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Chlorella (algae)

The green algae Chlorella has attracted considerable interest for commercial production of functional foods. Chlorella is a unicellular green algae that has been called a sun-powered supernutrient. Chlorella occurs in both fresh water and marine water. There are over 70,000 species of algae in the world. Chlorella Pyrensoida is one of the most common species found in watersheds. Chlorella has the highest content of chlorophyll of any known plant. It also contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, nucleic acids, amino acids, enzymes, etc. It contains more than 9% fats. Chlorella contains more than about 50% (w/w) high quality protein with an excellent essential amino acid composition and is rich in nutrients, such as various vitamins. In addition, it exhibits high proliferating capability under solar light. The vitamin content consists of provitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin, B12, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline, lipoic acid, ionositol, PABA etc. Among the minerals present the most important are P, K, Mg, S, Fe, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn and Co. The main components of Chlorella cells are about 60% protein, and 20% carbohydrate. Chlorella includes a fibrous, indigestible outer shell and inner nutrients. It is the fibrous material that has been reported to bind with heavy metals and other toxins that may accumulate in the bodies. Chlorophyll is structurally similar to hemoglobin (found in red blood cells) except for containing magnesium instead of iron. Magnesium is essential for the heart to function properly. Chlorophyll has reportedly been used in the treatment of cardiac hypertension. Chlorophyll has also been used to treat anemia and reportedly stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. When eaten, Chlorella reportedly causes beneficial stomach bacteria (Lactobacillus) to multiply at four times the normal rate. This improves digestion and thus the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Aqueous extracts of Chlorella pyreinodosa has been used for its nutritive content as well as for other health benefits. Studies report on numerous health benefits including improved immune system function and detoxification of harmful toxins. Attested beneficial properties of this edible microalgae include wound healing, detoxification, constipation relief and growth stimulation. Chlorella has been used for treatment of Alzheimer's Dementia and Attention Deficit Disorder. Alzheimer's patients have been demonstrated to have high levels of aluminum in their brains. Chlorella may assist in elimination of aluminum and may also improve oxygen transfer capabilities, aiding alertness and mental focus. Chlorella has reportedly been shown to promote the production of interferon (IFN), which stimulates macrophage production. Chlorella may stimulate the activity of T-cells and macrophages by increasing IFN levels thus enhancing the immune system's ability to combat infection, cancer and other diseases.

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