Chlorella is a very small algae with a big health impact. It is one minuscule cell in size; but size doesn’t always matter! This little powerhouse plant is nutritious, helps us detoxify, and has superfood roles in our bodies. Chlorella detox benefits are numerous and this blog will explore its health attributes, the best Chlorella powder brands, how to use Chlorella, a liver detox smoothie recipe, a heavy metal detox smoothie recipe, and more.
What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a type of green algae renowned for many health benefits. It is a one cell organism and is not a seafood, contrary to popular belief! Chlorella is actually grown in fresh water.
While only one cell big, the Chlorella cell wall is tough. For best absorption, you should find broken cell wall Chlorella to add to your diet. Its cell walls are made of cellulose that needs to be broken down; humans don’t digest whole cellulose very well. Chlorella fermentation also increases the ability to absorb this nutritious algae [R].
Algae Fun Facts[R]
- Algae has been part of human diets for thousands of years
- Over 6 billion tons of algae are eaten per year in the United States
- Tsimshian First Nations’ people harvested the important food crop of algae called Pyropia and named the month of May for its harvest
- Chlorella was discovered in 1890
- Chlorella’s use has varied based on popular trends and its trend is continuing to grow as a functional food [R]
- Most early research about Chlorella began in the 1950s when fears over global food shortages abounded
- Algae is a great source of healthy vegan omega 3 fatty acids when fermented
- Spirulina is not really algae at all; it is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. It is closely related to other algae like kelp, nori, and wakami
- Algae, especially Chlorella and spirulina, are vegan B12 sources!
- Chlorella can help make great-tasting and healthy liver detox smoothies
Chlorella Benefits
Chlorella is a superfood with many health benefits. Here are some of the main areas that Chlorella may benefit your health. Keep in mind, most of the studies exploring Chlorella are either small or preliminary in animals. This means that there are benefits of chlorella in early research. Here are some of those benefits.
Detoxification benefits
- Research shows that chlorella may remove mercury from nerve tissue [R].
- It even may keep mercury from transferring on to babies [R].
- Chlorella mercury fillings: benefits the body by decreasing heavy metals in the blood of people who have amalgam dental fillings [R].
- Safely removes mercury from the body by eliminating through bowel movements and urine.
- Chlorella may reduce other heavy metals like cadmium and lead from absorbing into the body.
- May reduce radiation damage to the body [R].
- Clears dangerous toxins in breastmilk called dioxins [R].
- Helps eliminate perflourinated compounds, which are environmental toxins [R]. This is because Chlorella is helpful for liver detox.
Metabolic benefits
- Benefits health by improving hormones, insulin levels, and glucose levels [R] [R].
- May protect the body by reducing abdominal, or intra-organ fats [R].
- Can reduce inflammation.
- May improve immune function and liver function in diseases like hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [R].
- Chlorella may improve energy levels and athletic performance [R].
- Reduces anemia and swelling in pregnant women [R].
- Reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by over 10 percent [R].
- Improves cholesterol levels [R].
Skin and hair benefits
- May help the skin look younger and increases lifespan of skin cells [R].
- Chlorella body odor benefits: no direct research of this health claim exists. However, women find that men who eat more vegetables in general smell better.
- May help make hair more shiny [R].
- Chlorella may reduce atopic dermatitis [R].
- Chlorella benefits gray hair or slows the graying process.
- The Chlorella psoriasis link: people with inflammatory autoimmune conditions may feel improvements in health with anti-inflammatory algae [R].
Inflammation benefits
- Reduces pain and inflammation in bladder inflammation, or cystitis [R].
- Has strong anti-inflammatory effects by reducing tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and IL-6 [R].
- May reduce inflammatory antibodies called IgA in infants of mothers fed chlorella [R].
- Chlorella can improve quality of life in people who have fibromyalgia [R].
Brain benefits
- Chlorella brain fog benefits: theoretically can do so by reducing toxic burden in the brain.
- Chlorella may reduce depression symptoms [R].
- May reduce Parkinson’s symptoms by improving nerve dopamine levels and reducing inflammation [R].
Chlorella for pets
- Chlorella for dogs: chlorella may help revitalize your dog’s health because of its rich nutrient profile.
- Chlorella is also healthy for cats.
- Make sure to give pets very small amounts.
Chlorella for high blood pressure
- Supplemental chlorella helps blood pressure in some people, but some do not respond to it. Quality of life also improves for all studied when taking chlorella [R].
Chlorella and fertility
- A pilot study of chlorella, using small doses, didn’t change sperm counts but may increase fertility rates in males with infertility [R].
Chlorella gout connection
- Although too soon to tell if Chlorella helps gout, Chlorella supplements do reduce blood uric acid levels [R].
Is chlorella high in oxalates?
- I could not find any research about chlorella for its oxalate content. Plant-based diets tend to reduce chances of kidney stones.
{Please note that this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.}
What Sets Chlorella Apart?
While many varieties of Chlorella exist, the major categories are:
- Chlorella vulgaris
- Chlorella lobophora
- Chlorella sorokiniana
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Algae farming is best suited for the Chlorella vulgaris variety. This strain is a very attractive food source because it rapidly multiplies due to a compound called Chlorella growth factor.
While many plant foods like Chlorella are nutritious, there are some very distinct properties about Chlorella that make it shine. Here are some facts about Chorella and a very similar substance called Spirulina.
Chlorella versus Spirulina
Trying to figure out the difference between chlorella versus spirulina? Remember, both are very nutritious, but there are some big differences between the two.
Consider these facts: Chlorella has some distinct nutrients and compounds and so does spirulina. Here are those differences.
Chlorella Growth Factor
What is Chlorella growth factor? An intriguing substance in Chlorella, called Chlorella growth factor (CGF), contains nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA. These compounds support cellular health. CGF Chlorella growth factor may also help with innate immune response [R]. A difference between spirulina and chlorella is that spirulina does not contain CGF.
By multiplying itself 4 times over every 24 hours, CGF may help increase healing of damaged tissue.
Is chlorella growth factor for kids a good idea? Chlorella is safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and people of all ages. While no specific studies look at children specifically, there is benefits to babies from moms who eat Chlorella.
Chlorophyll
Chlorella has more chlorophyll than any plant. Its nutrient and protein content are some of the highest of any food on the planet. It has even more chlorophyll than spirulina. Chlorophyll has antioxidant effects, and topical use of chlorophyll had anti-aging effects on the skin, similar to hyaluronic acid [R].
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Nutrients
Spirulina is actually a Gram-negative, nontoxic species of cyanobacteria, not true algae. Both Chlorella and Spirulina are regarded as ideal foods due to their high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and β-carotene.
C-phycocyanin
Containing a blue pigment called C-phycocyanin, spirulina sets itself apart. This compound helps to reduce histamine release, may help protect the liver, and may reduce cancer risk [R].
Spirulina contains GLA-Gamma Linolenic Acid, which may help reduce inflammation, arthritis, and joint issues
Chlorella contains more omega 3 fatty acids than spirulina.
Bottom line:
As you can see, both Spirulina and Chlorella have unique and important health benefits. It may be a good idea to use both or rotate the two in your diet. A great way to do this is to make the liver detox smoothie recipe in this post.
Chlorella Nutrition Facts
Chlorella is very rich in vitamins and minerals. It also contains a very high amount of protein, amino acids, antioxidants, and fiber as well! Iron content of chlorella is the highest of any plant source too.
Chlorella B12 levels are also really helpful. Why? It is of the ONLY vegan vegan B12 sources. Even better: it has greater than the daily RDI for vitamin B12 with right at 100 micrograms per serving.
The following are the amounts of nutrient per 10 grams of Chlorella [R]. A realistic portion would be around 10 grams of Chlorella per day, but you should slowly work up to that dose. 10 grams is equal to about a tablespoon a day. I recommend to start with a heaping teaspoon per day.
- Calories: 34
- Protein 5 grams
- Carbohydrates 1 gram
- Dietary fiber 1 gram
- Fat 0.9 grams
- Saturated fatty acid: 0.2 grams
- Monounsaturated fatty acid 0.2 grams
- Polyunsaturated fatty acid 0.3 grams
- Omega 3 fats and Omega 6 fats
- Linoleic acid (g/100 g) 0.1 gram
- gα‐Linolenic acid (g/100 g) 0.2 gram
- Vitamins
- β‐Carotene 1 mg
- Vitamin B1 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B2 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B3 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B5 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.12 mg
- Vitamin B12 0.1 mg
- Vitamin C 0.2 mg
- Folate 0.3 mcg
- Biotin 0.2 mcg
- Para‐amino‐benzoic acid 0.1 mg
- Minerals
- Phosphorus 96
- Potassium 15 mg
- Magnesium 44 mg
- Calcium 27 mg
- Iron 7 mg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Zinc 6 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
- Iodine 0.1 mg
- Miscellaneous
- Lutein 8 mg
- Lycopine 0.03 mg
- Zeaxanthin 0.07 mg
- Chlorophyll 20 mg!
How the Mighty Chlorella Stacks up with the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the body’s way of neutralizing harmful compounds in the body. These toxins can be things we eat too much of, such as sugar, or substances that are toxic in very small doses, such as pesticides and household chemicals.
Toxin types are vast; an estimated 100,000 chemicals or more are in our homes and air. Of these, less than 10 percent have safety data!
Our bodies can and do clear and neutralize toxins on their own. However, if you have high volume of toxins and certain types of toxins, this can change your health drastically.
Toxins can slow down the body’s ability to make energy, increase risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, hormone issues, heart disease, brain diseases, and more.
Chlorella can help with all phases of detoxification in the body. We first must understand where toxins come from.
Toxin examples:
- Heavy metals
- Mercury
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Aluminum
- Nickel
- Minerals at high doses, even necessary ones, including
- Iron
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Air pollution
- Food additives
- Processed foods
- Plastics
- Solvents
- Cleaning products
- Dental appliances and fillings
- Many more
Our bodies have 3 phases of detoxification. All steps are necessary for best health.
Phase 1
Phase 1 detoxification takes place in the liver. How does it work The liver activates enzymes to prepare the body to detoxify.
The products made from phase 1 are harmful to the body without phase 2!
Toxins are oxidized in this step, and can become more harmful than the original toxin. Read more about phase 1 detoxification at Paris Healing Arts.
To help prevent phase 1 from harming your body, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as spices and herbs. This will help prevent more harm from detoxification.
Chlorella, rich in chlorophyll, helps phase 1 detox in the liver by helping to stabilize genes [R].
An important part of detoxification is making sure you reduce the toxic burden in your home and life. You can do that by getting a Natural Solutions Kit.
Phase 2
Phase 2 detoxification neutralizes, or conjugates, toxins to be cleared from the body. You need vitamins, minerals, protein, and phytochemicals for this phase.
The following foods and nutrients help with phase 2 detoxification:
- Allium
- Onion, garlic, leeks
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
- Protein and amino acids
- Bone broth, meat, eggs, cysteine or n-acetylcysteine
- Lentein, a type of water lentil
- Antioxidants and minerals
- Chlorella
- Turmeric, ginger, cumin, oregano, other spices and herbs
- Minerals like selenium and zinc
- Vitamin D3
Both the liver detox smoothie and heavy metal detox smoothie recipe at the bottom of this post are great for all 3 phases of detoxification.
Phase 3 Detoxification
Transport and elimination are key to final removal of heavy metals and toxins from the body.
You can enhance phase 3 detoxification by eating foods and supplements that bind or chelate toxins, including:
- Chlorella
- Fibers
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Fermented foods
- Probiotics
All of these substances can bind to heavy metals and safely help remove them from you body. Caution with use of minerals; you will want to use balanced amounts of them to avoid excess. This balance is found in a healthy supplement called the Lifelong Vitality Pack.
With phase 3 detoxification, you want anti inflammatory foods and fermented foods too, like apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, and more.
While our liver cleanse occurs 24 hours a day, we can support its function with the best foods and supplements. We can support healthy bile production by doing so as well. When you detox your liver, your whole body will gain the benefits!
Phase 3 is where the body is able to remove heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and nickel.
Mercury Toxicity and Chlorella
Low doses of mercury throughout our lives cause damage in the body. Mercury can silently harm nerves, heart tissue, vascular tissue, and kidneys.
Mercury is sneaky and found in places you may not expect. This includes [R]:
- Pollution in air and water
- Old school laboratories
- Some types of fish, like king mackerel, albacore tuna, ahi tuna
- Some costume jewelry
- “Silver” fillings for cavities
- Vaccinations
- Soils near high traffic areas
Symptoms Of Mercury Toxicity Can Include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Digestive issues
- Reduced digestion and metabolism of fat
- Aching joints
- Skin issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Impaired blood sugar numbers
- Reproductive problems
- Memory
- Nerve issues
Low level of mercury exposure over the long-term can cause toxicity that is both:
- subtle
- cumulative
Testing your blood for mercury isn’t always accurate. Why? Metals become stored away in our bodies’ tissues, not in the blood. Most allopathic doctors don’t screen for heavy metals, but functional medicine providers or naturopathic doctors often do.
If you have amalgam fillings you may need to consider and replace with non-toxic compounds such as porcelain.
Mercury from amalgam is released into your body in very tiny amounts every day. It enters the saliva, then goes down into the stomach, becoming absorbed into the rest of the body [R].
You can help your body clear mercury by using the liver detox smoothie recipe, other chlorella recipes, cilantro recipes, and nutrient-rich foods as described above that help the body with elimination of toxins. You may also want to talk to your dentist about safe amalgam removal.
How does chlorella detox heavy metals? Chlorella helps all 3 phases of detoxification, including chelation.
Chlorella Detox Symptoms
As the body clears toxins, some minor side effects can occur and are usually temporary. These types of reactions are called Herxheimer reactions. Much of the side effects can be avoided by eating chlorella with other food and starting a chlorella detox gradually.
Chlorella Dangers
Common side effects of eating Chlorella are [R, R]:
- Increased bowel movements (this is usually a good thing)
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Mild stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Itching or rash
Keep in mind, these usually are temporary. The best way to prevent side effects is to start with low doses and work your way up slowly.
Pre-existing medical conditions may increase the risk of side effects [R]. Avoid chlorella if you become allergic [R]. Other ways to help your detox are listed above in the phases of detoxification section.
Drug Interactions
Chlorella interacts with warfarin, so make sure to discuss using chlorella with your healthcare provider if on this medication [R, R].
No other proven side effects with medications are known.
If you take thyroid medication or antibiotics, you may need wait an hour or more before eating anything, including chlorella. Contrary to some statements, it does not have any known interactions with immuno-suppressive drugs.
Caution with adding any new food or supplement into your regimen. Always seek medical advice from your healthcare practitioner.
How to Take Chlorella
You may be asking, how much chlorella should I take daily? The recommended daily intake is at or below 10 g per day [R]. It can’t be emphasized enough: start slowly and gradually at about 3 grams per day or a heaping teaspoon.
Also, take with other food for best absorption and to make it easiest on you.
Do not eat or supplement chlorella on empty stomach.
Adding it slowly into your diet can make you feel great. Adding it quickly may make you feel poorly.
Small amounts twice a day is better than a large amount at once.
Add in cilantro; you may remove heavy metal safely and even more quickly.
A healthy diet and healthy gut bacteria also help the body remove heavy metals.
Sweating and exercise help remove heavy metal toxins as well.
Either eat fermented foods every day or consider supplemental probiotics.
Fermented foods include:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Water kefir
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Aged cheeses (if dairy tolerant)
- Probiotic supplements
- Coconut yogurt
Liver Detox Smoothie Recipe
I personally love this liver detox smoothie that also helps detox from heavy metals. This chlorella drink recipe is so simple and so healthy! You can blend in a banana in your blender if you like with a banana for sweetness.
I prefer to combine the following in a jar and go. A lot of the taste will depend on the protein powder you choose. I like a plain powder without added sweeteners, but you can choose a healthy protein powder sweetened with monk fruit or stevia if you like. A liver cleansing smoothie can also contain vegetables like burdock root and milk thistle as well as leafy greens. While I make those often, I make this one in a hurry as I rush out to work.
The detoxification process takes time; be patient and enjoy the process of getting healthy. The period of time it takes for cleansing depends on a lot of factors. Liver function depends on a balance of all nutrients, including protein. Your digestive system will also benefit, I promise. I know mine did! Don’t be surprised if your bowel movement frequency or volume increases too; this is part of the liver cleanse.
Do not crash diet while starting to drink this liver detox smoothie. Eat a well-balanced diet at each meal. Do be mindful and avoid foods with a lot of additives and highly processed foods.
Liver Detox Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 scoops VShake protein powder
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
increase as desired - 1 heaping tsp chlorella powder
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 1 tsp quercetin powder
- 1 scoop GI repair powder optional
- 1/2 tsp probiotic powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a quart mason jar and add 4 cubes of ice. Add lid and shake until smooth.
Nutrition
Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie Bowl
This heavy metal detox smoothie bowl recipe has healing whole foods and the natural heavy metal chelator called Chlorella. You can vary the fruit if you would like. You also may need to add more coconut milk or almond milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves
- 1 heaping tablespoon chlorella powder
- 1 1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 scoop Vshake protein powder
- 1 scoop probiotic powder
Toppings:
1 tablespoon sprouted pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Blend all smoothie ingredients together until smooth consistency
2. Add toppings as desired.
Other Chlorella Recipe Ideas
- Add to homemade Paleo ice cream recipes
- Mix in a tsp into your kombucha
- Make a Chlorella spritzer:
- 1/2 cup mango nectar, 100% fruit
- 1/2 cup ginger kombucha
- 1 tsp chlorella
- Mix and enjoy!
- Add a tsp of chlorella to coconut yogurt
- Add a tsp of chlorella to vanilla or chocolate pudding
- can make a fun St Patrick’s Day pudding!
Best Quality Chlorella Brands
I am including brand reviews for you so that you can find high quality Chlorella products. The criteria I used are the following:
- The brands are Certified Organic
- They get at least 4.5 star reviews from at least 20 customers
- They are all gluten free as well and GMO free.
Here are links for you to find the brands and to purchase them. I also include the prices for your convenience.
Best Chlorella Powder Brands
Personally, I prefer the Chlorella powder over Chlorella tablets because I like to be able to sprinkle it in recipes and use it in smoothies. I also think I feel better with the powders. The best Chlorella is the one YOU prefer.
Now Brand Organic Chlorella Powder, 1 lb
Now Brand Organic Chlorella Powder with Naturally Occurring Chlorophyll, Beta-Carotene, Mixed Carotenoids, Vitamin C, Iron and Protein, 1-Pound for $28.95.
Organic Chlorella Spirulina 50/50 mix
Organic Chlorella Spirulina Powder 50/50 Mix | 100 Servings | Non-GMO | Vegan | Sunlight Grown | Deep Green Color | Alkalyzing | High Protein for $27.44.
I like that this product contains both chlorella and spirulina, but it costs a bit more than the Now Organic Brand.
Anthony’s Organic Chlorella Powder
8oz, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Broken Cell Wall for $12.98 for 8 oz. This is a smaller size for chlorella beginners. It gets great customer satisfaction reviews.
Micro Ingredients Pure Organic Chlorella Powder
A full pound of USDA Certified Organic Chlorella powder that is non-irradiated for $30.95. Over 200 reviews with great customer satisfaction.
Biochlorella Organic Chlorella Powder
4 Organic Certifications, Raw Form & Sun Grown | Guaranteed Best Source of Chlorella $23.53 for 8 oz. 51 overall great reviews on product satisfaction.
Healthworks Chlorella Powder
Organic (16 Ounces / 1 Pound) | Broken Cell Wall & All-Natural $23.75 per pound and gets 4 star ratings by over 50 reviewers.
Best Chlorella Tablet Brands
Dr Mercola’s Fermented Chlorella
Economy size: Dr. Mercola Fermented Chlorella, the dose is 1000mg – 450 Tablets – 2 Bottles for $39.95.
This is the only chlorella fermented product on the market I could find.
Caveat; this brand is not certified organic, but because it is a Dr. Mercola brand, it is of high quality.
Another great chewable Chlorella option.
The Pyrenoidosa is slightly more detoxifying of heavy metals than the Vulgaris variety.
It is a 400 tablet package for $50.00. A serving size is 15 tablets.
Chlorella For Pets
Chlorella & Eleuthero Superfood Supplement for Dogs and Cats (60 Wafers) $52.60. You should start with a small piece of wafer, not the whole wafer. Safe for both dogs and cats.
Although the product itself isn’t 100% organic, Sun Chlorella is an organic type of Chlorella.
I also use Chlorella powder for my dog. For my Italian Greyhound, I give him about 1/16th of a teaspoon Chlorella powder sprinkled on his dog food every day. He seems more energetic and his doggy breath is a lot better!
International Chlorella Brands
Lifestream Chlorella
Available in New Zealand and many countries, not the United States
Chlorella available in the UK
Holland and Barrett Chlorella
Pukka Clean Chlorella
Chlorella Available in South Africa
The Real Thing Chlorella
Available in Australia
Summary
In summary, these mighty little one-celled algae called chlorella have numerous health benefits, including the safe removal of heavy metals from the body. Chlorella may help give you energy, gently detoxify, improve cholesterol, protect the liver, and improve your body composition. Chlorella should be an easy add-on to your life too.
Chlorella is an inexpensive way to help you get healthy. Make sure to choose broken-cell wall Chlorella or fermented Chlorella to help break them apart so they can help you detoxify.
A healthy body comes with a healthy mind. Make sure to manage your stress. as part of a healthy lifestyle routine.
This blog is not meant as medical advice. Always seek the help of your healthcare professional before starting any new healthcare routine.
Like what you are reading? Visit my natural supplements posts.
Want to get rid of the toxic chemicals in your home? Get a Natural Solutions Kit.
Interested in more alternative wellness, Missoula region?
I recommend: Natura Health clinic
Heidi Moretti, MS, RD is The Healthy RD. A registered dietitian for 20 years, has a passion for functional nutrition and natural medicine. Has researched supplements and plants as medicine throughout her career. Loves helping people gain function and vitality by tackling the root causes of illness.
[…] Aquatic plants like water lentils do not contain any lectins, so are very useful for people who suffer from a leaky gut or autoimmune issues. They fit quite nicely into an autoimmune protocol, or AIP recipes. Another great aquatic plant to try on a low lectin diet is called chlorella. […]