Divinity in Action: Articles

Chlorella Powder.

Chlorella is a green single-celled alga which grows in fresh water ponds.

It is an ancient plant which is believed to have been living on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. (Ref. 1)

Chlorella has been thoroughly studied over the last several decades and has proven to be a highly nutritious functional food, with some impressive health-boosting qualities. (Ref. 2 and 3)

Chlorella Nutrition: What Makes Chlorella So Special?

Just like other nutritionally-rich foods, chlorella is packed with a whole spectrum of essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, dietary fibres, enzymes and numerous phytochemicals incl. chlorophyll. (Ref. 1, 4 and 5)

Let's take a further look at how chlorella works.

First, it is chlorella growth factor which is a water-soluble S-nucleotide adenosyl peptide complex ("a factor of rejuvenescence") that enhances the work of our immune system. (Ref. 6)

To put it simply, this complex is a collection of nucleic acids - RNA and DNA - whose high concentrations in chlorella (Ref. 19) are believed to deliver their healing effects on the body.

Since RNA and DNA control genetic information sent to our cells, the abundant supply of these crucial compounds in their natural form may possibly be able to correct genetic deficiencies within our bodies as well.

Second, chlorella is famous for its high content of protein which is roughly 60% of its total nutritional make-up. Chlorella's protein is complete because it contains 18 essential amino acids in the proportions required by the body. (Ref. 1 and 7)

Third, chlorella contains around 1-4% chlorophyll. (Ref. 6) We know that chlorophyll transports oxygen to cells and thus enables them to perform all their diverse functions properly. On top of that, chlorophyll can facilitate the removal of toxins and other waste from our bodies - this could be useful for prevention of serious conditions, ex. cancer. (Ref. 8)

As an example, dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants that are stored in fatty tissues of animals - they enter human bodies mostly through meat, dairy products and fish. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause all sorts of medical disorders including cancer. (Ref. 20)

Researchers from Japan demonstrated that chlorophyll extracted from Chlorella can inhibit dioxin absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, and accelerate dioxin excretion in rats. They concluded that Chlorella may serve as a first line of defence against dioxins. (Ref. 21)

Fourth, chlorella contains a sterol called ergosterol. (Ref. 10) Ergosterol is a provitamin of vitamin D. There is plenty of evidence showing that vitamin D is very important for chronic disease prevention and treatment. (Ref. 11)

Vast numbers of global populations are currently vitamin D deficient. We normally get it by absorbing sunlight through our skin. This is a clear problem for those living in northern areas of our planet. (Ref. 11) Chlorella offers a convenient way of getting this nutrient.

Fifth, chlorella, generally, is a powerful detoxifying agent which effectively chelates (binds with) heavy metals and removes them from the body. It has been shown to be a well tolerated food for decreasing absorption and enhancing excretion of toxins. (Ref. 9)

Chlorella Nutrition: Chlorella's Valuable Enzymes

Chlorella is rich in enzymes some of which are: catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase. (Ref. 12) Enzymes are live nutrients which facilitate many crucial functions within the body: activation of metabolic processes, support of the immune system, proper absorption of food in the digestive tract, delivery of oxygen to cells, detoxification and so on. (Ref. 13, 14, 15 and 16)

Modern day high-temperature cooking and food processing, however, destroy enzymes and deprive our bodies of their much needed work. Enzymes are de-natured when they are cooked at temperatures above 45°C. At this point their work starts to slow down and our systems lose out on all that enzymes have to offer.

So, from this point of view chlorella may be a great source of enzymes.

Chlorella Nutrition: How Does Chlorella Help Raise Energy Levels?

Lack of energy and tiredness have been widely associated with various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. (Ref. 17 and 18)

Chlorella is naturally filled with virtually everything the body needs for healthy functioning.

We suggest that, taken on a regular basis, chlorella may re-vitaminize the body with essential nutrients and improve its metabolic rates.

Our energy levels will naturally surge as the body regains its complete nutrient balance. So from this perspective, we can refer to chlorella as an energy food.

Cravings for unhealthy foods - often due to vitamin deficiencies - are a consequence of our bodies desperately trying "to get a quick energy fix". This unfortunately leads to weight gain and related health problems.

By inference, we suggest that, having our nutrition restored to its optimal levels with daily chlorella supplementation may reduce food cravings on a systemic level, possibly leading to weight loss. Some research supports the proposition that chlorella may be a positive factor for weight regulation. (Ref. 4)

Chlorella and Cancer

We believe that cancer is very much an environmental disease. The human body can take only so much of toxins before its biological defences break down and give way to cancer.

Chlorophyll, which gives chlorella its name, is an exceptionally potent detoxifier. It appears to be one of the main chemicals that make chlorella such a valuable health food.

Chlorophyll, in combination with other compounds, may deliver anti-cancer effects that many scientists attribute to chlorella. (Ref. 22)

A lot of research has been done on the topic of chlorella's anti-cancer effects.

One experiment shows that Chlorella clearly inhibited the liver tumour growth and induced apoptosis (destruction) of liver cancer cells, leading the authors to conclude that it could be used in the treatment of liver cancer patients. (Ref. 23)

Other research demonstrates that carotenoids from chlorella can also inhibit colon cancer development. (Ref. 22)

Chlorella may also be potentially useful for controlling skin cancer and breast cancer. (Ref. 24 and 25)

Always consult your nutritional therapist when using chlorella for a medical condition.

Some alternatives to chlorella are: spirulina, barley grass, and wheatgrass.

Written by:     Irina Bright
Original publication date:     2013
Updates:     2020
Republication date:     2020

References.

1. Jianhua Fan, Yanbin Cui, Jianke Huang, Weiliang Wang, Weibo Yin, Zanmin Hu, and Yuanguang Li (2012). Suppression Subtractive Hybridization Reveals Transcript Profiling of Chlorella under Heterotrophy to Photoautotrophy Transition. Published in PLoS One. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510161/

2. Merchant RE, Andre CA (May 2001). A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Published in Alternative therapies in health and medicine. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11347287

3. Azocar J, Diaz A (February 2013). Efficacy and safety of Chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Published in World journal of gastroenterology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467073

4. Takeshi Otsuki, Kazuhiro Shimizu, Motoyuki Iemitsu, and Ichiro Kono (2011). Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin a secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study. Published in Nutrition Journal. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3182968/

5. Tohru Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki Ohta, Katsuya Okawa, Akihiro Iwamatsu, Hiroshi Shimada, Tatsuru Masuda, and Ken-ichiro Takamiya (December 1999). Cloning of chlorophyllase, the key enzyme in chlorophyll degradation: Finding of a lipase motif and the induction by methyl jasmonate. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC24824/

6. Jee Ae Shim, Young Ae Son, Ji Min Park, and Mi Kyung Kim (Spring 2009). Effect of Chlorella intake on Cadmium metabolism in rats. Published in Nutrition Research and Practice. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2788161/

7. L. FOWDEN (June 1951). The Composition of the Bulk Proteins of Chlorella. Published by Department of Botany, University College, Gower Street, London. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1197660/pdf/biochemj00910-0079.pdf

8. Tammie J. McQuistan, Michael T. Simonich, M. Margaret Pratt, Cliff B. Pereira, Jerry D. Hendricks, Roderick H. Dashwood, David E. Williams, and George S. Bailey (November 2011). Cancer chemoprevention by dietary chlorophylls: A 12,000-animal dose-dose matrix biomarker and tumor study. Published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3486520/

9. Margaret E. Sears and Stephen J. Genuis (January 2012). Environmental Determinants of Chronic Disease and Medical Approaches: Recognition, Avoidance, Supportive Therapy, and Detoxification. Published in Journal of Environmental and Public Health. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270432/

10. Glenn W. Patterson (December 1966). Sterols of Chlorella. II. The Occurrence of an Unusual Sterol Mixture in Chlorella vulgaris. Published in Plant Physiology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.plantphysiol.org/content/42/10/1457.full.pdf

11. S. A. Lanham-New, J. L. Buttriss, L. M. Miles, M. Ashwell, J. L. Berry, B. J. Boucher, K. D. Cashman, C. Cooper, A. L. Darling, R. M. Francis, W. D. Fraser, C. P. G. M. de Groot, E. Hyppnen, M. Kiely, C. Lamberg-Allardt, H. M. Macdonald, A. R. Martineau, T. Masud, A. Mavroeidi, C. Nowson, A. Prentice, E. M. Stone, S. Reddy, R. Vieth, and C. M. Williams (January 2011). Proceedings of the Rank Forum on Vitamin D. Published in British Journal of Nutrition. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408594/

12. Rai UN, Singh NK, Upadhyay AK, Verma S (May 2013). Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: Role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals. Published in Bioresource technology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23567737

13. Ida Schomburg, Antje Chang, Sandra Placzek, Carola Shngen, Michael Rother, Maren Lang, Cornelia Munaretto, Susanne Ulas, Michael Stelzer, Andreas Grote, Maurice Scheer, and Dietmar Schomburg (January 2013). BRENDA in 2013: integrated reactions, kinetic data, enzyme function data, improved disease classification: new options and contents in BRENDA. Published in Nucleic Acids Research. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3531171/

14. Enzyme. (May 26 2013). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Enzyme&oldid=556827331

15. Majid Ali, M.D (2013). OXYGEN, ENZYMES, AND HEALING. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ethicsinmedicine.us/oxygen_enzymes_healing.htm

16. William M. Atkins and Hong Qian (May 2012). Stochastic Ensembles, Conformationally Adaptive Teamwork and Enzymatic Detoxification. Published in Biochemistry. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3092024/

17. M. H. GLEESON, P. S. GRAVES (July 1974). Complications of dietary deficiency of Vitamin B12 in young Caucasians. Published in Postgraduate Medical Journal. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2495781/pdf/postmedj00307-0064.pdf

18. Wang W, Bourgeois T, Klima J, Berlan ED, Fischer AN, O'Brien SH (March 2013). Iron deficiency and fatigue in adolescent females with heavy menstrual bleeding. Published in Haemophilia. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23106971

19. A. H. SCRAGG and C. F. THURSTON (1975). Characterization and Messenger Activity of Poly(A)-containing RNA from Chlorella. Published in Journal of General Microbiology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://mic.sgmjournals.org/content/89/1/155.full.pdf

20. World Health Organization (May 2010). Dioxins and their effects on human health. Fact sheet No. 225. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs225/en/

21. Kunimasa Morita, Masahiro Ogata, and Takashi Hasegawa (March 2001). Chlorophyll Derived from Chlorella Inhibits Dioxin Absorption from the Gastrointestinal Tract and Accelerates Dioxin Excretion in Rats. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240248/pdf/ehp0109-000289.pdf

22. Ana Catarina Guedes, Helena M. Amaro, and Francisco Xavier Malcata (April 2011). Microalgae as Sources of Carotenoids. Published in Marine Drugs. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3124977/

23. Emey Suhana Mohd Azamai, Suhaniza Sulaiman, Shafina Hanim Mohd Habib, Mee Lee Looi, Srijit Das, Nor Aini Abdul Hamid, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, and Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof (January 2009). Chlorella vulgaris triggers apoptosis in hepatocarcinogenesis-induced rats. Published in Journal of Zhejiang University Science B. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613958/

24. Yasukawa K, Akihisa T, Kanno H, Kaminaga T, Izumida M, Sakoh T, Tamura T, Takido M (April 1996). Inhibitory effects of sterols isolated from Chlorella vulgaris on 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and tumor promotion in mouse skin. Published in Biological and pharmaceutical bulletin. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8860961

25. Xue M, Ge Y, Zhang J, Wang Q, Hou L (December 2012). Gene transfer of Chlorella vulgaris n-3 fatty acid desaturase optimizes the fatty acid composition of human breast cancer cells. Published in Brazilian journal of medical and biological research. Retrieved July 16, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22983174

References for the Table of Nutrients:

Vitamins:

1. Edited by JOHN S. BURLEW (July 15,1953). ALGAL CULTURE, FROM LABORATORY TO PILOT PLANT. Published by CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON PUBLICATION 600 WASHINGTON, DC. May 1976. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://carnegiescience.edu/publications_online/algal_culture.pdf#page=315

2. Yunes Panahi, Sasan Tavana, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Homeira Masoudi, and Nima Madanchi (September 2012). Impact of Adjunctive Therapy with Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Antioxidant Status, Pulmonary Function, and Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Published in Scientia Pharmaceutica. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/ (incl. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/table/t1-scipharm-2012-80-719/)

3. Suzana Makpol, Nadia Yaacob, Azalina Zainuddin, Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof, and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah (July 2009). Chlorella Vulgaris Modulates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced DNA Damage and Telomere Shortening of Human Fibroblasts Derived from Different Aged Individuals. Published in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816465/

4. Ohkawa S, Yoneda Y, Ohsumi Y, Tabuchi M (July 1995). Warfarin therapy and chlorella. Published in Clinical Neurology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8777808

Minerals & Trace Elements:

1. Yunes Panahi, Sasan Tavana, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Homeira Masoudi, and Nima Madanchi (September 2012). Impact of Adjunctive Therapy with Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Antioxidant Status, Pulmonary Function, and Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Published in Scientia Pharmaceutica. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/ (incl. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/table/t1-scipharm-2012-80-719/)

2. Soares BM, Vieira AA, Lemes JS, Santos CM, Mesko MF, Primel EG, Montes D'Oca MG, Duarte FA (April 2012). Investigation of major and trace element distribution in the extraction-transesterification process of fatty acid methyl esters from microalgae Chlorella sp. Published in Bioresource technology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22349195

Enzymes:

1. Rai UN, Singh NK, Upadhyay AK, Verma S (May 2013). Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: Role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals. Published in Bioresource technology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23567737

2. Tohru Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki Ohta, Katsuya Okawa, Akihiro Iwamatsu, Hiroshi Shimada, Tatsuru Masuda, and Ken-ichiro Takamiya (December 1999). Cloning of chlorophyllase, the key enzyme in chlorophyll degradation: Finding of a lipase motif and the induction by methyl jasmonate. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC24824/

3. Yunes Panahi, Sasan Tavana, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Homeira Masoudi, and Nima Madanchi (September 2012). Impact of Adjunctive Therapy with Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Antioxidant Status, Pulmonary Function, and Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Published in Scientia Pharmaceutica. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/ (incl. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/table/t1-scipharm-2012-80-719/)

4. BIRGIT VENNESLAND AND L. P. SOLOMONSON (1972). The Nitrate Reductase of Chlorella. Published in Plant Physiology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC366104/pdf/plntphys00242-0161.pdf

5. Suzana Makpol, Nadia Yaacob, Azalina Zainuddin, Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof, and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah (July 2009). Chlorella Vulgaris Modulates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced DNA Damage and Telomere Shortening of Human Fibroblasts Derived from Different Aged Individuals. Published in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816465/ (for ubiquinone)

Amino Acids:

1. L. FOWDEN (June 1951). The Composition of the Bulk Proteins of Chlorella. Published by Department of Botany, University College, Gower Street, London. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1197660/pdf/biochemj00910-0079.pdf

Fatty Acids:

1. Yunes Panahi, Sasan Tavana, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Homeira Masoudi, and Nima Madanchi (September 2012). Impact of Adjunctive Therapy with Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Antioxidant Status, Pulmonary Function, and Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Published in Scientia Pharmaceutica. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/ (incl. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/table/t1-scipharm-2012-80-719/)

Nucleic Acids:

1. A. H. SCRAGG and C. F. THURSTON (1975). Characterization and Messenger Activity of Poly(A)-containing RNA from Chlorella. Published in Journal of General Microbiology. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://mic.sgmjournals.org/content/89/1/155.full.pdf

Plant Compounds:

1. Yunes Panahi, Sasan Tavana, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Homeira Masoudi, and Nima Madanchi (September 2012). Impact of Adjunctive Therapy with Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Antioxidant Status, Pulmonary Function, and Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Published in Scientia Pharmaceutica. Retrieved May 26, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/ (incl. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447618/table/t1-scipharm-2012-80-719/)