Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
July 30, 2019
The only thing standing between you and your overall well-being is your immune system. This protective network of cells and organs help to keep our bodies functioning properly.
There are lots of steps we can take to improve our immunity and stay healthy: wash our hands, get enough rest, and eat foods that support immunity like ginger, sauerkraut, and shitake mushrooms.
Another immune supporting superfood is a freshwater single-celled algae known as Chlorella Pyrenoidosa. Like every other cell in our body, the cells that make up our immune system benefit from good nutrition, and chlorella is one of the best sources of nutrition to build our defenses.
Chlorella is rich in nucleic acids vitamins (like D and B12), minerals (like iron), as well as other health-promoting constituents unique to this plant.
Dr. Randall Merchant, a professor of anatomy and neurosurgery at Virginia Commonwealth University has conducted several clinical investigations on chlorella. Some of Merchant’s double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical research finds that daily consumption of chlorella can support and enhance immune function.
So what makes chlorella such a good immune booster? One theory points to a special nucleic acid complex found in the plant called chlorella growth factor or CGF. For the chlorella plant, this unique feature allows it to grow fast. Passed on to your own cells, CGF can deliver key nutrients for healthy cellular regeneration and repair.
Studies have found that chlorella consumption can improve several aspects of the immune system, such as mucosal immunity and enhanced Th1 immune response.
A small preliminary study found that heavy exercise may decrease salivary SIgA secretion, an important component in maintaining immune health. But athletes who take chlorella, may be able to stay in the game.
In the study, female athletes were given either a placebo or chlorella for four weeks before a five-day training camp. The athletes who took chlorella maintained their sIgA levels throughout the training camp. The placebo group saw significant reductions in sIgA levels.
More Than an Immune Booster
Chlorella is a rich source of chlorophyll, iron, vitamin D, and more. In addition to its effect on the immune system, this nutritious plant has also demonstrated other health benefits.
One is energy. All that high quality nutrition means that chlorella can support your cells and help you stay energized.
Another benefit is gentle purification. Chlorella can support the body’s natural detoxification process, supporting the health of our elimination organs. This plant contains elements that help the body eliminate toxins. It’s unique nutrients may help purify the body. Chlorophyll can help to freshen breath and support the body’s natural waste elimination process. All green plants contain chlorophyll, but chlorella is known to have one of the richest sources.
Chlorella also promotes good digestive health, thanks again to chlorophyll. It helps our digestion run smoothly all the way down the line, from assimilation to elimination.
But these benefits are only accessible if you can penetrate the plant’s tough cell wall. The outer shell of the chlorella cell is difficult to digest, so processing is necessary to unlock the plant’s powers.
Sun Chlorella is one brand with a superior means of tapping into the cell wall. Instead of using heat or chemicals to “break” or “crack” the cell wall, Sun Chlorella’s unique DYNO®-Mill process pulverizes the outer shell of the chlorella cell, delivering the most nutrition possible from this remarkable plant.
You can take chlorella as a tablet, powder, or enjoy it in food. The following recipe is a tasty way to super-charge your immune system and improve your well-being.
Immune Boosting Chlorella Lemon Ginger Tonic:
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Fresh Grated Turmeric
1 Tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger
1 Whole Lemon Juice
3 Cups Filtered Water
3g/1 Tsp Sun Chlorella Powder
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat. About 2~3 minutes turn off heat.
3. Set a small strainer over serving glasses and divide between two mugs.
4. Enjoy.
Author: Aiko Jin