Go Green

Trying to eat more greens? Check out chlorella, a bright-green algae and concentrated source of nutritional goodness.

- Vera Tweed

 

Want to take advantage of the health benefits of green foods that we hear so much about? Chlorella just might be the answer. Its name comes from two Latin words: “chlor,” meaning green, and “ella,” meaning tiny. The exact composition varies depending on the brand, but it’s generally made up of about 60 percent protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and chlorophyll.

What Is Chlorella?

A single-cell algae that grows in fresh water, chlorella has a rich emerald color that comes from its high levels of chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier. Although dense in nutrients, chlorella has tough cell walls, making it difficult for our digestive systems to handle. To solve the problem, supplement manufacturers break down the cell walls to make chlorella’s nutrients more bioavailable. (Look for “broken cell wall,” or “pulverized” on labels.)

Chlorella is used to enhance overall health as well as improving immune health; detoxifying metals and preventing metal toxicity; reducing immune suppression from cancer chemotherapy; improving digestion and relieving inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis; relieving PMS, bad breath, and constipation; lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels; improving skin health; and relieving asthma.