Chlorella: useful properties and contraindications, reviews.

Chlorella is a green unicellular algae, literally translated from Greek means "green tea". It is capable of active photosynthesis due to chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b, which are in its chloroplasts. It was first discovered at the end of the 19th century, mainly used in closed ecosystems for oxygenation. However, in the early 1980s, its production began for the food industry. Only in the 21st century did it gain popularity. The beneficial properties and uses of chlorella are now more and more widespread.

Chlorella chemical composition

Researchers have noted the high protein and iron content of algae, thanks to which it can be used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Chlorella also contains high concentrations of vitamins and other nutrients.

The content of vitamins in 100 g of chlorella is described in the table.

Mineral content in 100 g of algae

Content of essential amino acids

Fat and fatty acid content in 100 g of chlorella

Chlorella can provide up to 40% of the daily intake of iron, in addition, the high content of vitamin C contributes to the absorption of iron

About 3-4 grams of pure seaweed will provide 100 mg of beneficial omega-3s.

Thanks to such a rich composition, the beneficial properties of chlorella were soon appreciated all over the world, and now it is often used as a dietary supplement.

How is chlorella useful for humans

Its benefits are not limited to high nutritional value. It promotes the elimination of heavy metals and toxins: it removes excess lead, cadmium, copper and iron from the body. It can deactivate dioxin, a harmful substance that enters the body as part of food of animal origin.

A useful supplement improves immunity and enhances anti-inflammatory properties: in the United States, studies were carried out, during which it was found that algae stimulates antibody production and activates the work of all cells of the immune system.

Chlorella stabilizes serum cholesterol levels: low density lipoprotein (LDL) is “bad cholesterol”, it reduces its concentration in the peripheral blood when consumed 5-8 g per day. Found in niacin (B3), antioxidants, fiber and carotenoids, the beneficial algae Chlorella has hypolipidemic properties.

Algae is a direct antioxidant: the chemical compounds in chlorella not only reduce LDL levels, but also prevent cell aging, the development of diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Normalizes blood pressure: in the course of numerous studies it has been revealed that when 4 g of chlorella is consumed per day for 11-12 weeks, blood pressure decreases and normalizes. This happens by strengthening the walls of the heart and blood vessels.

The beneficial properties of chlorella are important in liver diseases: algae increases the sensitivity of organ cells to insulin, which can be useful in non-alcoholic fatty hepatosis

It contributes to the saturation of cells with oxygen: due to the high content of branched-chain amino acids, the lungs better absorb and transfer oxygen molecules into the bloodstream.

Interestingly, algae is used in the tobacco industry: it is added to the cigarette holder to prevent the ingress of harmful combustion products.

Chlorella for women

For young women, the supplement has beneficial properties during menstruation, as it replenishes iron deficiency. But in case of hormonal failure and taking medications for the reproductive system, before using it, you must consult a doctor: chlorella is an active supplement that can change the properties of drugs.

Chlorella for men

Algae has beneficial properties for men who have active physical activity, as it promotes the healing of muscles and ligaments, removes lactic acid, thereby removing fatigue. Due to antioxidants and a variety of fatty acids, it affects the maturation of sperm, therefore it can be used when planning pregnancy.

Chlorella for children

Despite the storehouse of nutrients, the supplement should not be taken until 3 years. This is due to the complex metabolism of young children, which is very easy to knock off. For children under 12 years old, the supplement is prescribed by a doctor for vitamin deficiency. Girls are not recommended to use it during the first menstruation.

Chlorella harm

There is no direct harm from it, rather there are contraindications and side effects. However, do not forget that viruses can inhabit it. For example, scientists have identified the ATCV-1 virus, which is found on the back of the larynx in humans and on the surface of chlorella. A person becomes infected with this virus by eating improperly processed algae or drinking water from a reservoir. It turned out that the infected people had lower cognitive functions. Also in the brain cells of schizophrenic patients, ATCV-1 was found in large quantities.

For a long time, chlorella was only used to oxygenate water

Chlorella contraindications and side effects

An absolute contraindication is allergy and additive intolerance. Chlorella is also prohibited during breastfeeding and during pregnancy.

It is prohibited for people suffering from iodine resistance and increased blood clotting. Able to increase blood clotting, can cause blood clots. Also prohibited for those suffering from hemochromatosis.

When self-collecting chlorella, it cannot be used immediately: a sign of the readiness of the alga for use is a crack in the outer shell. Only in this form will the algae not irritate the gastrointestinal tract and will be absorbed in the required volume. If the seaweed is not cooked, it can damage the intestinal mucosa.

Algae is not recommended for menopausal women and men over the age of 60, as the high iron content can help remove calcium from the bones.

Side effects occur only in some people and appear as:

• nausea;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• urticaria - in rare cases.

Quincke's edema rarely develops, in such cases emergency medical attention is required.

Chlorella use

Before starting the course, you need to adjust the diet so that its beneficial properties are fully manifested:

• exclude coffee;
• use weak teas;
• allowed to drink fruit drink and chicory.

If you take the supplement in powder form, then it is convenient to combine it with berry or vegetable smoothies; for greater benefit, they are best consumed in the morning. The maximum daily intake is 4 teaspoons, which are best divided over four meals.

You can make pudding from the powder, for this mix 5 tbsp. l. chia seeds with 1.5 liters of any milk. Let it brew for 5-7 minutes, then add 2 tbsp. l. protein and chlorella, optional honey and vanilla. This pudding is especially useful in winter.

Chlorella powder is often used in cooking

If the supplement is in the form of tablets, then adults are advised to take 3 tablets 3 times a day with meals. The course of treatment is no more than one month.

Chlorella is also available in the form of capsules, granules or a liquid substance, but it is important to understand that in the capsule form, the beneficial properties are not only better preserved, but also better delivered to the tissues.

Indications for the use of chlorella:

• dysbiosis;
• poisoning with heavy metals and insecticides, for example, Dichlorvos;
• diabetes;
• burns;
• ARVI;
• ARI;
• pyelonephritis;
• candidiasis;
• prostatitis;
• with cancer therapy;
• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• adnexitis;
• herpes;
• addiction therapy;
• atherosclerotic lesions;
• conditions after surgery;
• with PMS;
• viral hepatitis.

It is recommended for use as part of general strengthening measures, in the treatment of depression, the effects of stress and overwork.

When using chlorella in any form, to enhance its beneficial properties, you need to drink at least 2 liters of still water a day. Also, the reception begins with minimal doses, gradually increasing them.

Chlorella during pregnancy

Due to its immunostimulating properties, it can be prescribed during pregnancy. But independent use is prohibited, since the active components of a useful supplement penetrate the placental barrier and disrupt the maturation of the child's tissues.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties and use of chlorella have been studied by many researchers - they all noted that with its help saturation with microelements occurs the fastest, while hypervitaminosis is rarely noted. It can improve the work of the whole body, so it is not for nothing that it is called superfood. With the correct use of chlorella, it will give all the beneficial properties and saturate the body with the missing substances.

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