Chlorella regularis is a green sea algae that has been found to provide health benefits when added to the diet. Chlorella can help protect the body from normal wear and tear that occurs with aging. It can also help protect the liver from damage and reduce jaundice. However, the advice of a medical professional should be sought before trying to treat, prevent or cure any medical condition with chlorella regularis.
Antioxidant
Chlorella regularis contains leutein, according to an article published in 2009 in "Food Science and Technology Research." Leutein is a carotenoid, or plant chemical, also present in carrots, spinach, squash and egg yolks. It is an antioxidant that can protect cells in the body from tissues from damage, such as that caused by free radicals, a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism. Chlorella is available in a dried, powdered form. The researchers found that supplementation with powdered chlorella capsules raised the amount of leutein detected in the blood. Participants did not take the supplement over a period of time. Instead, one dose of 6g of chlorella powder produced the outcomes, indicating that leutein in powdered chlorella is highly bioavailable.
Liver Protection
There is evidence that chlorella provides protective benefits to the liver. When rats were fed chlorella indigestible fraction, blood and liver cholesterol levels dropped, according to a study published in 2007 in "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry." Chlorella indigestible fraction is made from the fibrous outer portion of the chlorella. Chlorella was also found to increase the amount of liver enzymes, which is thought by researchers to responsible for the increase in liver health.
Obstructive Jaundice
Obstructive jaundice is when bile chemicals used in digestion become blocked anywhere in the digestive system. Toxic bacteria cause obstructive jaundice, according to a study published in December 2009 in "Clinical Nutrition." Chlorella was found to increase the protective lining of the intestines, reducing the ability of harmful bacteria present in backed-up bile to enter.
References
- Food Science and Technology Research: Bioavailability of Lutein in Chlorella Powder: A Single Ingestion of Chlorella Powder Raises Serum Lutein Concentrations in Healthy Human Volunteers
- Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry: Hypocholesterolemic Mechanism of Chlorella: Chlorella and Its Indigestible Fraction Enhance Hepatic Cholesterol Catabolism through Up-Regulation of Cholesterol 7α-Hydroxylase in Rats
- Clinical Nutrition: Administration of Chlorella sp. Microalgae Reduces Endotoxemia, Intestinal Oxidative Stress and Bacterial Translocation in Experimental Biliary Obstruction
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