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Chlorella is a unicellular green algae found in freshwater, whose name essentially stands for ‘Chloros’ meaning green and the suffix ‘ella’ meaning small. Chlorella has existed since the birth of the Earth and has been reproducing for three billion years. However, since the plant is very tiny, it was not until the microscope was invented after the 19th century that Chlorella was first discovered. It was discovered by the Dutch microbiologist, Dr. Beijerinck, in 1890.

During World War I, Chlorella was cultivated in large amounts in Germany to use as a protein source. Chlorella was first produced and consumed in Asia, mainly in Japan, and then used as a dietary supplement worldwide. Chlorella consists of 55-60% of protein, 1-4% of chlorophyll, 9-18% of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins found in major quantities in chlorella are: alpha carotene, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E and vitamin K.

Nutritional Benefits

Chlorella noticeably has a high content of protein which includes amino acids. The peptides, which are short strings of amino acid, extracted from Chlorella have a protective effect against cellular damage. The polysaccharides found in the alga are found to act as an antioxidant and immuno-stimulant. Immuno-stimulants are essentially substances that stimulate the immune system by inducing activation or increasing activity of any of its components. These polysaccharides also help in reducing the level of blood lipids.

Since Chlorella is considered as one of the major sources of chlorophyll, its supplements also boast of the benefits of the pigment. Some of the health benefits of chlorophyll are that it helps regulate menstruation and aids in the healing of ulcers. Lastly, because of its structure and how similar it is to hemin which combines with proteins to form hemoglobin, Chlorella is proven essential in increasing the red blood cells.

Various experimental studies have proven Chlorella extracts’ beneficial capabilities in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, immune modulation and even suppression of certain cancer.

One of the reasons why Chlorella supplements have found a global market is the ability of the alga to get rid of heavy metal content and ash content like mercury from the body. Chlorella binds to these toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and removes them from the body.

Uses

Chlorella is used as an active ingredient for cosmetic products. The extracts are a great source of bioactive proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential in the skincare industry. Products that contain the extract are known to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin which in turn helps in combating wrinkles.

It has also been found that adding Chlorella extract to pasta can enhance the nutritional and sensorial quality of the dish, without affecting its cooking and textural properties.

Animal Nutrition

Chlorella is also significant in animal nutrition. When 2% and 10 % algal biomass was added to the diet of egg-laying hens, the total cholesterol level decreased in the yolk whereas the quantity of linoleic acid and palmitic acid increased significantly.

In the market of algal products, Chlorella has the second largest market volume which puts it on the way to being the superfood of the future.

Sources:

1. Rani K., Sandal N., Sahoo P.K. A comprehensive review on chlorella-its composition, health benefits, market and regulation scenario. Pharma Innov. J. 2018;7:583–589.