2. Helps detox by binding heavy metals

This special seaweed preparation plays a fundamental role in heavy metal chelation. It mobilizes the heavy metals located in the connective tissue and causes their excretion by forming complexes with heavy metals in the intestines. Thus, while chronically mobilizing the metals in the connective tissue and putting them back into circulation, in the acute state, it prevents their absorption by forming chelates with heavy metals that are about to be absorbed from the intestines for various reasons (Permeable-bowel syndrome/Leaky Gut, high dose/intoxication…). Thus, it ensures that heavy metals are excreted through the intestines. Chlorella has the capacity to bind heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, nickel, lead, palladium, platinum, gold, all metals used in dentistry and some environmental toxins (dioxin, formaldehyde, pesticides, etc.) like a sponge with high absorption power with its mucopolysaccharide cell membrane (53, 54, 55, 56).

Heavy metals such as Cd (^Cd2+), Co, Cr (^Cr3+, ^Cr6+, ^Cr2O7-2), Cu (^Cu2+), Fe (^Fe3+), Hg (^Hg2+), Ni (^Ni2+), Pb (^Pb2+), Zn (^Zn2+) are attracted and bound by chlorella like a sponge (57). Heavy metals in the connective tissue are removed from the connective tissue by chlorella and mobilized. Heavy metals are excreted via the enterohepatic circulation through the liver and into the intestine via bile. Chlorella binds only a part of the heavy metals that are free in the intestines, either through new food intake or enterohepatic excretion, without being reabsorbed from the intestines and causes them to be excreted. For this reason, Barlauch must be used simultaneously with chlorella to prevent the reabsorption of toxic metals from the intestines. When the studies with chlorella are examined, it is noticeable that almost all of them are made with the original chlorella grown on the Japanese island.

The chlorella to be used for chelation purposes must not have come into contact with any heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals in the place where it grows and during its growth. This means that it is very difficult to grow chlorella for chelation purposes and that special conditions must be met for this purpose. Because it will also bind heavy metals in the environment during its growth period, preparations made from chlorella produced under special and inappropriate conditions for chelation cannot bind heavy metals in the body, and may cause an increase in the toxicity table by releasing the heavy metals that it has bound during its growth in the body. This means that while aiming to provide chelation therapy, the heavy metal burden is aggravated and the condition worsens. This remarkable and direct determinant of the success of the treatment also applies to Barlauch, Koriander and Spiriluna mentioned in this article. For this reason, not all Chlorella, Barlauch, Koriander and Spiriluna in use are suitable for chelation purposes. Appropriate preparations should be selected for this purpose.

In summary, chlorella helps detoxify the body. Clinical studies show that it is effective in helping to remove heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (6, 7, 8).

Chlorella contains a unique phytonutrient called sporopollenin. Sporopollenin is more effective than other natural substances in binding neurotoxic residues. It has the ability to cleanse the body of biotoxins such as tuberculosis, lymes disease, tetanus toxins and mold. It also filters xenobiotics such as phytates, dioxins, pesticides and industrial wastes (41).

It binds heavy metals such as mercury, lead, nickel and aluminum and helps their excretion from the body. It can also detoxify food preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colorants from the body (41).

Although elements such as iron and copper fall into the heavy metal category, heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are more toxic. Although dangerous levels of heavy metal load in the body are rare, exposure to heavy metals may occur due to certain external factors such as environmental pollution (9).

Studies have found that algae, including chlorella, reduce heavy metal toxicity in the liver, brain and kidneys (10). In addition, chlorella has sometimes been shown to help reduce the amount of other harmful chemicals found in food (11).

Chlorella also increases the body’s production of glutathione, turning on the body’s natural detoxification switch. Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, which functions to scavenge free radicals, replenish the antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E, and protect the body from damage while doing so (41).

From these studies, it has been found that chlorella may help boost the body’s natural ability to clear toxins.

3. It can strengthen your immune system

Your immune system helps you stay healthy by fighting infections. So far, studies have found that chlorella boosts immunity. In one study, male subjects produced more antibodies when taking chlorella supplements than when taking a placebo (12).

In another study, healthy adults taking chlorella were found to have increased immune activity (13).

4. May help lower cholesterol

Several studies have shown that chlorella supplements can help lower cholesterol (3, 14, 15). Specifically, some studies have shown that taking 5-10 grams of chlorella daily lowers total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or mildly elevated cholesterol (3, 14).

The chlorella content may help improve blood lipid levels:

• Niacin: Vitamin AB, known to lower cholesterol (1).
• Fiber: A cholesterol-lowering substance (1, 16).
• Carotenoids: A substance that naturally lowers cholesterol (14, 17, 18).
• Antioxidants: Help prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is known to contribute to heart disease (19).

5. Shows antioxidant properties

Chlorella contains compounds considered antioxidants, including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein. These antioxidants can help fight many chronic diseases (20).

Some antioxidants contribute to the prevention of complications of diabetes (1, 21).

A clinical study showed that chlorella supplements increased antioxidant levels in smokers with a high risk of oxidative stress (22, 23).

6. Helps keep blood pressure under control

Chlorella supplements can help promote heart and kidney health, which are essential for normal blood pressure.

In one study, people with mild high blood pressure were given 4 grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, these people had lower blood pressure values than those in the placebo group (24).

Another study in healthy men showed that taking chlorella supplements was associated with reduced levels of arterial stiffening, a factor that affects blood pressure (25).

7. Helps regulate blood sugar levels

Some research suggests that chlorella may help lower blood glucose levels (1).

The study showed that taking chlorella for 12 weeks reduced fasting blood glucose levels in both healthy individuals and individuals with a high risk of lifestyle-related diseases (15).

In another study, chlorella was shown to provide blood glucose control and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (27, 28, 29).

8. May help manage respiratory diseases

Since chlorella contributes to the control of inflammation, it contributes to the reduction of symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1, 30, 32).

9. May increase aerobic endurance

A study examined the effect of chlorella on aerobic endurance and observed positive effects. Researchers gave a group of young adults 4 grams of chlorella or a placebo 6 grams a day for 6 weeks.

At the end of the study, the chlorella group was able to fill their lungs with oxygen (a measure of endurance).

significantly improved, but there was no change in endurance in the placebo group (33).

Other Benefits of Chlorella

• Supports eye health: Chlorella contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that protect the eye and reduce the risk of macular degeneration (34, 35, 36).
• Supports liver health: Chlorella supplements have been shown to improve markers of liver health in people with liver disease. However, it is not clear whether there is a benefit for healthy people (27, 28, 29, 37).
• Supports digestive functions: Many sources claim that chlorella facilitates digestion and reduces bloating.
• Relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Chlorella may alleviate premenstrual and menstrual symptoms thanks to the vital nutrients it contains (38, 39).

Treatment Duration and Dosage: The dose of chlorella used in chelation therapy is adjusted according to the heavy metal load of the person. It is recommended to take it with plenty of water before meals. Chlorella binds some of the heavy metals that are at risk of being taken with meals without being absorbed. Its main effect is to mobilize heavy metals that are both in circulation and precipitated in connective tissue, allowing them to pass through the liver into the intestine via bile. Depending on the severity of the heavy metal load, this dose can be increased. Since the purification process should be carried out without exhausting the system, chelation therapy should last at least 6 months (depending on the level of heavy metal burden, it may take 1 year or longer), starting with chlorella and continuing with the addition of other phytochelators after 2 weeks.

Side Effect

No serious side effects of chlorella supplementation have been observed (58). Chlorella treatment is considered to have no toxicity. It has been reported that very high doses (500 g/day) may cause intestinal gas formation (59).

Use in Special Populations and Cautions

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation: Chelation with chlorella is not normally recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult a physician before use. Studies have shown that the use of chlorella in pregnant women reduces dioxin passage through the umbilical cord (60). In lactating mothers, it was found that addition of chlorella decreased the amount of dioxin in breast milk and increased the amount of immunoglobulin A (61).

Use in Special Populations: Since chlorella contains low amounts of iodine, it may cause allergic reaction in people with iodine sensitivity. In people with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, etc., chlorella should be used with caution because it has immunostimulant effect (62). There is no harm in chlorella supplementation in patients with liver disease (hepatitis). It has been reported to decrease the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (64).

Since vitamin C can destroy the chlorophyll in chlorella, it is not recommended to use products containing vitamin C together with chlorella during the chelation process.