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Chlorella Blue-Green Algae Powder

What are Chlorella Blue-Green Algae capsules?

Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), a unicellular freshwater plant, is the size of a human blood cell. It is one of the oldest foods on the planet. 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.

The algae dates back 2 billion years. It was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Yet, because of its microscopic nature, 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.

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.

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 capsules 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 through the digestive tract.

The PureBulk powder in these capsules 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 aid 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 capsules contain no additives, fillers or anti-caking agents. Gelatin capsules are from bovine source; vegetarian capsules are from cellulose. The powder they contain is a pure extract assayed by the manufacturer to contain at least 50% 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.

Each capsule is made without fillers. A typical capsule contains 500 milligrams of Chlorella Blue Green Algae powder. {Please note: Since we do NOT use fillers in making our capsules, the quantity of powder in each capsule varies slightly from batch to batch.}
The vegetarian capsular material is cellulose.

Potential Side Effects of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

Warning: Chlorella can cause serious allergic reactions, including asthma and other dangerous breathing problems. Discontinue use if you have symptoms of redness, itching, hives, a skin rash and swelling of the face and mouth.

Suggested Use of Chlorella Blue-Green Algae

As a dietary supplement, take 6 capsules up to 3 times daily (or as directed by physician). Individual needs vary. Each capsule contains 500 milligrams. PureBulk does not use fillers in their encapsulation process so the amount (in milligrams) of each capsule varies slightly from batch to batch.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina

Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

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.