Fitness and Nutrition Tips In Estero

Chlorella and Spirulina Health Benefits

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-celled, green freshwater algae.

Because chlorella has a hard cell wall that humans cannot digest, you must take it as a supplement to reap its benefits. *(Broken Cell Wall)*

Chlorella is a very important food for detoxifying all neurotoxins from the bowel. Chlorella is the only intelligent chelator, very effectively removes neurotoxins but is also a whole and completely natural food supplying a rich source of amino acids, essential fatty acids, B-12 and vitamins, and minerals.

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. Based on this evidence, it seems that chlorella could help enhance your body's natural ability to clear toxins, by binding to heavy metals and other toxins.

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.

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.

The Bottom Line

Chlorella is a type of algae that packs a big nutrient punch, as it's a good source of several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In fact, emerging research shows that it could help shuttle toxins out of your body and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among other health benefits.

For now, there doesn't seem to be any harm in taking chlorella supplements, and they could support your health.

What is Spirulina:

Spirulina is a blue-green micro-algae that grows in freshwater lakes and ponds. It is recognized as one of the oldest life forms on earth. The Aztecs consumed Spirulina for hundreds of years for its abundant source of protein.

Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids and is about 50-70% protein by weight. This makes it an incredible supplement for vegetarians, vegans, and those looking to reduce their intake of animal products. Just one tablespoon (7g) of spirulina powder contains about 4g of protein.

Spirulina is highly digestible due to its cellulose walls that are broken down easily. It’s packed with bio-available nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, and B6. It’s also a vegan source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Consuming spirulina will boost the nutritional content of any diet. Studies have actually looked at using spirulina to combat malnutrition. A study on 50 malnourished children in The Democratic Republic of the Congo gave a group of children 10g of spirulina daily in addition to their local diet. The results showed that the nutritional status of the children receiving spirulina improved rapidly compared to those who just ate the local diet.

Antioxidant Properties

Spirulina is a great source of antioxidants. The potent blue-green color is the result of its high phycocyanin (a powerful antioxidant) content. It’s also a good source of beta-carotene.

This superfood can help to protect us from the onslaught of free radicals that we encounter daily from stress, pollution, and poor diet and lifestyle choices.

Immune Health:

Spirulina is an immune-boosting superfood. A study on elderly Korean men and women found significant increases in blood levels of an immune compound called interleukin-2 (IL-2) when given 8g of spirulina daily for four months. IL-2 is produced by the immune system in response to infection and helps the immune system to differentiate between the “self” (the body) and foreign invaders.

Allergies

Studies suggest spirulina could improve allergic rhinitis by inhibiting histamine release and reducing inflammation. One study found that taking just 2g of spirulina daily significantly reduced allergy symptoms.

Strength and Endurance

Exercise fanatics may want to pay attention to spirulina. It’s a great addition to a workout shake, as it provides protein for muscle growth, and now research is showing it can reduce inflammation and boost muscle recovery.

A 2006 study found that students who were given spirulina platensis took significantly longer for their muscles to become fatigued during exercise.

In 2010, a 4-week study on moderately fit men found spirulina − when compared to a placebo − improved exercise performance, fat burning, and levels of the antioxidant glutathione.

Blood Sugar

A 2001 study looked at the impact of 2g of spirulina per day on people looking to improve blood sugar levels. After two months, there were considerable improvements in fasting blood sugar levels and blood sugar levels after meals, as well as markers of long-term blood sugar regulation.

Weight Management

Studies in 2014 and 2016 found that supplementing with spirulina may result in weight-loss and a healthier BMI. More studies are needed to confirm the mechanisms behind this. However, we’ve seen how spirulina can promote better blood sugar levels, so it makes sense that it could also encourage weight management.

Heart Health

Spirulina’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties look promising for promoting better heart health. Small studies have shown that spirulina may reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. A 2018 meta-analysis confirmed this by finding that spirulina consumption has a positive impact on multiple heart health markers.

The biggest difference between the two is their color.” Chlorella's truer green, while Spirulina has more of a blue-ish cast. Both chlorella and Spirulina are believed to calm inflammation, protect cells, and provide nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

References:

PubMed: Spirulina Supplements Improved the Nutritional Status of Undernourished Children Quickly and Significantly: Experience from Kisantu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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