to it resembling the human hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying) molecule. 

Detoxification

Chlorella has a unique ability to bind lead, mercury, and cadmium, causing it to become a popular heavy metal detoxifying agent. It is also able to bind PCBs in the gut prevent their absorption, and potentially help to promote its release from the tissues. Some research has also found that chlorella can help to promote healing from radiation exposure in animals.

Disease Treatment

There is some initial evidence that chlorella can also help in the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia and immune dysregulation conditions like ulcerative colitis by improving pain and quality of life.

Shopping For A Quality Chlorella Powder Supplement

As a supplement chlorella is found in tablets and powder. It can often be found in mixed green food supplements that are used for boosting overall health. When looking for chlorella products, be sure to purchase only those that say broken-cell because chlorella contains a strong cell wall that must be broken to release its nutrients.