10 Benefits of Chlorella
Chlorella is a type of algae, which is a type of single-celled plant. There are countless types of algae, many of which are safe, although some can be very harmful to us. Chlorella is one of those that is not harmful, and it can even be very beneficial to us.
Chlorella is grown commercially and its popularity is growing, particularly in healthy-living circles. It is packed with nutrition and is low in calories, making it ideal for people that want healthy diets.
Chlorella also contains various compounds that can provide health benefits ranging from lowering blood sugar levels to giving athletes a performance boost.
Benefit #1: Boosts Immunity
People often turn to drugs when they fall ill, but humans have another line of defence that is generally more effective overall. Our immune system works hard all day, every day, helping to make sure we don’t fall ill in the first place. Of course, it isn’t perfect, but life would be a lot harder for us without it.
Fortunately, there is plenty that we can do to help keep our immune system as strong as possible. One of the most effective methods is to eat the right types of food. Studies have shown that chlorella is able to give the immune system a boost, helping to keep us safe from disease.
Benefit #2: Lowers Blood Pressure
A high blood pressure is not something that should be taken lightly. Even if you don’t feel as though it is dangerous to you, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. It will also be chipping away at your health over time, potentially leading to severe consequences at some point in the future including conditions such as heart disease.
Depending on the cause, blood pressure can often be reduced by taking care of yourself. This means exercising and eating well, which can include using supplements. Studies have shown that chlorella is able to reduce blood pressure, giving a significant boost to your overall health.
Benefit #3: Nutrition
The most important factor of any food is not the flavor or the taste, but the nutritional content it holds. We need nutrition in order to survive and we also need the right kind of nutrition. It is important that we take on protein and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Without the right nutrition, we could fall quite ill.
Thankfully, in the modern world, most of us have easy access to all the nutrition that we need. We should still keep an eye on the nutritional value of the food we eat, though, and chlorella is packed full of nutrients that are important to us. Such is its nutritional value that it is considered by many to be a superfood.
Benefit #4: High in Antioxidants
Oxidation is a process that causes damage to the body at the cellular level. It is caused by free radicals and the damage caused can lead to various complications. It can lead to countless illnesses, contribute to cancers, and is also largely responsible for ageing. If we can limit the process, we are likely to remain healthier for longer.
Chlorella is high in compounds such as beta-carotene, chlorophyll, lutein, and lycopene, all of which are considered to be antioxidants. This means that they help protect the body against free radicals and, by extension, oxidation. Studies have also shown that chlorella affects how genes age.
Benefit #5: Soothes Respiratory Conditions
Most of us have no difficulty breathing. In fact, we barely even notice we are doing it, at least until we start exercising heavily. Not everybody is so fortunate, though. For some people, just being able to breathe can be a daily struggle. Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma can be a daily burden and even a threat to life.
One reason for these conditions is inflammation that blocks the airways. Chlorella contains compounds that are thought to be able to help reduce inflammation, therefore soothing some respiratory conditions. More research is needed, and patients should continue following medical advice in the meantime.
Benefit #6: Boosts Aerobic Performance
Getting fit requires a lot of hard work. Even then, few people will be able to meet the performances of some of the world’s finest athletes. Only a very few will achieve elite status, although that should not stop the rest of us from achieving the best we can.
Maintaining high levels of fitness involves eating a healthy diet in addition to working hard in the gym and on the track. Certain foods are known to be ideal for athletes and chlorella could be one of them. Studies have shown that people using chlorella are better able to absorb oxygen into their lungs than those who do not.
Benefit #7: Helps with Detoxing
We tend to hear a lot about of detox foods, with different types of detox fads coming and going. The reality is, though, that organs like the liver and kidneys are more than able to keep the body clean themselves. That doesn’t mean, however, that we shouldn’t do what we can to help them.
Studies have shown that chlorella can help to rid the body of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. It does this because it is able to bind to these metals, and some other toxins, making it easier for the body to remove them. Remember, though, that the best way to detox is to look after your organs that are so effective at doing the job every day.
Benefit #8: Good for Diabetics
Eating sugar is not usually a problem for us, at least not in the short term. Our bodies are able to process sugars and regulate how much of it is in the blood, or at least that is usually the case. Many people are unable to do this for themselves in a condition that is known as diabetes.
Diabetics often have to turn to insulin injections to help control their blood sugar levels. They also have to be careful about what they eat to prevent their blood sugar levels from spiking too high. Chlorella, however, has been shown to be able to increase sensitivity to insulin, helping to keep blood sugar levels low.
Benefit #9: Improves Cholesterol Levels
A healthy diet should be low in LDL (bad) cholesterol. This is because these bad cholesterols can cause blockages in the blood vessels and this can lead to some very serious problems such as heart disease and strokes. If you do have high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood then you should do what you can to remedy the situation.
There is plenty that we can do to lower LDL cholesterol levels, however, and taking chlorella supplements is one of them. Studies have shown that people who took chlorella supplements saw a marked decreased in the bad cholesterols.
Benefit #10: Energy Boost
There are countless products available to athletes that claim to help them boost their energy levels. Many of these contain chemical stimulants such as caffeine, although most would rather avoid such stimulants where possible. There are some alternatives available, though, and chlorella is thought to be one of them.
Studies have shown that chlorella is able to stimulate the body into producing more red blood vessels. This helps our blood to carry more oxygen, improving our energy and performance levels overall. To get the most from this benefit, you could try having a chlorella shake before you begin your daily workout.
