15 Health Benefits of Chlorella, According to Science (+6 Delicious Recipes)

Chlorella is a freshwater algae that provides relief from many recurring and chronic illnesses. Chlorella is originally found in Taiwan and Japan, known for its high content of chlorophyll that offers its bright green colour.

The Taiwanese algae offers a wide variety of nutrients and antioxidants that make this superfood a powerful detoxifier. It has the ability to cleanse your digestive tract, enhance eyesight, and offer relief from aching joints. Incorporating this healthy all-natural supplement in your diet can be one of the best things to do for a healthy lifestyle. So without further ado, here are 15 reasons why you need more chlorella in your daily diet.

Because of environmental factors, humans are prone to life-threatening diseases, infections, high blood pressure, and other conditions. This is because our air contains lots heavy metals and toxins. With chemical products and harmful pesticides taking over our food supplies and packaged products, establishing a healthy diet is a must.

1. Chlorella Functions As A Powerful Detoxification Agent

If you live an active lifestyle, getting out of the house is unavoidable. So you need something that protects your entire body from harmful toxins and possible infections. Factors such as mercury tooth fillings, packaged foods, sun exposure, and high fish consumption all lead to increase in heavy metals and chemicals in the body.

Studies suggest that a regular intake in chlorella supplements or in powdered form may help alleviate heavy metals in the urine. Mice were treated with chlorella powder showed that an increased intake helps accelerate excretion of heavy metals and other toxins from the body. This is done by passing urine and sweat. (1)

Another observational study proved that regular chlorella intake reduces chances of heavy metal poisoning in the bloodstream. It also reduces risk of muscle and bone damage caused by increased levels of cadmium absorption in the body. The cadmium toxicity in the bloodstream can only be avoided with high levels of chlorella consumption. (2)

To sum it up, all these studies prove that chlorella is a pure detoxification agent for the body. They help reduce level of dioxins in the body, which are environmental pollutants. (3)

Key Takeaway: Regular supplementation of chlorella detoxifies your blood, tissues, and organs from heavy metals and other toxins found in the environment.

2. Chlorella Helps Protect The Eyes From Harm

Chlorella is a good source of beta-carotene which is also found in carrots. Beta-carotene plays a very important role in preventing eye diseases and improving vision in both children and adults.

Beta-carotene is present in higher amounts in chlorella than carrots. Plus, chlorella also consists of lutein which is another useful eye pigment. It protects the retina and lens while reducing effects of UV damage in the eyes. (4)

Exposure to the sun is unavoidable, so you need good amounts of beta-carotene and lutein to promote macular region protection to fight against degeneration. The carotenoids present in chlorella boost eyesight and prevent the proliferation of age-related eye diseases in older adults. (5)

Combined with other important vitamins, beta-carotene prevents vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. It improves vision in people with a higher risk of developing inherited eye disease. (6)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella has impressive health powers that improve eyesight and fight against age-related macular degeneration caused by beta-carotene and other vitamins deficiency.

3. Chlorella Fortifies Your Immune System

Just as chlorella can flush away toxins from your body, it can support the immune system of your body from multiple diseases. The regular intake of chlorella supplements can have drastically positive changes to prevent severe immunological diseases in the body.

Being an excellent source of protein, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chlorella has immunostimulatory effects on cell-induced cytokines in healthy people. It also enhances cell activity. (5)

This study also shows that small amounts of chlorella can boost your natural killer cells (NTK) activity and increase your gamma-interferon levels. Both are important for fighting against immune diseases in the body.

The powerful effect of chlorella could be observed after a short term of supplementation as only 8 weeks of regular consumption is prescribed to most patients. (6)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella strengthens the immune system and act as an extra protective immunostimulatory agent to increase natural killer cells and gamma-interferon activities the body.

4. Chlorella Is A Nutritious Slimming Agent

It’s no secret that everyone is looking for healthy ways to exercise weight loss while building strength and flexibility.

Chlorella is known to be remarkable for weight loss and weight management. After regular consumption of chlorella for a few days, you will witness a noticeable decrease in body fat percentage and total blood cholesterol level.

People with lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases are all victims to weight gain. One of the best ways to fight fat including consuming high amounts of chlorella in the diet. (7)

The study focused on 17 healthy participants for a 16-week period. Based on blood samples, it was clear that chlorella boosts fat metabolism and insulin signal pathways. This suggests it’s good for healthy weight loss.

As we lose weight, toxins are released in the bloodstream and might get reabsorbed. In such a case, chlorella fights back the toxins to throw them out of the system for a cleaner process of weight loss. Additionally, chlorella supplements regulate hormonal activity, hence they regulate high metabolism rates.

Key Takeaway: Chlorella promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism, regulating hormones and also due to its detoxifying capabilities.

5. The Nutrients Present In Chlorella Help Defeat Cancer

During the life cycle of each cell, there are phases where the cell is susceptible to cancer, our immune system, in this case, acts like a protective agent to identify abnormal cell changes and cell death.

Chlorella acts as a detoxifier to protect cells from environmental-factors such as heavy metals, toxins, etc. that may cause cancer. Chlorella boosts T-cells (immune cells) that can detect damaged cells and prevent them from multiplying to tumors. (8)

This study focused on the anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of chlorella. The study was conducted on liver cancer-induced rats with a normal diet of chlorella supplements for the prevention and treatment of cancer cells and tumors.

The results showed that chlorella has definite chemoprotective properties. It also inhibits apoptosis or cell death, a process which leads to the proliferation of more cancer cells in the body.

Also chlorella has shown great effects in decreasing chemotherapy and radiation side effects. Treatments such as that can causes disturbances in digestion and increase inflammation in the gut lining. Chlorella reduces such drastic effects by increasing nutrient absorption in the bloodstream for proper digestion.

Key Takeaway: Chlorella can fight cancer with its powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It also decreases chemotherapy and radiation side effects by acting as a better alternative for nutrients absorption in the bloodstream.

6. Chlorella Extract Aids Digestion

Chlorella is a good source of chlorophyll which is considered to be good for your gastrointestinal system.

If you have been suffering from cramps, bloating, or irregular bowel movement, chlorella can offer instant relief as it enhances bowel movement. Another benefit is that chlorella flourishes the gut from gut digestive bacteria and helps with proper nutrient absorption in the bloodstream.

The gut digestive bacteria is a nutritive bacteria found in the stomach. It plays a vital role in food digestion, yet, like any other bacteria, they need nutrients to survive and chlorella could be a very nutritious source for them. (9)

Moving forward, chlorella extracts aids digestion as it also contains digestive enzymes such as pepsin. Pepsin is responsible for the breaking down of protein in the stomach lining, so in cases of protein indigestion, chlorella facilitates faster gastrointestinal processes.

Another important factor is chlorella’s high fiber diet which helps in proper bowel movement, stool excretion, and intestinal digestion. (10)

People with regular chlorella intake reported better bowel movement and all of the gas, flatulence or digestive tract cramps they experienced before subsided in a matter of a very short period.

Key Takeaway: Chlorella’s fiber and chlorophyll content increases digestion and also acts as a nutrient for digestive flora, hence, increasing its activity and providing extra digestive enzymes such as pepsin for normal gastrointestinal health.

7. Vitamins Present In Chlorella Boosts Brain Activity

Chlorella is a rich source of vitamin C, A, and B12. All of which play a major role in increasing brain activity and preventing brain damage.

As chlorella is an excellent source of vitamin B12, a vitamin essential for brain activity, it helps in reducing vitamin deficiency in older adults. Vitamin deficiency in the body can cause depression, mood swings, fatigue, and other symptoms of brain inactivity. And it gets worse as you get older.

With an intake of chlorella, you can help reduce vitamin C deficiency for children. This enhances early brain development. The study focused on increasing vitamin C diet in young guinea pigs. The results showed that vitamin C plays a major role early brain development as much as it fights again impairment in brain function. (11)

Another study studied the effects of vitamin B12, which proved that low levels of vitamin B12 in the bloodstream can cause brain shrinkage. Hence, affecting brain processes such as memory, thinking, and communication abilities.

The study showed that people who consumed low levels of vitamin B12 in their daily diet showed signs of thinking impairment and loss of cognitive function. It increases blood vessel of the vitamin which is an important agent for reducing brain atrophy and cognitive impairment. (12)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella enhances your brain activity by providing it with vitamin B12, A, and C. It act as protector against severe brain damage and cognitive impairment.

8. Chlorella Is A Great Snack With Anti-Aging Benefits

If you’re getting older and need to get a boost of nutrients in your daily diet, chlorella might help you. A daily intake of chlorella and you got yourself an anti-aging miracle that will make you feel healthier than ever.

The antioxidant capacity of chlorella makes it one of the most effective methods for aging. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and glutathione. The nutrients all work together to get rid of free radicals in the body which is a major contributor to wrinkling. It also leads to life-threatening diseases.

A study showed that chlorella has powerful anti-aging effects in cellular activity in humans. It prevents cellular aging with the help of its powerful antioxidant strength via catalase and glutathione compounds. (13)

Aging directly affects cellular activities causing multiple cell death and damage. It also restricts proper DNA synthesis with loss of proper communication between cells and organs. This abnormal mechanism of cells can be prevented with a good diet rich in antioxidants. It prevents aging and degenerative diseases in humans.

Key Takeaway: Chlorella can slow down the aging process by decreasing free radical damage and oxidative. This is due to its vitamin A, C and glutathione content.

9. Chlorella Regulates Your Blood Sugar And Lowers Cholesterol

With a huge sector of the world’s population now suffering from type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia, people are suffering from high levels of cholesterol due to lots of factors.

This includes unhealthy eating habits rich in fats and sugar with and fillers and artificial preservatives. Other factors can also include stress or genetic causes. This makes your body is very prone to diseases caused by such chronic conditions.

Chlorella intake showed positively significant results in regulating normal blood sugar as it boosts your insulin activity due to its ability to enhance genetic activity towards cellular insulin sensitivity. So your body becomes more alert to insulin resistance and is aware of its effects even when consumed in small amounts, regularly.

The anti-hyperinsulinemic effects of chlorella inhibits visceral fat and triglyceride levels in the body. This improves lipid metabolism and glucose levels. While preventing cholesterol-induced disorders caused by a high-fat and sugar diet. (14,15)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella is a powerful agent to lower your blood cholesterol increase the insulin cellular sensitivity in the body. It helps people cope with lifestyle-related disorders caused by an unhealthy and high-fat diet

10. Chlorella Improves Oral Hygiene

With copious amount of protein, vitamins, phosphorus, and vitamins intake, chlorella aids oral health. If you have any nutrient deficiency, it directly affects your oral health which in turn leads to malnutrition. Regular consumption of chlorella can reduce severe symptoms of mouth ulcers, bad breath, tongue inflammation, etc.

The teeth are dependant greatly on vitamin C, A, and protein. All of which are present in chlorella in good amounts. Lack of such nutrients can cause enamel hypoplasia which is a condition characterized by lesions on the surface of the enamel.

Other conditions such as tooth decay, cavities, gland atrophy, and infections are a result of nutrient deficiency in the body. (16)

Another study tells us chlorella plays an important role in preventing oral diseases from the cellular level. Anyone who suffered from oral cavities and other diseases will benefit greatly against inflammation.

The chlorophyll content of chlorella acts as a mouth freshener and works like magic to remove bad breathe and improve gum and teeth hygiene. (17)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella improves oral hygiene due to its powerful nutrients like vitamins, phosphorus, and chlorophyll content. It takes away bad breath odor caused by bacterial formation in the buccal area, while keeping other oral diseases at bay.

12. Chlorella Promotes Flawless Skin Texture

To have glowing skin and a healthy cellular cycle, your body needs to renew its cells on a regular basis. For that, your body needs lots of essential nutrients and normal nutrient absorption in the bloodstream. With a deficiency in such nutrients, it could reverse the process of skin cell renewal causing saggy, tired, wrinkling skin texture.

With all the pollutants your skin is subjected to and the unavoidable UV radiation from the sun, your body needs a good amount of antioxidants such as lutein, beta-carotene, and glutathione to fight its negative effects. If left untreated, all of negative effects will result in accelerated wrinkling, aging spots, and accumulated damaged cells.

Chlorella being a great source of antioxidants as beta-carotene and lutein, contains phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acids and caffeic acids that are amazing free radical scavengers. (18)

As the cell division process begins, the cell is exposed to the dangers of DNA damage that mark damaged skin cells. In such cases, chlorella is full of growth factors and nucleic acids the promote cell regeneration and maintain a flawless skin composition. (19,20,21)

Key Takeaway: Numerous studies have shown that beta-carotene, lutein, and other antioxidants present in chlorella offer glowing skin. Coupled with growth hormones and phenolic compounds, chlorella reverse skin damage and accelerates the growth of healthy skin cells.

13. Chlorella Facilitates Normal Heart And Kidney Health

Blood pressure is regulated through the heart and kidneys, yet with our stressful lifestyle we are more exposed to the risk of suffering from hypertension based on the way our body reacts to the nutrients we digest.

That said, to keep our blood pressure in check we need to make sure we follow a healthy diet. This includes chlorella consumption as well. It saves us from the complications of heart diseases, kidney failure, and secondary blood pressure problems.

Studies have shown that people with regular chlorella intake have manifested normal blood pressure levels in the course of 12 weeks than those without a regular chlorella diet. (22)

This study even proved that chlorella significantly lowers fractions of cerebral stroke lesions in hypertensive rats. This is mainly due to chlorella’s high antioxidant capacity including beta-carotene, lutein, and other nutrients.

Lastly, blocked arteries is another contributing agent to heart and kidney problems. It causes excessive inflammation and lack of blood flow for proper digestion and metabolic activities. But people who took chlorella for its arginine, calcium and omega-3 content lowered their chances of experiencing blocked arteries for a healthy heart. (23)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella contains good amounts of antioxidants and other nutrients including arginine, calcium, beta-carotene, and omega-3 acids. This reduces artery stiffness and high blood pressure inhibiting restricted blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body.

13. Chlorella Is A Powerful Antioxidant

Chlorella works as the perfect antioxidant your body needs. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, lycopene, and chlorophyll which pays an important role in reducing glycation substances. These toxic substances help induce diabetes and other inflammatory complications in the body.

Chlorella acts as a therapeutic agent for diabetic patients with a heart problem. It also helps reduce free radical damage caused by environmentally and genetically induced chemicals and toxins in the body.

The peptides found in chlorella, combined with chlorophyll have immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in reversing the accumulation of microbial activity in the cellular level. (24)

This report also concluded that the fatty acids present in chlorella help alter the production of microalgae, which is a common microbial agent for excessive fatty acid content in the body.

Key Takeaway: Chlorella acts as a mega antioxidant to hunt down free radicals damage, oxidative stress, and microbial activity in the body.

14. Chlorella Is A Superfood Full Of Nutrients

To live a healthy life, you need to provide your body with superfoods. Chlorella is one of the healthiest superfood to incorporate in your diet. It offers a full nutritious boost that can balance the inflammation, toxicity, and oxidative stress and caused by unhealthy eating habits genetic factors.

Chlorella contains abundant nutrients, each with its own powerful and protective properties.

For example, proteins are essential for building muscles, energy production, and other any cellular activities. Vitamin B12 helps regulate healthy brain activities and plays a part in the inhibiting of cognitive impairments. Iron and vitamin C are important for boosting the immune system and fighting against harmful infections that might cause autoimmune disorders.

One of the major nutrients found in chlorella is omega-3 which also helps reduce autoimmune disorders and inflammation in the brain. It helps suppress inflammation cytokines in the body which lowers the risk of developing lupus, Crohn’s disease, migraines, and sclerosis. (25)

In addition to that, chlorella is a great source of fibers that help enhance our bowel movement and wash away toxins by reducing inflammation. (26)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella is a very nutritious algae that can provide your body with a wide range of benefits if incorporated in your diet regularly. It helps regulate a better immune response, restricts inflammatory activities, and promotes healthy brain function.

15. Regular Consumption Of Chlorella During Pregnancy Is Essential

Chlorella plays a role in stimulating hormonal balance in the body. Pregnant women often experience hormonal imbalance due to the drastic change in body processes. It can also be caused due to stress, environmental, and genetic factors.

Chlorella increases immunoglobulin A in babies. It is an important structure of the immune system that enhances the protective and immunostimulating effects of the baby. This study found that regular chlorella supplementation reduces both dioxins levels in the breast milk of the mothers, but also increases enzymes to protect the baby from various infectious and chronic diseases. (27)

When a baby is born, the immune system is yet to develop. Having said that, the body requires excessive nutritive compounds that protect and fight against diseases. The immunoglobulins present in chlorella act as a protective shield to fight any inflammation, bacteria, or toxins in the body.

Another study also claims that an increased dose of chlorella supplements can reduce anemia in pregnant women. This study was conducted on 70 pregnant women with a sufficient increase and intake in chlorella supplements. (28)

Key Takeaway: Chlorella is recommended during pregnancy to enhance the immune system of both the mother-to-be and the baby. It helps flush out dioxin, a hormone disruptor and incorporates a more healthy diet to increase the baby’s immune response once separated from the mother’s womb.

Best Chlorella Recipes To Try

So with all the above mentioned miracles of chlorella, you must know how to incorporate it in your daily diet. To know how this algae can be made palatable, you need some delicious recipes to look up to. Fortunately, there are various intriguing recipes I’ve found that can transform chlorella into something you’d love to devour everyday!

You can cook chlorella in smoothies for breakfast, or as dressings in salads, and even as desserts. So it’s a matter of time you incorporated a healthy diet rich in proteins, antioxidants, minerals, and chlorophyll. Below are a few recipes that will guide to add chlorella in a powdered form.

1. Chlorella Lemonade

An energy boost juice so refreshing that you can enjoy it at any time of the day!

Ingredients:

2 large lemons

5 tablespoons of maple syrup

5 tablespoons of chlorella powder

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Method:

1. First squeeze the lemon in a jar, make sure you get all what’s inside.

2. Then add the maple syrup, stir them well to dissolve both components till they both dissolve in each other.

3. Next, add chlorella powder and the cayenne pepper and shake very well, chill and then enjoy the heavenly freshness of this summer treat.

2. Asian-Styled Lamb with Chlorella Stir Fried

Who thought chlorella can be a mouth-watering part of your dinner? Here is the perfect chlorella recipe to try for your next family get-together.

Ingredients:

sliced organic carrots

sliced organic celery

finely cut organic onion

finely shredded organic green cabbage

sliced organic mushrooms

frozen or fresh snow peas

4 minced organic garlic cloves

1 lb natural lamb (minced)

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of sesame oil

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 large scoop of chlorella powder

Method:

1. You heat a stir fry pan, add your oils and bring them to medium heat as a fat base for frying. Start by stir frying the vegetables first, stir fry till half way cooked for almost 7 minutes.

2. Add the minced lamb, stir fry till almost cooked for 5 minutes. Combine with soy sauce and with three more pan tosses, add the garlic.

3. After the heat is off, add chlorella powder and toss it a couple of times in the pan. Serve hot.

3. Chlorella Clam Dip

Can you believe that chlorella can be an amazing guest to your parties, as it can be incorporated in a variety of dips? Here is one tricky secret recipe to add chlorella to your party dips.

Ingredients:

1 packet of cream cheese

3 lemon juice

1/2 - 1 tsp of soy sauce (light)

1/2 lb minced clams

2 tbsp of tabasco sauce

melted butter

3 tsp of chlorella powder

drizzles of balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Drain your mined clams, then add your cream cheese, toss in all of the liquids (tabasco sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and melted butter).

2. Add pepper for extra seasoning and combine with chlorella powder.

3. Mix everything very well, then open a bag of chips or even baby carrots and dig in.

4. Pineapple and Coconut Smoothie With Chlorella

There’s nothing better than a refreshing smoothie to start your day with. This is a combination of delightful and nutritious fruits.

Ingredients:

1 cup of fresh coconut water

1/2 cup of pineapple pieces

1/3 avocado

1/4 cup of yogurt of your choice

6 basil leaves

1 tsp of chlorella

1 tsp of maca

1 tsp of chia seeds

1 tsp of bee pollen

1 tsp of lime juice

Some Himalayan pink salt

Honey to serve

Ice to taste

Method:

1. Blend everything in your blender (pulse for ice first so that you don’t break your blender), blend till smooth. Blend for at least 45 seconds until well-combined. Serve fresh with breakfast or post-workout.

5. Basil and Chlorella Pasta

Pretty sure this recipe healthy recipe will become your regular intake of chlorella.

Ingredients:

2 cups of basil leaves

3 tsp of chlorella

1/2 garlic head

1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup of cheese

1/4 cup of fresh nuts (pine)

3 tsp of lemon juice

1-ounce pasta

Method:

1. Blend together the basil leaves, garlic, chlorella, and olive oil. In medium-high heat, toast the pine nuts with olive oil. Combine with cheese, lime, and basil leaves mixture. Add cooked pasta and serve hot.

6. Chlorella And Chia Pudding Dessert

Dessert and chlorella? Sounds like an ambitious mix, but nothing is too ambitious when it comes cooking delicious recipes. This marvelous pudding version will treat your taste buds like royalty.

Ingredients:

1.25 cups of almond milk (homemade are better than store already packed choices)

0.25 cups of hemp seeds

4 organic pitted dates

1 tsp of vanilla extract

cinnamon (according to taste)

6 tsp of chlorella powder

dash of salt (according to taste)

6 tbsp of chia seeds

Method:

1. Blend everything in a blender till smooth, then pour the mixture over the chia seeds and incorporate very well, let it sit in the fridge overnight.

2. Scoop your amazing breakfast in the morning to take over the day ahead. Desserts for breakfast is always a good plan.

Wrapping It Up

In the end, you can solemnly swear that chlorella might be the discovery of the century. With its with its marvelous content of antioxidants and chlorophyll which gives you the bright green color, you can reverse signs of aging while driving away chronic diseases.

It supports your immune system, positively affects diabetic patients with a heart problem, and supports a healthy gastrointestinal and metabolic system. From the sound of all these impressive health benefits, chlorella affects the body in the most positive way. You can consume chlorella in a variety of ways too, that is from smoothies to supplements to desserts. So there’s no limitation to what you can cooked with chlorella power.

If you fall sick very often, you need a strong detoxifier in your system to improve your overall health and well-being. And what’s better than incorporating chlorella to reduce the constant fatigue, headaches, and weakness you have to experience on a daily basis?