If you’ve clicked onto this article, the chances are that you’re wondering “what is Chlorella” and what benefits it can offer for both humans and our four-legged friends. Chlorella is a nutrient-dense alga that is becoming popular for its health benefits. This alga is grown in freshwater. Chlorella is made up of minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, fibre, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll that can help treat a variety of health conditions. Chlorella, an alga native to Taiwan and Japan, has become known as a dietary supplement or superfood that has it all. Chlorella is good for treating everything from high cholesterol to preventing preeclampsia. It is so versatile that some thought leaders have even suggested using it as an alternative fuel source for agricultural vehicles. What makes Chlorella unique is that it’s comprised of 50% protein with research being carried out on its potential as an alternative food for almost 80 years.
What is Chlorella made of? | What is Chlorella good for? | Chlorella for dogs and cats
What is Chlorella made of?
Chlorella consists of a set of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish and replenish the body. You can find everything from zinc and copper to calcium, magnesium, and folic acid within Chlorella. The name “Chlorella” comes from the Greek and means “green”, which refers to its characteristic color. Chlorella also contains vitamin B-12 and is one of the few plant sources to do so. Its iron component makes Chlorella a common supplement for pregnant women and those with a history of anaemia. Depending on the type of Chlorella, it can contain up to 40% of your recommended daily intake of iron. As Chlorella also contains vitamin C, its iron components are easier to absorb into your bloodstream.
As Chlorella is an alga with hard cell walls, it’s not easy to digest without processing it into a supplement as a powder, tablet, or extract. The protein composition of Chlorella is one of the easiest vegetable protein sources for humans to consume. As a protein-rich type of algae, it is also suitable for vegans.
What is Chlorella good for?
Chlorella is good for making liquid medication and tablets to treat conditions like iron deficiency, menstrual cramps, depression, high cholesterol, and fibromyalgia. Its versatility and nutrient-rich properties mean that Chlorella is a novel protein that you’ll find in many types of medication. This type of algae is largely considered a “superfood” and is one of the most popular supplements in Japan. When rounding up what are the benefits of Chlorella, it’s best to focus on claims that have been thoroughly studied and clinically proven. As a general supplement, Chlorella is ideal for strengthening your immune system which was the subject of a 2012 study in Korea.
As Chlorella is made of a small amount of iron, it’s often used to maintain iron levels during pregnancy and to treat anaemia. Taking Chlorella during pregnancy can also help minimise the risk of preeclampsia by raising the mother’s haemoglobin levels while reducing gestational hypertension and proteinuria. It’s also an ideal supplement to take during pregnancy as a natural source of vitamin B-12 and folate. Research carried out in 2014 for ‘Nutrition Journal’ found that taking a daily Chlorella supplement led to a significant reduction in ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and an increase in ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL).
Chlorella has also been found to help manage the symptoms of hepatitis C during a 2013 study for the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Taking 2-3 tablets per day for 12 weeks was found to reduce liver inflammation and its symptoms.
Chlorella for dogs and cats
Chlorella isn’t just beneficial for humans. Vets commonly prescribe Chlorella for dogs to promote the production of red and white blood cells to help stimulate cellular oxygenation. As a natural supplement, Chlorella is used to improve the overall health of dogs and cats due to the major benefits it can bring. Chlorella is good for acting as a natural detoxifier to remove impurities and toxins from your pet’s body. It can remove heavy metals that are found in processed pet food, pesticides, and even in the atmosphere. By detoxifying a dog’s body, Chlorella can help to reduce blood lead levels to improve your pet’s overall health.
You may also find vets prescribing Chlorella for cats as it is made up of antioxidants. These antioxidants work to protect your pet from free radicals that can damage the molecules in their cells and lead to chronic conditions and cancers. If you want to keep your dog or cat healthy to improve their lifespan, Chlorella is an ideal daily supplement. Research has shown that the algae’s antioxidants help produce proteins that promote cellular repair and regeneration while improving your pet’s energy levels.
Prescribing Chlorella for cats can also help to boost their immune systems to fight off viruses and bacteria. Due to the antimicrobial properties of Chlorella and its fibre content, it can improve the digestive health of cats and dogs. Chlorella works to regulate the animal’s bowel movements and acts as a prebiotic to promote healthy bacteria beneficial to their digestive system. As nutrient-rich algae, Chlorella is no longer just popular in Asia. Its health benefits are becoming widely known and studied throughout the world as a supplement that can boost the daily functioning of both animals and humans alike.
