Taking a supplement is a common part of many people’s health routine. In some cases, supplements are essential for people to meet their daily nutritional needs. Chlorella (chlorella vulgaris) is a common supplement known for its green color and huge nutritional value in protein, vitamins and a wide variety of minerals.
What is chlorella?
Chlorella is a type of algae high in chlorophyll, which helps plants absorb light during photosynthesis. In edible form, chlorella can be highly nutritious, which is why so many supplement companies now have chlorella on their shelves.
Benefits
Take a look at any supplement bottle of chlorella, and you’ll notice multiple health benefits. Such benefits of consuming chlorella include:
- Improvement of cholesterol
- Improvement of blood sugar levels
- Supplement for vegans and vegetarians
- Good source of protein
- High in antioxidants
- Good source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium and B vitamins
Please note: it is critical to first consult your doctor or a nutrition specialist before taking chlorella. Benefits could differ from person to person, and a medical professional will be able to best determine if chlorella could benefit you.
Side Effects
According to PubMed, side effects of chlorella can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Gas
- Green stools
- Allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis
PubMed also states the potential of chlorella reducing the effects of warfarin.
In some cases, it is not safe to take chlorella. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, immunocompromised people and those with certain allergies should not add chlorella to their health routine.
How to Take Chlorella
You can take chlorella as a supplement in powder, pill or tablet form. In powder form, you can add chlorella to recipes or shakes.
Chlorella also comes in a topical form to be applied to the skin. Potential skin benefits from chlorella include a reduction in inflammation and improved overall appearance.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on how much and how to best take chlorella for your personal health needs.
Dosage
Please check with a health professional before deciding on taking chlorella.
Common doses include:
- 500 mg
- 1,000 mg
Some supplement bottles will instruct you to take your dose of chlorella up to three times a day, which could add up to 3,000 mg. Please note this dosage may not be healthy for everyone, which is why it is so important to consult your doctor or another health professional about dosing this supplement.
Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa
Chlorella vulgaris refers to the green algae used as a food supplement in edible form. People often take this supplement if they practice vegetarianism or veganism.
Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a different algae species markedly known for containing pyrenoid, a compound found in the cell’s chloroplast. In some cases, chlorella pyrenoidosa may be used to treat fibromyalgia, hypertension and ulcerative colitis, due to the compound’s ability to possibly lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, promote healthy immunity and speed up wound healing, according to PubMed.
Remember to always consult with a health professional before adding chlorella to your daily diet.
Final Thoughts
While chlorella can be a helpful, beneficial supplement for some people, especially vegans and vegetarians, it does not necessarily reap safe, healthy benefits for everyone. As with any supplement, it is critical to first consult with a medical professional before incorporating it into your daily routine.
Additionally, when purchasing chlorella, look at the packaging labels for more information. You may want to look out for the following:
- What, if any, government labels the package has to determine the level of regulation and testing the product underwent
- Other ingredients in the product that you could be sensitive to
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute professional medical advice, nor can it replace the advice of a licensed professional.
