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What is Chlorella Blue-Green Algae powder?

Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa)algae is one of the oldest foods on the planet. The unicellular freshwater plant is the size of a human blood cell. Chlorella algae is a fine blue-green color, the result of the large amount of chlorophyll in the plant. Hence, the name: "chloros" Greek for green and "ella" for small.

Although the algae can grow naturally in fresh water, chlorella intended for human use is typically cultivated commercially in huge fresh mineral water pools exposed to direct sunlight. Pure water, clean air, and bright sunlight encourage rapid growth: chlorella reproduces every 20 hours. Special centrifuge equipment is utilized for harvest.

The algae dates back 2 billion years. It was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Chlorella was not discovered by researchers until the late 19th century.

Each chlorella microorganism is made up of a nucleus, starch grains, chloroplasts and mitochondria surrounded by a cell wall made primarily of cellulose.

Chlorella was discovered by a Dutch microbiologist in the late 1800s and later studied as a potential protein source by German scientists. It wasn't until after World War II that extensive research was conducted. The reality of food shortages and an anticipated population boom provided a sense of urgency, prompting consideration of chlorella as a cheap way to feed the masses, but this proved uneconomic. Uses for chlorella continue to evolve with more research findings.

What makes Chlorella Algae Powder so popular?

Like Spirulina Algae, chlorella algae is a single-celled primitive plant. But because chlorella adapted to fresh water and had to survive occasional drying of the ponds in which it lives, the plant developed an outer fibrous shell surrounding a delicate inner nutrient-rich cytoplasm.

This fibrous shell has two major functions. The first is that it protects inner cellular membranes until the algae is completely desiccated. Yet chlorella has a more important trick to beat the competition: the outer fibrous shell grabs and holds nutrients from the water before the pond completely dries.

By doing so, chlorella can flourish when the pond fills up again. It is this affinity for absorbing and retaining minerals and other nutrients within chlorella's outer shell that makes it a valuable supplement.

The outer shell is indigestible. Because of its highly absorbent nature, it acts like a detoxifying sponge as it passes thru the digestive tract.

This PureBulk powder is referred to as "chlorella algae broken cell." The outer shell has been broken through use of a high-pressure nozzle, exposing the nutrient-rich cytoplasm inside and a greater surface area of the fibrous outer shell.

Benefits of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

Chlorella has a high protein content, plus carbohydrates and some fat. Additionally, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin K, Vitamin B2 (riboblavin), folic acid (folate), iodine, manganese and others. Chlorella helps to trigger red blood cell synthesis as well as arterial dilation, which can significantly assist in muscle growth and muscle tissue oxygenation. Because chlorella is rich in fiber, it also encourages the production of beneficial intestinal microflora.

Are there nutritional differences between Chlorella Algae and Spirulina Algae?

Chlorella has a relatively high iron content when compared to spirulina. Iron supplementation can be a good thing for women, but additional iron is not needed by many adult men. Too much iron can act as an oxidant.

Purity and Concentration of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

Purebulk's Chlorella pyrenoidosa blue-green algae contain no additives, fillers, or anticaking agents. Chlorella broken cell powder is a pure extract assayed by the manufacturer to contain at least 55% protein with 18 amino acids including alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylaline, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan tyrosine, and valine.

Chlorella contains a number of vitamins and minerals including: Vitamins A, K, C, E, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, manganese plus trace amounts of several others: folic acid, biotin, panthothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc,copper, sodium and potassium, inositol and choline. As a plant, it naturally contains chlorphyll which oddly enough is chemically similar in composition to that of human blood and has several health benefits.

Because chlorella is a light-sensitive pigmented product, it is shipped in a 5 mil thick foil laminate bag that is extremely strong and durable.

Potential Side Effects of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

Although no toxic or significant side effects have been reported in medical literature, there have been several reports of gastrointestinal issues involving nausea and vomiting. Discontinue use if any unusual reactions occur including skin irritation. Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Suggested Use of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

As a dietary supplement, take 3.2 grams (1 tsp) up to 3 times daily (or as directed by physician). Individual needs vary. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Chlorella here. A serving size of 1 teaspoon is about 3.2 grams.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

Chlorella blue-green algae mixes well with water or juice. It doesn't taste bad when mixed with 8 to 12 ounces of strong-flavored vegetable or citrus juices.

Does Chlorella Algae Powder taste a lot like Spirulina Algae Powder? Spirulina has a slight "fishy" or "ocean" taste because it is typically cultivated in salt or brackish water. Chlorella is a fresh water algae and is very "green" tasting owing to its high chlorophyll content, like barley green powder or wheat grass juice powder. For most people the aroma and taste of chlorella algae powder is neither unpleasant nor objectionable. If you prefer, Purebulk offers vegetarian or gelatin Chlorella capsules.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina

Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.