What is chlorella? What are some of the chlorella benefits? What is the recommended chlorella dosage? Given the number of questions we’ve received about this algae, our team of health professionals has put together a complete beginner’s guide to chlorella that covers chlorella benefits, dosage, side effects, and more!

Chlorella, which comes from broken cell walls, can be taken as chlorella powder, fermented chlorella, or chlorella tablet/capsules. Let us go over the chlorella side effects and possible dangers, as well as where to buy the best chlorella supplement.

QUICK LINKS

• What is chlorella? >>

• What are the health benefits of chlorella? >>

• Chlorella vs Spirulina >>

•  How to take chlorella? >>

• Chlorella dosage >>

• Chlorella side effects and possible dangers >>

• Where to buy best chlorella supplement? >>

WHAT IS CHLORELLA?

Real Name

Chlorella’s real name is chlorella vulgaris or chlorella pyrenoidosa.

Where Does It Come From?

Broken Cell Wall — this is a term used in the process of making chlorella digestible for humans. 

Science Fact: Chlorella is quite difficult to digest in the human body when taken in its natural form given its hard cell wall. With that being said, taking processed chlorella in a supplement form increases your body’s ability to properly digest it!

Now that you know what chlorella is, let’s take a look at the health benefits of this incredible algae.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHLORELLA

1. Chlorella is a Superfood

That’s right! Chlorella is said to be a superfood because it is PACKED with various nutrients. 

Here are just a few nutrients that chlorella contains:

• • • Protein: An article published in 2014 in the Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences Journal suggested that chlorella is made up of 60% of protein (dry weight).
    • Iron: 28g of chlorella in its natural form can contain up to 202% of your body’s daily need in iron. With that being said, if you’re interested in taking chlorella supplements, find out what %DV (daily value) it has in iron content.
    • Vitamin C: Now, we’ve discussed vitamin C more than once on this blog, but did you know that vitamin C may actually help your body absorb iron?

2. Chlorella Can Help Detox

Some studies have shown that chlorella can help remove heavy metals from the body!

Although it might not be highly common for people to have dangerous amounts of metals in their bodies, some studies have shown that people can still be exposed to heavy metals due to pollution and specific jobs such as mining.

A study published in 2007 in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that chlorella could help lower the number of chemicals and metals found in food, such as in breast milk. 

3. Chlorella Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Help your immune system this winter by introducing chlorella into your daily routine!

Some studies suggest that chlorella may help boost your immune system by strengthening your cells.

That’s right! A study published in 2011 in the Nutrition Journal found that a group of men had generated more antibodies when taking daily chlorella supplements for 14 weeks than compared to the placebo group.

Why are antibodies so important you ask? They help fight bacteria that are not meant to be in your body. 

As your doctor or a health professional to see if chlorella is a good fit for you this winter!

4. Chlorella is a Great Antioxidant

Chlorella has different compounds that are considered to be antioxidants. These include chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. 

We are not gonna go into detail about each of those antioxidants but we will talk about the effect that all those combined can produce. 

Did you know that these antioxidants can have diverse medicinal properties? 

A study published in 2016 in the Current Pharmaceutical Design journal suggested that taking chlorella vulgaris supplements could have a positive impact on those affected by diabetes. 

In addition, the results of a clinical trial published in 2013 in the Clinical Laboratory journal suggested that a 16-week chlorella supplementation helped improve chronic cigarette smokers’ health by significantly boosting their antioxidants levels.

5. Chlorella Can Help Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Various studies have shown that chlorella may actually help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. 

A study published in 2009 in the Clinical and Experimental Hypertension journal suggested that taking 4 grams of chlorella for 12 weeks significantly decreased high-normal blood pressure.

CHLORELLA VS SPIRULINA

Chlorella and spirulina are both forms of algae that provide tons of potential health benefits. However, there are certain differences between the two that could affect your decision before purchasing. 

Chlorella is higher in fat and calories, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Spirulina is higher in copper, protein, and thiamine. 

Both chlorella and spirulina are rich in antioxidants and may benefit blood sugar. 

HOW TO TAKE CHLORELLA

Lucky for us, there are many ways to take chlorella and receive the same amount of benefits. 

Chlorella Powder 

Chlorella powder can be mixed into your liquids and foods such as yogurt, smoothies, stir-fries, and soups. 

Fermented Chlorella 

Fermented food helps your body digest foods easier and increases nutrients. Some studies have shown that taking fermented chlorella can help improve mineral and antioxidant bioavailability. 

Chlorella Tablets/Capsules

Chlorella tablets and capsules provide an easy and reliable dosage.  

CHLORELLA DOSAGE

With chlorella tablets, it is easier to control your dosage since every tablet comes in the recommended serving. Doses up to 6,000 mg can be taken for 24 weeks, but be aware that there are no guidelines when it comes to chlorella. As usual, it is recommended to consult a health professional to determine which dosage is best for you.

When consumed in powder, the dosage is indicated on the container, but again, it is always recommended to consult a health professional when trying out new supplements.

SIDE EFFECTS AND POSSIBLE DANGERS 

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gas, green discoloration in the stools, and around the two-week mark of use, stomach cramping. Skin sensitivity to the sun may occur so sunscreen is recommended. 

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

There is not enough reliable research when it comes to the side effects of chlorella when taken by the mouth. It is best to avoid using when breastfeeding and to reduce dosage when pregnant. Speak to your doctor for more information. 

Allergies

Chlorella might affect people who are allergic to mold.

Weak Immune System

People with weak immune systems might see problems with chlorella as it may produce “bad” bacteria in the intestines. Speak to your doctor before dosage. 

Iodine Sensitivity

Some formulas of chlorella contain iodine. People with a sensitivity to iodine could have an allergic reaction.

WHERE TO BUY BEST CHLORELLA SUPPLEMENT

Given the multiple health benefits of chlorella, it is one of our favorite ingredients to incorporate as part of an integrative health and wellness routine. However, before purchasing chlorella, there are a few things to look for: 

100% Chlorella

Make sure the ingredient list states that it is 100% chlorella (broken cell wall).

Third-Party Testing

This is a very important factor to consider when looking for chlorella supplements. Results from third-party testing should be made available on the supplier’s website.

GMP Certification

Make sure the products are certified (GMP). This should also be available on the supplier’s website.

Non-GMO

We encourage you to find Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organisms) chlorella supplements. 

Our health professionals here at Nuzena have designed our ideal chlorella formula — the Chlorella Super Green +.

Our chlorella formula helps with detoxification, provides natural support for inflammation, and helps boost the immune system!

If reading this article has made you question whether or not chlorella is an ingredient your body needs, we invite you to take our free 3-minute quiz to receive a full health and wellness report, created by one of our health specialists!

Learn more about Chlorella Super Green + 

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The Nuzena Team