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Chlorella for Stress

Aug 8, 2011 | By Linda Tarr Kent

Chlorella is sold as a superfood that is rich in nutrition and has health-boosting properties. Supplementation appears to reduce blood pressure, enhance immune support and provide other benefits that may help combat effects of chronic stress, as well as a variety of other health conditions. Consult a doctor before taking chlorella for stress.

Chlorella Growth Factor

Chlorella contains a compound called chlorella growth factor in its nucleic acid. This substance is responsible for chlorella's ability to quadruple daily. Chlorella growth factor has theoretical benefits for stimulating tissue repair when your body's healing abilities are overworked due to consistent stress, according to "The Thrive Diet," by Brendan Brazier.

Immune Function

Chlorella purportedly boosts immune function during times of prolonged stress, according to Brazier. Chronic stress weakens your immune system, raising your chances for falling ill. This benefit may be partly due to the fact that chlorella is rich in B vitamins, which are important for combating stress, according to the "User's Guide to Stress-Busting Nutrients," by RoseMarie Gionta Alfieri. B vitamins do more than support your immune system. B vitamins also provide adrenal gland support, nervous system support and help with regulating glucose metabolism. You need B vitamins for healthy red blood cells and nerve cells and for numerous metabolic functions in your body.

Antioxidant Power

Chlorella has strong antioxidant activity, according to a 2003 "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology" study. Antioxidants are important for combating oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and is suspected in the pathology of numerous health conditions from heart disease to cancer to Alzheimer's.

Considerations

While some research such as the "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" point to health benefits, there is insufficient scientific evidence to rate chlorella for any purpose including boosting your immune system, combating inflammation, combating fatigue and reducing anxiety, according to the National Institutes of Health website, MedlinePlus. The 2001 study, in fact, recommends large and comprehensive clinical trials to examine chlorella's potential. The NIH also notes there's insufficient evidence to rate it as a source of B12, iron and dietary protein. Chlorella can be contaminated with toxic metals and harmful bacteria, so seek a reliable supplement manufacturer who certifies its products are free of contaminants. Also consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you have a health condition or take medication to suppress your immune system, because chlorella may interfere with such medication.

References

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Aug 8, 2011

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