I´ve often been asked, “What is the healthiest, most complete food?”  While there is no definite answer to this question, one unquestionable fact is that chlorella is a top contender.  This single-celled, fresh water algae has recently been becoming more popular as a medicinal superfood due to its unique qualities and benefits. It contains high amounts of chlorophyll, beta carotene, protein, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and RNA/DNA. It is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly source of complete protein, and also contains B-vitamins, antioxidants (vitamins E and C), and the entire spectrum of minerals (especially iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc). It is especially powerful in chronic conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, and arthritis, as well as GI and heart issues. It is available in liquid extract, powder, or pill forms.

The list of health benefits from chlorella is seemingly endless, and new benefits continue to be discovered. These benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

• Helps fight cancer…scientists have shown that not only does chlorella help the body fight cancer by boosting immunity, but it also helps minimize the negative side effects of chemotherapy.
• Helps relieve fibromyalgia…several different studies have shown chlorella to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia by 22%, as well as an overall improvement in quality of life.
• Breastfeeding mothers taking chlorella have been shown by studies to have lower dioxin concentration in their breast milk, as well as higher levels of immune factor IgA. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties.
• Helps detoxify heavy metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium)
• Helps prevent different types of anemia.
• Aids heart in utilizing magnesium for proper heart function Improves overall digestion and relieves constipation.
• Eliminates halitosis (bad breath)
• Balances body´s pH.
• Reduces blood glucose.
• Lowers cholesterol.
• Helps control blood pressure.
• Protects against:

Radiation
Ulcers & Gastritis
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
Colitis Diverticulitis
Crohn´s Disease
Asthma
Constipation
Cholesterol

When choosing chlorella, keep in mind that the different brands offer different substrains, varying growing conditions, and cultivation methods that can affect the product´s potency. For example, some brands can be several times higher in CGF (Chlorella Growth Factor), protein, and chlorophyll content than others due to selective breeding, superior cultivation techniques and quality control practices. The best brands include variations that have been grown outdoors in clean, mmineral-rich water and abundant amounts of natural sun exposure.  Ideal brands of chlorella include powders, tablets, liquid extracts, and capsules.  Look for brands with CGF above 15%, chlorophyll above 3%, and protein content higher than 50%, and no fillers or binders.

Dosage Information:

Therapeutic dose: 10 grams per day.

Maintenance dose: 5 grams per day.

Upper limit: None.

However, introduce chlorella slowly and gradually, as it can cause mild diarrhea in some people.

Note: An  indication that you’re getting a sufficient dose of chlorella in your  diet is your stools will turn green.

References: Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815009 Protective effect of an acidic glycoprotein obtained from culture of Chlorella vulgaris against myelosuppression by 5-fluorouracil. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8706047 Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplementation decreases dioxin and increases immunoglobulin a concentrations in breast milk. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472477 Herb Wisdom http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chlorella.html Chlorella Factor http://www.chlorellafactor.com/chlorella-spirulina-30.html