What Is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a single-celled, green freshwater algae.
There are over 30 different species, but two types — Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa — are most commonly used in research.
Because chlorella has a hard cell wall that humans cannot digest, you must take it as a supplement to reap its benefits
Interestingly, studies indicate it can have many health benefits. Here are 9 of them.
1. Very Nutritious
Chlorella’s impressive nutritional profile has led some to call it a “super food.” While its exact nutrient content depends on growing conditions, the species used and how supplements are processed, it is clear it packs several beneficial nutrients.
They include:
Protein: Chlorella is 50–60% protein. What is more, it’s a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.
Vitamin B12: Some chlorella varieties may also contain vitamin B12, but more studies are needed.
Iron and vitamin C: Chlorella can be a good source of iron. Depending on the supplement, it may provide anywhere from 6–40% of daily need. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron.
Other antioxidants: These tiny green cells provide a wide range of antioxidants.
Other vitamins and minerals: Chlorella provides small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and other B vitamins.
Omega-3s: As with other algae, chlorella contains some omega-3s. Just 3 grams of chlorella delivers 100 mg of omega-3s.
Binds to Heavy Metals, Aiding Detox
Chlorella has gotten some buzz for its ability to help the body “detox.” In fact, animal studies indicate that it’s effective at helping remove heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body.
Heavy metals include some elements that are essential in small amounts, such as iron and copper, but these and other heavy metals like cadmium and lead can be toxic in larger amounts.
In animals, algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken the heavy metal toxicity of the liver, brain, and kidneys.
Furthermore, chlorella has been shown to help lower the amount of other harmful chemicals that are sometimes found in food. One of these is dioxin, a hormone disruptor that can contaminate animals in the food supply (
Based on this evidence, it seems that chlorella could help enhance your body’s natural ability to clear toxins.).
Could Enhance Immune System
Immune system helps keep you healthy by fighting off infections.
Chlorella has been found to enhance the immune response in both animal and human studies, although the evidence so far is limited.
In one small study, men produced more antibodies when taking chlorella than when they took a placebo. Antibodies help fight foreign invaders in body, meaning this finding is quite promising.
May Help Improve Cholesterol
Several studies have suggested that chlorella supplements may help lower cholesterol.
Specifically, several studies have shown that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol.
Chlorella’s content of the following may help improve blood lipid levels:
Niacin: A B vitamin known to lower cholesterol.
Fiber: A cholesterol-lowering agent.
Carotenoids: Have been shown to naturally lower cholesterol
Antioxidants: Help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is known to contribute to heart disease.
Acts as an Antioxidant
Chlorella contains several compounds that are considered antioxidants, including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein.
These antioxidants can help fight many chronic diseases.
Some of these antioxidants seem to reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive many of the complications of diabetes.
In animals and lab studies, chlorella has interfered with the way genes age
Also, a human study showed chlorella supplements increased antioxidant levels in chronic cigarette smokers, a population at a higher risk of oxidative damage.
Although much of this research is promising, it is still preliminary.
Helps Keep Blood Pressure in Check
Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure.
In one study, people with mildly high blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks.
By the end, these people had lower blood pressure readings than participants who took the placebo.
Another small study in healthy men showed that taking chlorella supplements was linked to less stiffness of the arteries, a factor that affects blood pressure
One theory to explain this is that some of chlorella’s nutrients, including arginine, potassium, calcium and omega-3s, help protect arteries from hardening.
Could Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Some research shows that chlorella may help lower blood sugar levels
One study found that taking chlorella for 12 weeks lowered fasting blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases
Other studies have shown that supplementing with chlorella improves blood sugar control and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
May Enhance Aerobic Endurance
Only one study has looked at chlorella’s effect on aerobic endurance, but it showed a positive effect.
Researchers gave a group of young adults six grams of chlorella or a placebo daily for four weeks.
At the end of the study, the chlorella group showed a significantly improved ability to saturate their lungs with oxygen, which is a measure of endurance. The placebo group did not experience any changes in endurance.
This effect may be due to chlorella’s branched-chain amino acid content.
Branched-chain amino acids are a collection of three amino acids that have been found to improve aerobic performance in various studies.