8 Benefits Of Spirulina & Chlorella
We’ve spoken of different superfoods in our articles here and here. We’ve likewise recently discussed the two main organs to focus upon this fall, the lungs and the large intestines in this article. We thought it might be the ideal moment to remind everyone of the two superfoods –spirulina and chlorella- that give you optimal health benefits through concentrated nutrients found in blue-green algae.
This blue-green algae is the chlorophyll you find in all plant life, the green pigment that is vital for photosynthesis and found in freshwater microalgae that is poignant in flavor and dense in nutritional value. The two most thoroughly researched (1,700 peer-reviewed scientific articles), and the most popular by far of all algae, are spirulina and chlorella. These algae can be found in exotic places from Mexico, where it was a staple to the Aztecs, to Hawaii and then Africa, Taiwan and Japan. Both have significant health benefits, giving you the essential nutrients of iron, trace minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and absorbable amino acids. Here are eight benefits that are more than worthy of our attention.
Detoxing heavy metals, including arsenic, radiation and chemotherapy
All over the globe, millions of people are affected by heavy metal
toxins that can be found in polluted water, dental fillings, house-hold products and even farmed fish. According to the World Health Organization, the US and other far East countries such as India, Bangladesh, Taiwan and even Chile down South suffer from high levels of heavy metal poisoning. These are the following heavy metals that can become toxic to our health when found in high levels: mercury, lead, arsenic, nickel, uranium, aluminum, cadmium, and thallium to name a few.
These heavy metals can be found naturally in our food, water, and environment that our bodies store over time. One research found that helping the body to rid itself of the these toxic heavy metals can diminish health problems that are severely damaging:
“Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, plus damage to the vital organs — such as the liver, heart, endocrine glands and kidneys. Longterm exposure to heavy metals may lead to physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes. When they become severe, heavy metal poisoning symptoms can even mimic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.”
Chlorella adheres to toxins, allowing heavy metals to pass through the body through a process known as chelation, thereby avoiding reabsorption.
Here’s an excellent heavy metal chart with symptoms included:
Prevents Cancer and Lowers Blood Pressure
Researchers have found that both spirulina and chlorella aid in the production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that fight off cancer (over 70 peer-reviewed studies), control blood cholesterol levels while being a powerful “antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent.” Another study stated that “Phycocyanin is a pigment found in the spirulina that scientists have discovered possesses antihypertensive effects” that lowers blood pressure.
Enhances Immunity
The antioxidants help protect against cell damage,stimulate the immune system, and give you vitamins C, E, all B vitamins including B12, omega-3 fatty acids, macro minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and more beta-carotene than carrots! Spirulina and chlorella are known to be a natural HIV/Aids treatment, along with herpes, influenza and reducing radiation sickness (used after Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986) and after chemotherapy.
One study shows the benefits of Hawaiian spirulina and it packs-a-punch with only one 3-gram serving that contains the following:
- 60 percent protein and an excellent source of vitamins A, K1, K2, B12 and iron, manganese and chromium
- A rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD and phycocyanin
- 2800 percent more beta-carotene than carrots
- 3900 percent more iron than spinach
- 600 percent more protein than tofu
- 280 percent more antioxidants than blueberries
Candida
Spirulina supports the growth of healthy bacterial flora in the intestines, preventing candida cells from flourishing. Anybody suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or autoimmune diseases will benefit from this. Both leaky gut and improper digestion are directly linked to microflora imbalances. The high levels of chlorophyll in chlorella and spirulina will help clean the bowls, liver, and the blood of toxins while enhancing growth of healthy microflora.
Cardiovascular Health
Spirulina and chlorella are well known for the unique cell structure of mucopolysaccharides – easily digestible sugars and amino acids that lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which aids in reducing stroke and heart attack.
Relieves seasonal allergy sinuses
Research on people who suffer from allergic rhinitis have found that spirulina and chlorella help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and discharge, along with sneezing and itching too.
Vegetarians
Spirulina and chlorella both offer a more complete protein than is found in red meat and even in plant-based protein. With high levels of spirulina protein at 65-71% and chlorella protein at 58%, compared to beef which offers 22% protein and lentils 26%; the difference is impressive! You only need 2 tablespoons of the algae to reach your levels of protein as a meal substitute. You can easily toss that into your smoothies, cereals, and salads.
Dosage
Both come in the same dosage in the form of capsules, tablets, powder or liquid form. It has been stated by all research that sourcing out the best quality is essential, as algae will absorb pollutants in their environment. There are four main differences of spirulina and chlorella: the shape, how they are grown, the preparation and the nutritional value of each. It is suggested that they be taken slowly, increasing the dose gradually. The following has been recommended:
- Spirulina: Adult 6 – 10 gm a day / therapeutic 11 – 20 gm a day
- Chlorella: Adult 3 – 4 gm a day / therapeutic 5 – 7 gm a day
These algae are excellent superfoods to incorporate into your everyday regime. If you are nursing, pregnant or have hyperthyroidism, it’s advised to consult your doctor and nutritionist beforehand. These two algae are a powerhouse of essential nutrients and the benefits they offer for disease prevention and health are outstanding.
References:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/toxic-metals/metals-primer.html
https://draxe.com/heavy-metal-detox/
https://www.alive.com/health/spirulina-chlorella/
https://draxe.com/spirulina-benefits/
https://www.alive.com/health/spirulina-chlorella/
https://juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-spirulina-and-chlorella
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