Chlorella is an edible micro alga, which was first discovered in the late 1800s by a Dutch biologist, Martinus Willem Beijerinck. Because chlorella contains over 50% protein, German scientists during World Wars I and II studied it very closely as a possible way to alleviate food shortages. Then during the 1950’s, The Carnegie Institute in Washington found a way to grow Chlorella commercially, in hopes of solving world hunger. During the post-war food shortage in Japan, the Japanese government sponsored studies on harvesting and developing chlorella commercially.

Because of its ability to bind with mercury, lead, and cadmium, chlorella has been used to detoxify the body of certain heavy metals. Several studies demonstrate that it has an ability to safely draw toxic metals that accumulate in the gut and intestinal tract. The high levels of chlorophyll in chlorella may also improve symptoms of anemia, and stimulate the growth of probiotic microbes. A review conducted by Medical College of Virginia, published in 2001, reported that chlorella may reduce blood pressure, accelerate wound healing, lower cholesterol, and enhance immune function.

Chlorella is packed with protein, vitamins, and amino acids. It contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two long-chain essential fatty acids that your body may have trouble producing. Chlorella also contains the antioxidants vitamin C and carotenoids, and high concentrations of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, B6, and folate. Chlorella is also packed with minerals, including iron, zinc, iodine, phosphorus, and magnesium. 

Nutrients in 1 Ounce Chlorella Powder

Chlorella powder is easy to add to foods and drinks. The powder is easy to digest and your body can absorb its nutrients fast, which means that it starts to work in your body almost immediately after you take it. If you are taking chlorella for the first time, you  can start by adding small amounts of the powder into foods, drinks, and dressings to get used to the flavor and to help the body get used to chlorella. If you find the flavor too strong or if you find it difficult to get used to it, start by adding the powder to smoothies and juices. Adding a little chlorella powder into a glass of fruit or vegetable juice makes the drink more nutritious. If you like the flavor you can simply add it to water and drink as a healthy detoxifying drink.  Chlorella tablets can be more convenient to take. You can easily take the tablets with you to work and take them throughout the day with your meals. The tablets come in a variety of sizes and they make it easy to include chlorella into your daily diet even when you are busy at work or at home.