Popular Reads

BioGenesis has a new look, and we break down all the nitty-gritty details inside. Have a read!

Your liver is truly an unsung hero.  You have probably never given this mighty organ much thought, nor much appreciation.  It certainly deserves your utmost respect. Your liver is a powerful workhorse tirelessly looking after your health day and night.  It is truly  is the super star of your overall digestive system.  This one amazing organ performs over 500  essential functions every single day to insure that you are living your healthiest life.   Anything that is consumed, breathed in or absorbed through your skin, whether in the form of  food, alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, water and other drinks, topical creams, sprays, or many numbers  toxic exposures, will must be  processed by the liver.   Many people think that toxins are stored in the liver, but that is not technically true.  The liver actually de-activates and converts toxins into a form  that can be excreted in urine, sweat, breath and faces.  In fact, the only time toxins are stored around the liver is in the pathological condition called fatty liver. This is when fat accumulates around the liver and stores the toxins.    Your liver is one very clever organ. Here are just some of the important jobs your liver performs for you:   Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body. Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, which removes toxins, byproducts, and other harmful substances. Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depend on amino acids. The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy. Regulates Blood Clotting: Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces. Resists Infections: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream.  Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper. excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose. Regulates Hormones: The liver directs various hormones to perform their proper function in the body, such as estrogen. A sluggish liver is one of the biggest reasons why people have thyroid hormone issues  impairing the conversion of inactive T4 to the active thyroid hormone T3.       The Overworked Liver   Your liver is definitely the hardest working organ in your body and these days it is the most congested of all your organs.  Since the liver is responsible for carrying out more important jobs in your body than any other organ, it my become overwhelmed by all the toxins it must  work to detoxify. When your liver isn’t working efficiently,  you are likely to feel drained of energy and lacking motivation. You may also be feeling more irritable and less tolerant. Several of conditions that indicative an overworked liver that is unable to do its detoxification jobs include allergies, autoimmune disease, dermatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome or inflammation.    More than ever we cannot escape our toxic world and this results is an  immense stress on the liver. Even if you are doing the best to avoid toxic chemicals, foods and water,  your liver will probably still benefit from getting a little help!   The Liver Loves Chlorella   Your liver will love whatever assistance you can offer to help it do its many jobs efficiently. Obviously going organic as much as possible with natural, unprocessed foods, household products, personal care products, clothing, and gardening products, etc., will go a long way to reducing the workload of your liver.  Your liver requires optimal vitamin and mineral support such as all the B Vitamins, especially B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, beta carotene and Omega 3’s.   It also works best in an alkaline environment. And it especially needs support to efficiently and effectively detoxify pesticides, herbicides, food additives, and heavy metals so that must be safely eliminated from your body.   Mother Nature has created a unique one-cell fresh water algae called Chlorella with a comprehensive nutritional content as well a unique complex called Chlorella Growth Factor that provides great liver support. Chlorella (C.Vulgaris) has been extensively studied and it recognized as one of the most nutrient-complete foods on the planet.   Some of the most  vital nutrients to support a healthy liver are  all the  B-group vitamins,  Vitamin B-12 is especially important for liver functions and detoxification.  In addition, essential vitamins and minerals include Vitamin C, Vitamin D vitamin E and beta-carotene, Omega-3, selenium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and iron for liver health and liver-enzyme production.  All of these nutrients are abundantly available in Chlorella.   To maintain optimal health your body must be alkaline.  Making your body more alkaline helps to improve energy levels, metabolic rate and reduces the risk of developing health problems, including stress on your liver.  Another wonderful benefit of Chlorella is that it is extremely alkalising because it contains chlorophyll as well as minerals.   When your body is and alkaline state it not only heals more efficiently but also supports optimal wellness.  Our modern diet as well stress and toxicity, creates a more acidic pH and adversely affects liver function.  Consuming Chlorella on a daily basis plays a major role in maintaining your optimal alkalinity. (Gehl  1985)   Chlorella  - A One-Stop Shop for a Healthy Liver   Chlorella Growth Factor is just one more reason why Chlorella provides such powerful  liver support.  The liver truly loves Chlorella because it is a one-stop shop for liver nutrition. The abundance of key vitamins and minerals, its alkalising power  are just some of the important ways that Chlorella provides your liver with the help it needs to do its many important jobs.   Chlorella is available  either in the form of powder or tablets. It is recommend to take 1-2 teaspoons daily of the powder which can be added to smoothies or juice ,  Chlorella is also available in easy to swallow tablets,  It is recommended to take 5 tablets twice a day. When choosing a Chlorella product, make sure that it is labeled organic and grown in a pristine environment.  Biogenesis is a company that grows an exceptionally pure and organic Chlorella in the beautiful and clean environment of the Great Barrier Reef area of Northern Australia. It addition, it has an innovative process to insure the maximum availability of the cell nutrients.   Chlorella is considered one of the best superfoods for health. Nature has miraculously packed all the vital nutrients to support your body to function optimally into this one-cell organism.  Chlorella has along list of health benefits for people of all ages.  Now there is one more thing to add to the list of Chlorella’s many benefits.  Chlorella is a powerful food that has many ways to support your liver to stay happy and healthy!   Sherrill Sellman, ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor, best-selling author, women’s health expert, a contributor to health magazines worldwide, lecturer, and host of two weekly podcasts. She can be found at www.drsherrillsellman.com and @sherrillsellman. Ng JY, Chua ML, Zhang C, Hong S, Kumar Y, Gokhale R, Ee PLR. Chlorella vulgaris Extract as a Serum Replacement That Enhances Mammalian Cell Growth and Protein Expression. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020 Sep 15;8:564667. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.564667. PMID: 33042965; PMCID: PMC7522799. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33042965/   Katharina A. Gehl, & Colman, B. (1985). Effect of External pH on the Internal pH of Chlorella saccharophila. Plant Physiology, 77(4), 917–921. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4269249    Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Sadeghi Z, Abbasalizad Farhangi M, Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Aliashrafi S. Glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Beneficial effects of supplementation with microalgae Chlorella vulgaris: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr. 2017 Aug;36(4):1001-1006. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.07.004. Epub 2016 Jul 19. PMID: 27475283. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27475283/ Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Aliashrafi S, Javadzadeh Y, AsghariJafarabadi M. The Effect of Chlorella vulgaris Supplementation on Liver En-zymes, Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Health Promot Perspect. 2014 Jul 12;4(1):107-15. doi: 10.5681/hpp.2014.014. PMID: 25097844; PMCID: PMC4122038.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25097844/ Ranjan R, Kumar N, Gautam A, Kumar Dubey A, Pandey SN, Mallick S. Chlorella sp. modulates the glutathione mediated detoxification and S-adenosylmethionine dependent methyltransferase to counter arsenic toxicity in Oryza sativa L. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2021 Jan 15;208:111418. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111418. Epub 2020 Oct 9. PMID: 33045435. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33045435/ Panahi Y, Ghamarchehreh ME, Beiraghdar F, Zare R, Jalalian HR, Sahebkar A. Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial. Hepatogastroenterology. 2012 Oct;59(119):2099-2103. doi: 10.5754/hge10860. PMID: 23234816. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23234816/ Azocar J, Diaz A. Efficacy and safety of Chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb 21;19(7):1085-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i7.1085. PMID: 23467073; PMCID: PMC3581996. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3581996/

Have you noticed that you may be feeling fatigued more often?  Perhaps you are experiencing shortness of breath or lightheadedness?  Maybe there are times when experience rapid heartbeats an irregular rhythm.  It’s possible that these may be symptoms indicating a  health condition called anaemia.    You may have heard of anaemia but may not know exactly what it is. Anaemia is defined as a lower than normal concentration of haemoglobin, or red blood cells, which results in reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen.  Haemoglobin is the main protein in your red blood cells. If you have anaemia, your haemoglobin level will be low. If the level drops low enough, your tissues or organs may not be getting adequate oxygen needed for them to function properly.  Symptoms of anaemia such as fatigue or shortness of breath happen because your organs are becoming oxygen deprived.  Unfortunately, anaemia affects more people than most realise.  In fact, it is estimated that that one-quarter of the world’s population has some form of anaemia.   The loss of blood that results in anaemia has a variety of causes. It may be due to  gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, hemorrhoids or gastritis. You may have been prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can lead to ulcers or gastritis.  Post-surgery can also contribute to blood loss. Women experiencing heavy periods or conditions such as fibroids are at risk of anaemia.  In actually fact, there are many possible reasons why a person may become anaemic. Most generally, anaemia is categorised into two main types i.e., iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia. The best way to assess if you have anaemia is to have your doctor arrange for a blood test.   The Two Types of Anaemia   Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the iron levels are too low. It is characterized by small, often pale, red blood cells. According to the Iron Disorders Institute, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Your bone marrow needs iron to make haemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that takes oxygen to your organs. Without it, the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin to make enough healthy red blood cells.   This type of anaemia is caused by a lack of the mineral iron either due to a lack of iron in your diet or the presence of gastro-intestinal issues.  There are 2 types of iron in food, haem and non-haem. Haem iron, found in meat, poultry and seafood, is absorbed more effectively than non-haem iron, which is found in eggs and plant foods.  That is why vegans and vegetarians are at greater risk of iron deficiency.(Saunders 2013)  Women need more iron to replace the amount lost in blood during menstruation. Until menopause, women need about twice as much iron as men. Pregnancy and breast feeding also use up iron stores in the body.   Vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia, also known as cobalamin deficiency, is a condition that develops when your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells from a lack of vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Since your body doesn’t make vitamin B12, you have to get it from the foods or from supplements.   Without enough vitamin B12, blood cells do not form properly inside your bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue within your bones. These blood cells die sooner than normal, leading to anaemia. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that supports energy production, DNA synthesis, brain and nervous system function, and red blood cell formation. It  helps with heart health by aiding in the breakdown of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with poor cardiovascular health (Group 2013 ) . Vitamin B12 is also a vitally important nutrient during pregnancy.    A B12 deficiency can result in many health issues, some are rather serious.  They include loss of energy, tingling, numbness, reduced sensitivity to pain or pressure, blurred vision, abnormal gait, sore tongue, poor memory, confusion, even hallucination and personality changes.   Following a plant-based lifestyle has many benefits.  However, one of the challenges of a plant-based diet is maintaining optimal levels of Vitamin B12 since it is typically found in animal products. It is important to note that studies discovered that many vegetarians and vegans have some form of deficiency of B12.  Thus, it  is imperative to supplement with B12 (Rizzo 2016 ) (Pawlak 2013 ) .  A 2021 study in Clinical Nutrition concluded (Bakaloudi 2021 ): Regarding macronutrients, vegan diets are lower in protein intake  compared with all other diet types. Veganism is also associated with low intake of vitamins B2, Niacin (B3), B12, D, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium. Vitamin B12 intake among vegans is significantly lower and calcium intake in the majority of vegans was below recommendations.   Chlorella - A Natural Source Vitamin B12 and Iron   When searching for a source that can help boost your levels of iron and B12, look no  further than the superfood, chlorella.  This unicellular green algae is recognised as powerhouse for health. It is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is not an exaggeration to say that chlorella is nature’s own complete multivitamin-multimineral because it contains most of the essential nutrients needed to sustain life.   Its nutrient profile includes vitamins E, C and K, B-complex, biotin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus and omega-3 essential fatty acid. In addition, it has more beta-carotene than carrots and more than five times more chlorophyll than wheatgrass. Chlorella also contains more than 50 percent of bio-available protein and all the essential amino acids. It is one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin-D.   Chlorella is a great wholefood for helping to prevent anaemia.  Chlorella is truly an outstanding plant-based food source of methyl-cobalamine, the most absorbable form of Vitamin B12. (Bit 2020 ) Methylcobalamin is a natural, active form of vitamin B12 and is the principal circulating form of B12 that can enter into the bloodstream quickly.  It is also the most bioavailable, as it requires little to no conversion and crosses easily through every aspect of B12’s metabolic pathways. Therefore, it is the form that the body can effectively utilise.   It is important to emphasise that only chlorella has the methylcobalamin form of B12.  It is widely believed that the blue-green algae, spirulina, is also a good source of B12.  However, research has proven that this is not the case.  Spirulina has an inactive or pseudo form of B12, which is not the real thing.  This is known as a vitamin B12 analogue.  Not only is this inactive form unable to raise B12 levels, but what’s even more troubling is the fact it actually blocks the body’s ability to absorb B12 efficiently. Therefore, vegans and vegetarians should incorporate chlorella as a proven source of absorbable B12 rather than spirulina. (Watanabe 2007 )   Chlorella’s nutrient profile also includes iron. In fact, the iron content of chlorella is particularly impressive and can provide up to 40 per cent of your daily requirements. Unfortunately, most of the oral forms of iron supplements are difficult for the body to absorb. They also have uncomfortable side effects, such as, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.    Incorporating chlorella into your daily nutritional regimen, will provide a form of plant-based iron that is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body. Perhaps even more importantly, chlorella contains vitamin C, an important nutrient that is needed to help the body properly absorb and utilise iron in the blood (Jacobs 2009 ).   Getting The Best Chlorella for Your B12 and Iron Needs   Chlorella is able to raise B12 and iron levels when you consume a high quality source. The purity and potency of the chlorella as well as the proprietary processing and packaging method, not only determines the highest nutrient profile but also is required to maintain its potency.    Biogenesis is a company devoted to bringing you not only the purest but also the  most nutrient dense, organic chlorella for your wellbeing. Biogenesis has been recognised for growing the highest quality, organic chlorella. It is 100 percent Australian owned and operated. In fact, it is  the only ‘Australian Made, Australian Grown’ licensed producer of chlorella. From its farm in tropical Queensland, right through to packing and distribution, its products are grown and processed in Australia to the highest quality standard.  Unlike many other countries that grow chlorella, the pristine water and abundant sunlight of Biogenesis’ tropical Queensland farm, insures the purest and highest quality  algae product available any where in the world.   The Biogenesis Biodynamic System utilises a combination of vacuum and ultrasonic technology that enables the nutrients of the cell to be made available without the risk of oxidation or nutritional losses.  This means that Biogenesis is able to deliver its powerhouse of all its nutrients efficiently to every cell in your body. Chlorella is a truly a unique nutritional product.  It is renown as a superfood with a comprehensive nutritional profile to support your health and wellbeing. If you are concerned about being anaemic, then chlorella can certainly be your source of nutrition to help restore healthy red blood cells and iron. This is especially true if you are a vegetarian or vegan. By adding Chlorella to your daily nutritional regimen, in addition to a balanced diet, you’ll be providing your body with a readily available form of active vitamin B12 and iron, along with all the other key nutrients. Chlorella is delivered to you by Nature (and Biogenesis) to guarantee you live your most vital and healthy life.   Sherrill Sellman,ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor, best-selling author, women’s health expert, contributor to health magazine worldwide, lecturer and  host of two weekly podcasts.  She  can be found at www.drsherrillsellman.com and @sherrillsellman   Rizzo G, Laganà AS, Rapisarda AM, La Ferrera GM, Buscema M, Rossetti P, Nigro A, Muscia V, Valenti G, Sapia F, Sarpietro G, Zigarelli M, Vitale SG. Vitamin B12 among Vegetarians: Status, Assessment and Supplementation. Nutrients. 2016 Nov 29;8(12):767. doi: 10.3390/nu8120767. PMID: 27916823; PMCID: PMC5188422. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27916823/ Pawlak R, Parrott SJ, Raj S, Cullum-Dugan D, Lucus D. How prevalent is vitamin B(12) deficiency among vegetarians? Nutr Rev. 2013 Feb;71(2):110-7. doi: 10.1111/nure.12001. Epub 2013 Jan 2. PMID: 23356638. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23356638/ Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi, Afton Halloran, Holly L. Rippin, Artemis Christina Oikonomidou, Theodoros I. Dardavesis, Julianne Williams, Kremlin Wickramasinghe, Joao Breda, Michail Chourdakis,Intake and adequacy of the vegan diet. A systematic review of the evidence, Clinical Nutrition, Volume 40, Issue 5, 2021, Pages 3503-3521,ISSN 0261-5614, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561420306567 https://explore.globalhealing.com/10-best-foods-for-heart-health/ Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 20;12(9):2524. doi: 10.3390/nu12092524. PMID: 32825362; PMCID: PMC7551956. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32825362 Watanabe F. Vitamin B12 sources and bioavailability. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2007 Nov;232(10):1266-74. doi: 10.3181/0703-MR-67. PMID: 17959839. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17959839/ https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/blood-conditions/6-side-effects-of-oral-iron-supplements Dagnelie PC, van Staveren WA, van den Berg H. Vitamin B-12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 Mar;53(3):695-7. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/53.3.695. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr 1991 Apr;53(4):988. PMID: 2000824. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2000824/

The world of supplements and health products can be overwhelming to navigate. The supplements industry has been booming since the 1950's, and natural health boosting foods have been popular since long before that. There are options ranging from ancient herbal remedies to synthetic lab-derived vitamins, and everything in between. Knowing which options are best is a highly personal decision that deserves plenty of deliberation. Luckily, the body of scientific research on both new and traditional food supplements is growing. There's more information available now than ever before which allows consumers to make informed decisions about products that impact their health and wellbeing. Three naturally aquatic derived nutrition supplements that have been thoroughly studied and have strong evidence for their powerful health-boosting abilities are chlorella, spirulina, and marine sourced minerals from red algae (Lithothamnium Calcareum).   7 Ingredients Your Multivitamin Should Have The Health Benefits Of Spirulina, Chlorella, and Sea Vegetables   One of the first considerations when deciding on which supplements may be worth consuming is recognizing the difference between the various forms. There are two different factors that can classify supplements: natural or artificial; and single nutrient or multi-nutrient. Synthetic supplements are produced in a laboratory setting and may contain either a single nutrient, or they could be a multi-nutrient blend or complex with several different substances contained within. Naturally derived supplements can be whole foods, processed whole foods, or even extracts of something as specific as a single vitamin or mineral from an original whole food source. There are also products that contain a combination of naturally sourced and synthetic nutritional substances.   Synthetic vs Natural Nutrients: Does It Matter?   While synthetic supplements are often affordable and convenient, there's evidence to suggest that they don't always act as adequate substitutes for naturally occurring forms of nutrition. They're often not as bioavailable or effective as natural forms, and can sometimes even have adverse health effects (Thiel, 20001). The second consideration of single versus multiple nutrient-containing supplements also has relatively clear comparative results from the scientific community. Multi-nutrient supplements are often more nutritionally relevant since most functions of the body are extremely complex and require a variety of nutritional factors to orchestrate. Having a combination of complementary nutrients can ensure their optimal absorption and utilisation in many cases (Kellett, 20112). They can also help to prevent extreme nutritional imbalances more likely to occur from large doses of single nutrient supplements (Beitz, 20023).   Multivitamin vs Individual Vitamins: Pros & Cons of Each Supplement Routine   With both of these variables in mind, it's clear that there can be value in a range of types of supplements, but naturally sourced supplements from whole foods that contain a variety of complementary nutritional substances is an ideal option. Some of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet that are used for natural diet supplement included algae’s. Spirulina is a variety of blue-green algae more technically specified as a cyanobacteria, and it has a long list of impressive health benefits. Spirulina is popular as an excellent source of a complete protein since it contains all the essential amino acids. Beyond this, it contains a wide variety of other nutrients including copper, iron, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin (Soni, 20174).   4 Health Benefits of Spirulina   Many of the benefits seen from spirulina supplementation stem from its anti-parasitic functions, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its antioxidant content. These attributes have translated into improved energy, lessened allergy symptoms, and several other factors that altogether support general health and wellbeing (Kiran, 20165, Cingi, 20086). Some of the health benefits spirulina provides are relatively uncommon in food substances such as its anti-parasitic and allergy-reducing effects (Khan, 20057). This consideration, along with the fact that it contains a well-balanced array of nutrients modern-day diets are often depleted of make it a valuable supplement to include in a health supporting protocol.   Benefits of Spirulina: Nutrients, Antioxidants, and More   Chlorella is the most popular form of algae often used on its own or within natural health products. Chlorella is an even more dense source of nutrition than spirulina, though its profile is different enough that both are worth including into a natural supplement routine. Chlorella is rich in a long list of vitamins and minerals, including but not limited to: magnesium, iron, selenium, potassium, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, vitamin a, fibre, and omega 3 fatty acids (Rani, 20188). Chlorella could be considered a varied nutritional supplement all on its own because of the wide range of nutrients it provides. Much like spirulina, some of the nutrition it provides is of particular importance to those who don't include or limit animal products in their diet. The high content of omega 3s, iron, and vitamin D are all rare occurrences in plant-based foods, and highlight the usefulness of adding chlorella to vegetarian diets (Merchant, 20159).  Chlorella has several properties that have given it its well-deserved reputation of being a superior superfood. It's anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and contains several antioxidants (Bito, 202010). These effects are what allows the algae to  increase energy levels and even improve athletic performance and recovery (Zhang, 201911). One of the features chlorella is most famous for however are the impressive benefits it has on gut health (Lv, 202212). Gut health is well known to play a key role in overall wellbeing since it's intricately linked to skin, brain, metabolism, and blood health. Poor gut health can set off a domino-like cascade of issues within the body, so protecting its proper functioning with chlorella's ability to improve the microbiome is invaluable (Singh, 201713).   Chlorella contains several metal-binding functional groups which have shown remarkable abilities to help remove certain substances humans are frequently exposed to from the body (Yadav, 202114). Toxins can be present in household items or personal care products, as well as in food and water sources. Long-term health effects from several common toxins can cause respiratory issues, digestive issues, hormonal issues, or even neurological ones (Beck, 202015). Since toxin intake is rarely considered or assessed by many healthcare practitioners, it's thought that chlorella consumption is a responsible way to support the body's excretion of harmful substances that could otherwise build-up and become detrimental to long-term health.   A final beneficial substance within chlorella that can't be found in any other food is what's known as chlorella growth factor (CGF). Chlorella growth factor is a nutrient-complex that may have several relevant effects on the biochemical processes. This growth factor is the main driving force that helps the algae to grow so rapidly in nature, and it's thought to have similar assistance in humans (Machmud, 202016). It's been shown to help with gut health, recovery from physical activity, and it may even potentially improve the lustre of hair, skin, and nails (Gomes, 202017).   What Is Chlorella Growth Factor And Why Is It Good For You?   The third and final water-sourced nutritional substance worth examining for its health benefits is a product from an ocean-sourced red algae called Lithothamnium Calcareum. It is a naturally occurring organic red algae supplement that's used as a multi-mineral complex. The red algae secrete a hard exterior shell rich in minerals that breaks off after 5 years and can then be sustainably harvested from the ocean floor. This fascinating substance contains over 70 different naturally occurring minerals and therefore offers a wide range of benefits for human health (Frestedt, 200818).   The Many Benefits of Red Algae   Each different mineral humans need serves a unique function in the body, so it's difficult to narrow down the positive effects of the multi-mineral complex to a handful of examples. Perhaps most notably, the red algae product contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium and trace amounts of manganese, sodium, Iodine selenium, strontium, boron and over 70 other marine trace minerals which are required for bone health, gut health, and even for ideal cognitive functioning. Lithothamnium Calcareum has been studied for these uses and has clearly emerged as an effective nutritional support to achieve those outcomes (Crowley, 201819).   The 5 Most Important Minerals You Should Be Getting In Your Diet   Other sources of minerals often originate from the earth's soil, but modern farming practices have made many soils mineral-depleted, which diminishes the mineral content of the foods grown in them (Thomas, 200320). This increasing gap between mineral requirements and mineral availability from food has created a need for multi-mineral supplement options for many consumers. Aquamin is a sustainable and high-quality source of these vital nutrients that seem to slowly be disappearing from the modern diet.   How Agriculture Depletes Soil Of Minerals And What To Do   There are certainly other foods that can contribute to good health beyond the scope of these three substances, but when considering nutrient-balance and nutrient-density, it's difficult to find more valuable alternatives. Including all three is a comprehensive way to ensure adequate intake of several important nutrients that are commonly under consumed, and the bioavailability of these natural supplements poses a strong argument for their use over synthetic multivitamin options. In sum, their effectiveness for boosting health is well studied, and likely worth the investment for anyone looking to improve both their short-term wellness, and long-term health.     Aghajanpour, M., Nazer, M. R., Obeidavi, Z., Akbari, M., Ezati, P., & Kor, N. M. (2017). Functional foods and their role in cancer prevention and health promotion: A comprehensive review. American Journal of Cancer Research, 7(4), 740-769. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429334/ Biesalski, H. K., & Dragsted, L. O. (2011). Bioactive compounds: Definition and assessment of activity. Nutrition, 17(12), 1207-1215. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-9007(01)00653-6 Capelli, B., Cysewski, G. R., & Lorenz, R. T. (2010). Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 47(2), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.10-56 Chew, B. P., & Park, J. S. (2004). Carotenoid action on the immune response. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(1), 257S-261S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.1.257S Elyasi, M., Abdollahzad, H., Hosseini, S., & Khaje-Bishak, Y. (2017). Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial. Hepatitis Monthly, 17(10), e58731. https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon.58731 Hsu, Y. W., Tsai, C. F., Chen, W. K., & Huang, C. F. (2013). Protective effects of Chlorella-derived peptide against UVC-induced inhibition of cell viability and procollagen type I expression through the inhibition of ROS generation in human skin fibroblasts. Process Biochemistry, 48(5-6), 816-824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2013.03.019 Karkos, P. D., Leong, S. C., Karkos, C. D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D. A. (2008). Spirulina in clinical practice: Evidence-based human applications. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 265(10), 1219-1224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0642-8 Maqsood, S., Benjakul, S., Abushelaibi, A., & Alam, A. (2014). Phenolic compounds and plant phenolic extracts as natural antioxidants in prevention of lipid oxidation in seafood: A detailed review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 13(6), 1125-1140. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12092 Merchant, R. E., & Andre, C. A. (2001). A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 7(3), 79-91. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11347287/ Miranda, M. S., Cintra, R. G., Barros, S. B., & Mancini Filho, J. (1998). Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 31(8), 1075-1079. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X1998000800007 Nakano, S., Takekoshi, H., & Nakano, M. (2007). Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplementation decreases dioxin and increases immunoglobulin a concentrations in breast milk. Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(1), 134-142. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2006.023 Panahi, Y., Darvishi, B., Jowzi, N., Beiraghdar, F., & Sahebkar, A. (2016). Chlorella vulgaris: A multifunctional dietary supplement with diverse medicinal properties. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 22(2), 164-173. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666151112145221 Patel, S. (2016). Functional food red yeast rice (RYR) for metabolic syndrome amelioration: A review on pros and cons. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 32(5), 87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-016-2028-z Serban, M. C., Sahebkar, A., Dragan, S., Stoichescu-Hogea, G., Ursoniu, S., Andrica, F., & Banach, M. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations. Clinical Nutrition, 35(4), 842-851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2015.07.009 Teas, J., Baldeón, M. E., Chiriboga, D. E., Davis, J. R., Sarriés, A. J., & Braverman, L. E. (2009). Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 18(2), 145-154. Watanabe, F., Takenaka, S., Kittaka-Katsura, H., Ebara, S., & Miyamoto, E. (2002). Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 48(5), 325-331. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.48.325 Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817-1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5 Xu, Y., & Pan, S. (2015). The failure of animal models of neuroprotection in acute ischemic stroke to translate to clinical efficacy. Medical Science Monitor Basic Research, 21, 87-94. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSMBR.894327

Ocean Plant Calcium is a little-known yet fascinating marine substance with incredible potential to change human health. It's derived from a type of red sea algae. The unique characteristics of this substance make it an excellent ocean-derived source of calcium, and magnesium with over 70 marine trace minerals including manganese, sodium, Iodine, selenium, strontium, and boron which makes it a naturally occurring multi-mineral supplement option for consumers (Frestedt, 20091). The benefits of Lithothamnium Calcareum have been well-studied, and they've shown improvements in bone health, gut health.(Moussavou, 20142). The red algae also has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory attributes which may provide additional benefits to human health (Kaparapu, 20223). These exciting effects along with other properties unique to this specific algae have made it a recent point of interest in the world of health supplements, and Ocean Plant Calcium will no doubt become increasingly popular in the coming years.   The 5 Most Important Minerals You Should Be Getting In Your Diet Dive In! 5 Beneficial Marine Supplements   Ocean Plant Calcium is derived from an unusual plant. It lives in the cold deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It secretes a mineral-rich substance that creates an exoskeleton of sorts. This exterior shell is known as the algae's "fronds", and it's the material of relevance that's harvested commercially as a natural nutritional supplement (Aslam, 20104). These mineral-rich fronds are composed of 34% calcium and 2.4% magnesium as well as dense amounts of 70 other trace minerals (Aslam, 20104). The substance is ground up into a tasteless grayish-colored powder as a naturally occurring multi-mineral supplement. During the algae's lifespan, it collects minerals from the ocean and stores them in the fronds. This is what allows it to become such a dense source of nutrition.   What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements? Red Algae - Good For You Or All Hype?   The high amounts of magnesium and calcium in particular have made the Ocean Plant Calcium supplement quite popular. Magnesium is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, yet it's a relatively common nutritional deficiency (DiNicolantonio, 20185). Low magnesium can result in general fatigue, loss of appetite, poor sleep, muscle spasms, and difficulty with focus and other cognitive functions (DiNicolantonio, 20185). There are many other magnesium supplements on the market, but studies have shown that marine-sourced magnesium is far more bioavailable and may also be less likely to cause gastrointestinal disturbances (Felice, 20186).   Why You Need Calcium & Magnesium For Good Health   Calcium is the other major mineral Lithothamnium Calcareum is known for. Calcium is essential for strong bones, and the prevention of the increasingly common osteoporosis diagnosis in the elderly (Sozen, 20167).  These vital functions help muscles to contract and the body to protect itself from injury. Inadequate calcium consumption is a frequent occurrence and finding plant-based sources of calcium in particular is a difficult task (Vladimirovich, 20198). Red algea represents a much-needed solution for plant-based and omnivorous eaters alike with low calcium intakes. The multi-mineral complex the calcium is sourced from makes it a much more bioavailable and balanced supplement solution than synthetic or even bone-based alternatives (Adluri, 20109).   8 Plant-Based Foods High In Calcium   The health effects of Ocean Plant Calcium that are perhaps most surprising and specific to this particular type of algae are the benefits it has on gut health. Red Algea has multiple independent effects that can improve gut function. It's been shown to lower gastric acidity which has preventative effects against the development of stomach ulcers (Jacobs, 202011). Additionally, Ocean Plant Calcium acts as both a mineral prebiotic to improve the vitality of gut-repairing bacteria that reside in the digestive tract, as well as a synbiotic which means it also contains bacteria that directly repopulate the gut flora (Crowley, 201812). This combination can have a profoundly positive effect on repairing and improving gut health overall. In more specific terms, the gut-healing effects of taking Ocean Plant Calcium are because it increases production of short-chain fatty acids (Felice, 202013). Short-chain fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, and serve to maintain the integrity of the gut barrier (Silva, 202014). This means it may potentially help assist with IBS symptoms and other related gut dysbiosis issues ((Felice, 202013).   How Your Gut Health Affects Your Whole Body 9 Ways To Improve Your Gut Bacteria, Based On Science   A third health boosting effect Ocean Plant Calcium has been shown to have is preservation of liver health and function (Varani, 202215). Fatty liver disease is the development of excessive fatty tissue in the liver which can impede its many essential functions and permanently damage liver tissue over time (Clark, 200216). It a study it has shown to help to assist liver damage caused by fatty liver disease (Harber, 202217).   What To Know About Fatty Liver Disease   A final health benefit that studies have shown from Ocean Plant Calcium supplementation is improvement in brain health. Chronic inflammation is often a health concern anywhere it shows up in the body, including the brain. Chronic brain inflammation can cause brain fog, unclear thoughts and mental fatigue, (Aktas, 200718). There are many factors that can potentially lead to brain inflammation, including but not limited to chronic stress, poor circulation,  environmental pollutants, and consuming certain foods. Ocean Plant Calcium has anti-inflammatory properties that serve to impede the biochemical reaction that takes place in response to environmental triggers and causes inflammation (Ryan, 201019). This may mean it has a valuable role in preserving brain health along with its many other health-boosting functions.   5 Tips To Keep Your Brain Healthy   Based on the current amount of research available on the Lithothamnium Calcareum, it's clear that Ocean Plant Calcium supplementation is capable of actively improving the health of the average individual by ensuring they consume an adequate amount and balance of bioavailable essential minerals. This could improve energy, focus, sleep, cognitive function, gut health, bone density, and many other health parameters. The health supplement supports overall health and longevity in a broad way. Overall, there is ample evidence to support regular consumption of the product based on the minimal risk, and the massive potential benefits to human health.   References Dillon, J. C., Phuc, A. P., & Dubacq, J. P. (1995). Nutritional value of the alga Spirulina. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 77, 32-46. doi: 10.1159/000425220. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2642861/ Mata, T. M., Martins, A. A., & Caetano, N. S. (2010). Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(1), 217-232. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.020. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/12/9/4898/htm Borowitzka, M. A. (2020). Introduction: The Science of Algae. In M. A. Borowitzka (Ed.), The Physiology of Microalgae (pp. 1-7). Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-95574-4.00002-0. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323955744000020# Khan, Z., Bhadouria, P., & Bisen, P. S. (2005). Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 6(5), 373-379. doi: 10.2174/138920105774370607. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2877502/ Kulshreshtha, A., Zacharia, A. J., Jarouliya, U., Bhadauriya, P., Prasad, G. B., & Bisen, P. S. (2008). Spirulina in health care management. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 9(5), 400-405. doi: 10.2174/138920108785915111. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786912/ Bachstetter, A. D., Jernberg, J., Schlunk, A., Vila, J. L., Hudson, C., Cole, M. J., Shytle, R. D., Tan, J., Sanberg, P. R., Sanberg, C. D., Borlongan, C. V., Kaneko, Y., Tajiri, N., Gemma, C., & Bickford, P. C. (2010). Spirulina promotes stem cell genesis and protects against LPS induced declines in neural stem cell proliferation. PLoS One, 5(5), e10496. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010496. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873244/ Kulshreshtha, A., Jarouliya, U., Bhadauriya, P., Prasad, G. B. K. S., & Bisen, P. S. (2008). Spirulina in health care management. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 9(5), 400-405. doi: 10.2174/138920108785915111. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5335887/ FUNDAMENTAL FOUNDATIONS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTUREmaterials of the Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation. 2019 Retrieved from https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=44207111 Chamorro, G., Salazar, M., Araújo, K. G., dos Santos, C. P., Ceballos, G., & Castillo, L. F. (2002). Update on the pharmacology of Spirulina (Arthrospira), an unconventional food. Archives of Latin American Nutrition, 52(3), 232-240. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20213262/ DiRienzo, D. B. (2014). Effect of probiotics on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: implications for heart-healthy diets. Nutrition Reviews, 72(1), 18-29. doi: 10.1111/nure.12084. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809680/ de Jesus Raposo, M. F., de Morais, R. M. S. C., & de Morais, A. M. M. B. (2013). Bioactivity and applications of sulphated polysaccharides from marine microalgae. Marine Drugs, 11(1), 233-252. doi: 10.3390/md11010233. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080620303567 Wijesekara, I., Pangestuti, R., & Kim, S. K. (2011). Biological activities and potential health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine algae. Carbohydrate Polymers, 84(1), 14-21. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.10.062. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/16/6/216 Pérez, S., Taléns-Visconti, R., Rius-Pérez, S., Finamor, I., & Sastre, J. (2020). Redox signaling in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Evidences for the protective role of Nrf2. Nutrients, 12(3), 624. doi: 10.3390/nu12030624. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749902/ Kaushik, P., & Kaur, J. (2003). Chronic cold exposure affects the antioxidant defense system in various rat tissues. Clinica Chimica Acta, 333(1), 69-77. doi: 10.1016/S0009-8981(03)00201-6. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025/full Szulinska, M., Gibas-Dorna, M., Miller-Kasprzak, E., Suliburska, J., Miczke, A., Walczak-Gałezewska, M., & Bogdanski, P. (2017). Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 21(10), 2473-2481. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9130755/ Lutgendorff, F., Akkermans, L. M., & Söderholm, J. D. (2008). The role of microbiota and probiotics in stress-induced gastro-intestinal damage. Current Molecular Medicine, 8(4), 282-298. doi: 10.2174/156652408784533779. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016508502619067 Shaker, R., Balzan, B., Hogan, W. J., & Mittal, R. K. (2022). The role of the crural diaphragm in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study. The FASEB Journal, 36(S1), R3943. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R3943. Retrieved from https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R3943 Kuo, B., McCallum, R. W., Koch, K. L., Sitrin, M. D., Wo, J. M., Chey, W. D., Hasler, W. L., Lackner, J. M., Katz, L. A., Semler, J. R., Wilding, G. E., & Parkman, H. P. (2007). Comparison of gastric emptying of a nondigestible capsule to a radio-labelled meal in healthy and gastroparetic subjects. JAMA Neurology, 64(3), 356-362. doi: 10.1001/archneur.64.3.356. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/793256 Lutgendorff, F., Nijmeijer, R. M., Sandström, P. A., Trulsson, L. M., Magnusson, K. E., Timmerman, H. M., van Minnen, L. P., Rijkers, G. T., Gooszen, H. G., Akkermans, L. M. A., & Söderholm, J. D. (2009). Probiotics prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction in acute pancreatitis in rats via induction of ileal mucosal glutathione biosynthesis. PLoS One, 4(2), e4512. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004512. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21520469/  

Healthy hair and skin is something many people go to great ends to achieve. The beauty industry has come up with endless products as supposed solutions to these natural desires. It made a staggering revenue of US$534bn globally in 2022 alone (Verma, 20221). Despite the massive amount of money being dedicated to these issues, results from the beauty industry are decidedly mixed. A simple explanation for this is that healthy looking skin and hair come primarily from being a healthy individual, rather than from topical products that can be used to cover up an issue. This perspective explains the recent uptick in popularity of foods and supplements that support overall health, and can lead to naturally healthy hair and skin (Faria-Silva, 20202). Chlorella is one prominent example of a plant "superfood" being used both in products and as a supplement to support healthy looking hair and skin with impressive results (Kim 20203).   How Nutricosmetics Became The Latest Trend In The Beauty Market   Both skincare and haircare are complex topics, but since skin is a vital organ essential for human life, the topic is much more nuanced. Skin functions as a barrier between harmful substances in the outside world and the protected inner world of the body (Walters, 20024). Just below the surface of the skin are immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, hormonally active tissues, and much more (Walters, 20024). It then makes sense that the health of all of these bodily systems may affect both the health and appearance of the skin. Most importantly, the network of immune cells that reside in skin tissue means immune function can play a direct role on the health and appearance of the skin. When the immune system is weakened, the skin is much more prone to inflammation, hypersensitivities, and acne causing bacterial imbalances (Nguyen, 20195). Chlorella can play an important holistic role in healing these issues from the inside out by supporting optimal immune function (An, 20086).   Keep Your Skin Healthy What Does Your Immune System Do For Your Skin?   Nutritional deficiencies can also play a major role in the appearance of the skin. Vitamin C, A, E, D, zinc, several B vitamins, as well as certain fats and proteins are all known to play a role in skin health (Schagen, 20127). Chlorella is an excellent source of nearly all of the nutrients important for maintaining the health of the skin (Tokusoglu, 20068). The body requires the physical building blocks of amino acids, as well as synergistic vitamins and minerals that take part in the biochemical processes that build healthy skin components like collagen (Barchitta, 20199).   12 Best Foods For Healthy Skin Nutrition And Your Skin Health   In addition to the nutrient support chlorella offers for collagen production, it can help contribute to skin health by positively affecting blood and lymphatic health (Rezvani, 201210, Bito, 202011). Both of these vascular systems are used to help deliver essential nutrients and other bioactive substances to skin tissue, as well as to help remove harmful waste products. Blood contains red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body to which fuels cellular repair and growth. Chlorella provides an impressive amount of iron which is necessary for the red blood cells to deliver oxygen (Bito, 202011). The lymphatic system also moves fluid throughout the body, and is one of the body's main sources of detoxification (Skobe, 200012). Chlorella contains iodine which is thought to support lymphatic movement and help the body clear harmful substances that could potentially lead to visible skin issues (Rezvani, 201210). Chlorella is also a natural detoxifying food that could potentially lessen the load on a stagnant or overworked lymphatic system, and reduce resulting skin irritations (Lee, 201513).   Does Great Skin Start In The Blood? The Lymphatic System And Skin Health   Hair health has a significant overlap with skin health, though there are differences. Since hair does not contain live cells, the health of the scalp is what determines the health and appearance of hair. The scalp contains hair follicles for hair to grow from, and this process requires nutrients which are delivered by small local blood vessels (Sinclair, 200714). Hair is often quick to become affected by nutrient deficiencies since hair growth is an accessory feature. It's not essential for survival, so energy and nutrients will be devoted to more important bodily functions first if there is a shortage (Sinclair, 200714).   Simple Secrets To Healthier, Fuller, Shinier Hair   The nutrients that support good skin health and similar to those needed for hair health. B vitamins, iron, omega 3s, and even adequate protein supply are all particularly important for hair (Finnerm 201215). Hair growth supplements are a commonly used product which tend to have large synthetic doses of these nutrients. Chlorella can serve as a more effective food alternative to supplements since these nutrients are in a more bioavailable form, with more natural ratios (Bito, 202011). Some of these nutrients are particularly difficult to ingest adequate amounts of on vegetarian or vegan diets, which means people following those diets may have even more to gain from chlorella consumption (Merchant, 201516).   Best Food For Hair Growth: What To Eat, Drink, And Avoid   The links between healthy shiny hair, clear glowing skin, and overall health are undeniable. Approaching these beauty concerns from a holistic point of view may lead to longer lasting results than relying on products, and provide a plethora of other benefits alongside. Supplying the body with nourishment from the inside out from chlorella consumption seems to be an affordable, effective, and well rounded solution to supporting natural health and beauty. References Ali, S. H., & Hussain, Z. (2022). The role of oxidative stress in skin aging and skin diseases. In A. Alim, H. B. Zulfiker, & M. A. Hosen (Eds.), Oxidative Stress in Human Health and Disease (pp. 269-288). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8403-6_14 Binic, I., Lazarevic, V., Lausevic, M., Mojsa, J., & Sokolovic, D. (2019). Skin ageing: Natural weapons and strategies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 827248. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/827248 Choi, J., Lee, E., & Lee, H. (2007). Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Annals of Dermatology, 19(4), 201-205. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2007.19.4.201 Walters, K. A., & Roberts, M. S. (2002). Structure and function of the skin. In J. F. Nash & K. A. Walters (Eds.), Dermatological and Transdermal Formulations (pp. 1-39). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203908270 Lee, H., Lee, J. H., & Gorden, T. (2019). Analysis of cosmetic ingredients that affect skin barrier function. Toxicological Research, 35(2), 131-141. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2019.35.2.131 Park, M. J., & Yoo, Y. M. (2008). Effect of antioxidant activity on the oxidative stability of hair cosmetics. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, 34(2), 171-176. Retrieved from https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200835062475403.pdf Saraf, S., & Kaur, C. D. (2012). Phytoconstituents as photoprotective novel cosmetic formulations. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 6(11), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.95849 Swift, J. A., & Bews, B. (2003). The chemistry of human hair cuticle: A new analytical approach. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(4), 353-366. Retrieved from https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2003.tb09615.x Szyszkowska, B., Łepecka-Klusek, C., Kozłowicz, K., Joźwiak, S., & Langner, M. (2019). The influence of selected ingredients of dietary supplements on skin condition. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(5), 1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20051119 Talaei, S. (2017). The effect of hydrolyzed keratin and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate on hair. International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research, 5(2), 52-58. Retrieved from https://ijasr.srbiau.ac.ir/pdf_5589_7a8 Tang, S. C., & Yang, J. H. (2019). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules, 24(9), 2524. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091524 Trueb, R. M. (2014). Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. International Journal of Trichology, 1(1), 6-14. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.66903 van Zuuren, E. J., & Albusta, A. Y. (2014). Topical treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis: A systematic review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 15(2), 115-134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-014-0068-6 Westgate, G. E., Botchkareva, N. V., & Tobin, D. J. (2007). The biology of hair diversity. International Journal of Dermatology, 46(2), 2-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03112.x Wickett, R. R., & Visscher, M. O. (2012). Structure and function of the epidermal barrier. American Journal of Infection Control, 40(4), S98-S110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2011.09.018 Yoon, H. S., Cho, H. H., Cho, S., Lee, S. R., Shin, M. H., & Chung, J. H. (2015). Supplementing with dietary astaxanthin combined with collagen hydrolysate improves facial elasticity and decreases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -12 expression: A comparative study with placebo. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(7), 757-764. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2014.3261   

Immune health is a complex topic relevant to the health and wellbeing of everyone. It's common to think of the immune system simply as the body's innate defense from getting sick, and while this is true, it's not the whole picture. Far beyond protecting the body from seasonal illnesses, the immune system is vitally essential to keep humans alive and healthy on a day-to-day basis. The immune system is a barrier of defense between the internal body's ability to maintain homeostasis, and the limitless deadly microbes in the outer world capable of disrupting it. There are lifestyle factors that can impede the proper functioning of the immune system, and reversely, there are actions that can help support immune health. One interesting addition to the list of beneficial lifestyle factors is consumption of the algae chlorella, which contributes to immune health in multiple ways (Ewart 20071).   The Human Immune System Explained How To Boost Your Immune System   Most of the immune cells in the body reside in the gut, though several other organs and tissues are involved in immunity (Parkin 20012). The skin and gut make up the portion of the immune system that comes into contact with the outside world, with several organs and the lymphatic system forming the rest (Parkin 20012). The immune system has the ability to detect forgien invaders through receptors. When activated, these cells send a message to alert the relevant organs that produce the specific immune cells needed to respond to the situation. There are a large number of different types of immune cells which are most often recruited in a cohesive joint response (Chaplin 20103). After the infection has successfully been dealt with offensively, the immune system is also responsible for the "clean up crew". It helps to repair tissues and restore function (Chaplin 20103).   Gut Health and The Immune Response   While a total lack of immunity is rare, what's a far more common health concern is an overworked or chronically fatigued immune system that doesn't function to its fullest capacity (Murakami 20124). This can be seen acutely when an individual is going through a period of high stress or sleep deprivation and they become much more likely to succumb to a viral infection or feel generally unwell (Glaser 20055). Many people are chronically stressed which can degrade immune health in their day-to-day life over time for complex reasons (Chandola 20066).   How Does Stress Affect the Immune System Stress Effects on the Body   The trigger for the immune system to become activated is inflammation. Inflammation can arise for many reasons, including but not limited to: poor diet, poor sleep, chronic high stress, and lack of physical activity (Rizzetto 20187). The reason the gut is populated with an incredible amount of immune cells is because it's one of the body's primary sites where it encounters microbes or other undesirable substances that can cause inflammation (Rizzetto 20187). The health of the immune system then relies to a large extent on the integrity of the gut lining (Rizzetto 20187). The gut lining is held together by what's known as "tight junctions". When these junctions are leaky, it impairs the lining's ability to filter out dangerous substances, which causes inflammation and triggers an immune response (Scales 20168).   What is Chronic Inflammation (and how to Treat it) Gut Bacteria and Inflammation   One of the first ways chlorella is known to be able to help with immune health is by improving gut health (Lv 20229). What often determines the integrity of tight junctions is the presence of healthy gut bacteria populations (Nagpal 201810). Chlorella supports good gut bacteria due to its high prebiotic content (Lv 20229). Chlorella is rich in fibre and omega 3 fatty acids which act as food for healthy bacteria which increases their proliferation, and in turn can prevent overpopulation of harmful ones (Menni 201711).   Gut Health and Prebiotics Omega-3 May Keep Gut Microbiota Diverse and Healthy   In addition to the gut health benefits of chlorella, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that chlorella also supports the immune system by lowering chronic inflammation (Sibi 201612). While inflammation itself is not necessarily a sign of ill-health, issues arise when this signal is misused and overused in the body (Furman 201913). This could mean the immune system is being triggered unnecessarily due to an autoimmune issue, or that the chronic inflammation and immune activation has simply taken a toll on the body and weakened the body's ability to respond to forgein invaders when it is acutely needed (Furman 201913). Chlorella's ability to fight chronic inflammation largely lies in its high antioxidant content (Lee 200914).   Foods That Fight Inflammation 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorella   All facts considered, it's clear that chlorella has multi-faceted and synergistic benefits with huge potential to support immune health. The body of research on chlorella's ability to help specific immune issues is still growing, but what is currently known is enough to suggest that chlorella consumption is low-risk and may greatly improve immune and overall health.   References Böhm, V. (2007). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Planta Medica, 73(11), 1135-1141. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-981544 Clayton, P. R., & Ladi, S. (2000). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: a review of current status and regulatory implications. The Lancet, 356(9230), 639-642. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)04904-7 Coleman, A. L., Yu, F., Ensrud, K. E., Stone, K. L., Cauley, J. A., Pedula, K. L., ... & Mangione, C. M. (2010). Visual field loss and risk of fractures in older women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 58(8), 1475-1480. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.02974.x D'Acquisto, F., Maione, F., & Pederzoli-Ribeil, M. (2012). From IL-15 to IL-33: the never-ending list of new players in inflammation. Is it time to forget the humble aspirin and move ahead? Frontiers in Immunology, 3, 323. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2012.00323 Dinarello, C. A. (2007). Interleukin-18 and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Nature Reviews Immunology, 7(2), 141-153. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2016 Fehily, A. M., Pickering, J., & Yarnell, J. W. (2006). A diet rich in carotenoids is associated with lower risk of heart disease. BMJ, 332(7540), 521-522. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7540.521 Garelnabi, M., & Taylor-Smith, L. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Food Research International, 113, 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.073 Giera, S., Braza, F., & Chimenos-Küstner, E. (2016). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 100(3), 563-574. https://doi.org/10.1189/jlb.3MR0316-106R Godoy, J., Kutszegi, A., & Perretti, G. (2022). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Foods, 11(5), 725. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050725 Gomes, M. B., Negrato, C. A., & Gomes, M. B. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018, 3462092. https://doi.org/10.1155 Gomes, M. B., Negrato, C. A., & Gomes, M. B. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018, 3462092. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3462092 Gonzalez-Nunez, D., Traves, P. G., Pimentel-Santillana, M., & Rico, D. (2017). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 11114. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-10382-2 Hidalgo, M., Prieto, I., Abriouel, H., Cobo, A., Benomar, N., Gálvez, A., & Martínez-Cañamero, M. (2016). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 379. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00379 Kuehn, B. M. (2019). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Nature Medicine, 25(12), 1812-1813. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0 Park, S. Y., Wilkens, L. R., & Henning, S. M. (2009). Dietary patterns and risk of ovarian cancer in a case-control study. Nutrition Research, 29(8), 558-564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2009.07.006 Prieto, I., Abriouel, H., Martínez-Cañamero, M., & Gálvez, A. (2019). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 70(7), 793-800. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2019.1570085  

Losing weight is a common goal for many people. Whether it's for health or aesthetic reasons, the wide-spread desire to become leaner has spurned an enormous several billion dollar weight loss industry with endless powders, teas, and diet protocols for customers to choose from (Laudenslager, 20211). The science behind weight loss is surprisingly complex despite the recurrent simplified explanation of calorie surpluses or deficits being the only factor. There are also many "miracle fixes" on the market that claim to have drastic overnight results from a single substance or behavior change. These claims, however, are almost always too good to be true. The reality is that weight loss is an extremely complicated process metabolically speaking, with a vast number of factors. There is no single substance that can achieve dramatic weight loss results without lifestyle modification. Simply reducing calories is also not always an effective or healthy strategy for everyone. Addressing diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, toxic load, and general health are all important factors to address when looking to improve body composition. Chlorella is one substance that can assist with weight loss in a holistic manner by improving several of those parameters and supporting overall health.   The Weight Loss Trap: Why Your Diet Isn't Working   Before examining the ways chlorella can help to achieve weight loss, it's worth noting not all weight loss is considered to be healthy. The term weight-loss is often used interchangeably with fat-loss though the two have slightly different meanings. Weight-loss simply means a reduction in total body mass, meaning it could be from muscle or fat stores. Muscle loss is rarely a healthy goal since muscle-wasting can cause fragility and cause a number of metabolic health issues (Palus, 20142). Fat-loss with muscle preservation or growth is generally a much more health-oriented target. This is why it's important to differentiate between the two and not become overly focused on the number on the scale. The sought-after health benefits associated with a healthy body weight arise more directly from body composition rather than body size (Ramirez-Velez, 20193).   10 Behaviors For Healthy Weight Loss   High body fat percentages are often associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and several corresponding diseases in scientific literature, though there are also health risks associated with being at an excessively low body fat percentage (Darroudi, 20184). Some body fat is essential for human health. Fat supplies energy, surrounds and protects vital organs, helps the body maintain homeostasis in cold environments, stores vitamins, and secretes hormones as some of its main functions. If a body's fat stores are too low, it can cause heart issues, poor temperature regulation, low-energy, hormonal issues, and even fertility problems (Golubnitschaja, 20215). It's therefore clear that there's a range of optimal body fat that best serves health. Too much and too little are both undesirable, and every individual tends to have a unique range that's personally best for them.   Why We Need Body Fat   It's also known that not all body fat stores are created equal. The body contains three distinct kinds of fat: brown fat, white fat, and beige fat. Fat is capable of producing hormones that can affect bodily processes positively or negatively. Brown fat has a beneficial effect on metabolism and is even being researched on whether it can help to reduce obesity and metabolic diseases (Yoneshiro, 20196). Conversely, high amounts of white fat stored in the abdominal region is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Gulati, 20177). Based on this information, it's clearly important not to demonize all forms of fat in the body. Considering the whole picture allows for a better understanding of what particular aspects of body fat improve or worsen health. This perspective is well aligned with using chlorella as a weight-loss aid since it doesn't simply reduce fat, but it reduces the negative health outcomes associated with high body fat and low muscle mass body compositions.   Types Of Body Fat: Benefits, Danger, and More   The most obvious reason chlorella is able to assist with healthy fat loss is because of its nutritional profile. It's a nutrient-dense and high-protein food which means it offers a wealth of nutritional benefits for few calories (Bito, 20208). The nutritional density of foods is an important factor to consider when looking to lose fat mass through diet modification. This is because the body still requires an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals despite the decreased caloric intake (Fuhrman, 20109). The high protein content is also particularly helpful since protein is a satiating macronutrient that provides good steady energy and decreased hunger for long periods of time. High-protein diets are commonly recommended for fat loss protocols because of this, along with the fact that adequate protein intake preserves muscle (lean-mass) stores, which is a metabolically healthy approach to weight loss (Moon, 202010).   A High-Protein Diet to Lose Weight and Improve Health   Chlorella is also known to contribute to good gut health (Lv, 202213). This is relevant to weight loss because the gut microbiome is intricately linked with hormone production, metabolism, energy, and even mood: all of which can play a role in body composition (Aoun, 202014). A well-populated gut microbiome allows for better nutrient absorption, less chronic bodily inflammation - and most importantly for weight loss - it may increase metabolism. The unique bacterial makeup of a gut microbiome plays a role in the hormones that signal for energy burning or energy storage as fat (Thompson, 201215). Chlorella is able to tip the scales towards an energy burning metabolism by feeding the bacteria in the gut that cause this effect.   How Your Gut Bacteria Can Influence Your Weight   Another broad yet important area of health that impacts body composition is environmental toxins.  Chlorella is generally helpful for addressing these concerns, though it should be combined with a cautious selection of product and lifestyle choices.   EDCs - An Invisible Cause of Obesity   It's clear from the several health-supporting effects of chlorella that it can play a useful role in weight loss. Despite the current confusion surrounding what constitutes a healthy body composition and the many false promises of various weight-loss messaging, there are still healthy options available that can support this goal. The pursuit of good health and weight loss should never be at odds, so any substance that doesn't support overall good health may be a "quick-fix" solution rather than a sustainable option. Chlorella is a health supporting, nutrient-dense food that deserves a place on the plate of both those looking to lose weight, or simply those aiming to maintain good health for many years to come.     References Adams, S. H., & Anthony, J. C. (2021). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Current Obesity Reports, 10(2), 104-112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-021-00428-y Ahluwalia, N., Genoux, A., & Ferrieres, J. (2015). Iron status is associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaques in middle-aged adults. Journal of Nutrition, 145(6), 1211-1215. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.208538 Avila, J. M., & Gutierrez-Repiso, C. (2019). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Nutrients, 11(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010024 Basu, S., & Yoffe, P. (2014). Dietary factors that promote or retard inflammation. IUBMB Life, 66(5), 351-359. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1459 Böhm, V. (2021). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(6), 947-957. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13167-021-00251-4 Bresciani, L., Calani, L., & Bruni, R. (2019). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Journal of Food Science, 84(9), 2370-2376. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.14734 Chirinos, J. A., & Rietzschel, E. R. (2017). Arterial stiffness, central pressures, and incident hospitalized heart failure in the European Project on Genes in Hypertension (EPOGH) study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 70(9), 1142-1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.06.061 Cuello-Garcia, C., & Pérez-Gaxiola, G. (2020). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Nutrients, 12(9), 2751. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092751 DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O'Keefe, J. H. (2010). The importance of marine omega-3s for brain development and the prevention and treatment of behavior, mood, and other brain disorders. Nutrition Journal, 9(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-51 Durán-Agüero, S., Silva-Torres, L. A., & Vega, V. (2020). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Nutrients, 12(10), 3166. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103166 Estruch, R., Ros, E., & Salas-Salvadó, J. (2004). Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. The Lancet, 363(9421), 1779-1789. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16358-2 Galbete, C., Schwingshackl, L., & Schwedhelm, C. (2018). Evaluating Mediterranean diet and risk of chronic disease in cohort studies: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. European Journal of Epidemiology, 33(10), 909-931. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-018-0427-3 Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., & D'Orazio, N. (2019). Carotenoids: potential allies of cardiovascular health? Food & Nutrition Research, 63, 1646. https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v63.1646 Goyal, A., Terry, M. B., & Siegel, A. B. (2020). Serum antioxidant nutrients, vitamin A, and mortality in U.S. Adults. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 29(6), 1133-1144. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-19-1061 Gurven, M., & Kaplan, H. (2014). Physiological dysregulation and age-related disease among mature adults in a small-scale subsistence population. American Journal of Human Biology, 26(5), 681-692. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.22254 He, M., van Greevenbroek, M. M., & Schalkwijk, C. G. (2014). The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors for cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes: the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study. Diabetic Medicine, 31(8), 959-966. https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.12442 Hruby, A., & Hu, F. B. (2019). The Mediterranean diet and cognitive function among healthy older adults in a 6-month randomized controlled trial: The MedLey Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109(3), 830-839. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy270 Jankord, R., & Jemiolo, B. (2019). Regulation of heat shock proteins in young and old human subjects. Physiological Reports, 7(7), e14078. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14078

To stay healthy, active, and away from chronic and other diseases,  supplements are gaining massive popularity among people. Algae in the forms of chlorella and spirulina are nutrient-dense and generally considered safe to consume for this purpose. They are linked to several positive health effects, including reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improving the ability to control blood sugar levels. They are also rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. Both these algae are considered a superfood because they provide you with protein, fiber, vitamin A, C, K, and B complex, and amino acids. Although chlorella and spirulina offer many similar health benefits, chlorella is superior to spirulina in a number of ways. Keep on reading this article to know the facts about how chlorella outperforms spirulina in different ways. What Is Chlorella? Chlorella is an algae that consists of a single cell and lives in freshwater. It is primarily grown in Japan, Taiwan and Australia. Chlorella is naturally abundant in a variety of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. According to different research studies, some of its benefits include increasing the body's antibodies, aiding in weight loss, and warding off other issues. Many other types of essential nutrients can also be found in chlorella. These nutrients include proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, B complex vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (Otsuki, 2011) Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) is a unique feature of chlorella which occurs in the nucleus of the cell. It is produced during photosynthesis and makes chlorella cells grow rapidly.  Extensive use of chlorella has been seen in research on photosynthesis and in experiments involving mass cultivation. In order to provide food for the ever-increasing number of people across the world, there have been suggestions made to use chlorella as a source of protein and other nutrients. What Is Spirulina? Spirulina is a blue-green alga that develops in both fresh and salt water. It is high in protein, copper, and B vitamins. The primary bioactive component of spirulina is called phycocyanin. It is rich in antioxidants and also works to reduce inflammation in the body. Studies in test tubes and on animals suggest that spirulina may support the immune system and may provide protection against allergic reactions. How Chlorella Is Superior to Spirulina? Although spirulina and chlorella are both considered superfoods, many dieticians and food experts recommend them as the best choice for multivitamins to maintain good health. But there are some facts about chlorella that make it superior to spirulina, and these facts are listed below. 1.     Chlorella Contains More Nutrition Than Spirulina Chlorella and spirulina are rapidly gaining popularity in the world of dietary supplements and multivitamins. Chlorella is superior to spirulina because, even though both types of algae are high in a variety of nutrients, chlorella has a greater quantity of essential elements needed for your body. The quantity of phosphorus and riboflavin in chlorella is more than in spirulina. Additionally, chlorella also has more magnesium, iron, and zinc than spirulina. It has 22%, 202%, and 133% of the daily value for magnesium, iron, and zinc, respectively, while spirulina only has 14%, 44%, and 4% (Mason, 2001). 2.     Chlorella Has a Higher Concentration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Although both chlorella and spirulina contain comparable quantities of fat, the types of fat that they include are very different. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega 3, are essential to the body because they are necessary for healthy cell development and brain function. They are called essential because your body can't make them on its own. So, you must get them from the food you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids have been related to a variety of health benefits, such as a reduction in inflammation, and improved bone health. (Saini, 2018). A study about the fatty acid content of these algae discovered that chlorella has more omega-3 fatty acids as compared to spirulina (Kent, 2015). 3.     Chlorella Has Active B12 But Spirulina Has Inactive B12 Vitamin B12 is vital for many different aspects of your health, including forming red blood cells, maintaining healthy bones, maintaining adequate energy levels, and maintaining a positive mood (Clarke, 2015). Chlorella is among the few plant sources that contain active B12, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. This makes chlorella superior to spirulina because spirulina does not contain active B12 and has inactive B12. The body finds it harder to absorb inactive B12, which may interfere with its ability to absorb active B12 from other foods (Edelmann, 2019), (Reboleira, 2019). A study showed that taking 9 grams of chlorella every day for 60 days was enough to lower homocysteine levels in the blood, which is a sign of a lack of B12 (Merchant, 2015). 4.     Chlorella Is Abundant in Vitamin A ( Beta Carotene), But Spirulina Is Not Vitamin A is essential for good health. It promotes the growth of cells, as well as immune function, fetal development, and vision. One of the most well-known applications of vitamin A is the role it plays in maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Additionally, it assists in the protection and maintenance of the cornea, which is the layer that is located at the very surface of the eye, in addition to the conjunctiva, which is a delicate membrane that covers both the interior side of the eyelids and the surface of the eye. The conjunctiva also protects the cornea from foreign particles and debris (Feroze, 2017). Chlorella, unlike spirulina, contains a significant amount of Bea-carotin, making it an excellent choice for supporting eye health, warding off vision problems, and giving you 287% of your daily vitamin A requirement. In comparison, spirulina only provides 3% (Andrade, 2018). 5.     Chlorella Has Chlorella Growth Factor, But Spirulina Lacks the Growth Factor Only chlorella contains the growth factor known as the chlorella growth factor (CGF). This incredible component cannot be found in any other type of microalgae like spirulina. Each chlorella cell has its own Chlorella Growth Factor, which is located in the cell's nucleus. Researchers have found that intense photosynthesis makes CGF, which is what helps chlorella proliferate. About every 20 hours, each cell divides into two new cells, and the CGF makes this happen quickly. DNA and RNA, two types of nucleic acids, are the building blocks of CGF. (An, 2016). This is the reason why chlorella is superior to spirulina in terms of including it in your diet. 6.     Spirulina May Be Contaminated with Toxins Spirulina that is collected from the wild has a high chance of being contaminated. Algae that grow in water polluted with heavy metals, bacteria, or harmful particles called microcystins may contain toxins. Blue-green algae actually produce microcystins as a form of self-defense against various types of predators. When taken in large quantities, they have a toxic effect on the liver (Schmidt, 2014). One study found that taking 6 grams of Chlorella daily while pregnant can reduce the number of dioxins in breast milk by about 30%. Also, there was a significant increase in the amount of immunoglobin A (IgA) in breast milk. So, women who are pregnant and then start breastfeeding can get two benefits from chlorella. It will reduce the number of dioxins their children are exposed to and also help protect them from getting sick (Nakano, 2005). According to the findings of another study, chlorella can cut down on the amount of dioxins that are detected in food (Nakano, 2007). 7.     Chlorella Provides More Energy Than Spirulina At the level of the cell, RNA and DNA are the molecules that are accountable for the production of proteins, enzymes, and energy. Chlorella growth factor (CGF) has the ability to make people feel more energized because it contains nucleic acids. It is thought that this gives you more energy because getting nucleic acid from food outside your body and absorbing it reduces the work your body has to do to make RNA and DNA. When you use less of your body's energy, you can use that energy in other parts of your day. (Suter, 2011). 8.     Chlorella Having More Chlorophyll Is Best for Weight Loss Than Spirulina Consuming a high amount of chlorophyll is very helpful in losing weight. It can suppress your appetite and the amount of food you consume. This effect, in conjunction with chlorophyll's ability to enhance feelings of fullness, contributes to weight gain prevention. A study conducted in 2014 on a small group of obese women found that those who took a supplement made from green plant membranes and containing chlorophyll once per day for a time period of three months experienced more significant weight loss than those who did not take the supplement (Montelius, 2014). When compared to spirulina, chlorella is a richer source of chlorophyll and promotes more weight loss than spirulina. The amount of chlorophyll in 3 grams of chlorella is 63 mg, while the amount in 3 grams of spirulina is only 33 mg The Bottom Line Chlorella and spirulina are both considered superfoods with fantastic health benefits and a variety of nutrients. They have the ability to fulfill the nutritional requirement of your body and are a rich source of many antioxidants, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. But chlorella is considered superior to spirulina in many different ways. Chlorella is higher in nutrition than spirulina and is the favorite choice of nutritionists and dietitians. It has more amount omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A ( Beta Carotene) than spirulina. Chlorella provides you with the active form of vitamin B12, whereas spirulina gives you an inactive form of B 12. Being richer in chlorophyll content than spirulina, chlorella is considered a healthy choice for weight loss than spirulina.   References Otsuki, T., Shimizu, K., Iemitsu, M., & Kono, I. (2011). Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study. Nutrition journal, 10, 91. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3182968/ An, B. K., Kim, K. E., Jeon, J. Y., & Lee, K. W. (2016). Effect of dried Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella growth factor on growth performance, meat qualities and humoral immune responses in broiler chickens. Springerplus, 5(1), 1-7. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40064-016-2373-4 Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview. Archives of toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27259333/ Mason, R. (2001). Chlorella and Spirulina: Green supplements for balancing the body. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 7(3), 161-165. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/107628001300303691 Saini, R. K., & Keum, Y. S. (2018). Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Dietary sources, metabolism, and significance - A review. Life sciences, 203, 255–267. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29715470/ Kent, M., Welladsen, H. M., Mangott, A., & Li, Y. (2015). Nutritional evaluation of Australian microalgae as potential human health supplements. PloS one, 10(2), e0118985. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344213/ An, B. K., Kim, K. E., Jeon, J. Y., & Lee, K. W. (2016). Effect of dried Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella growth factor on growth performance, meat qualities and humoral immune responses in broiler chickens. SpringerPlus, 5(1), 718. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27375987/ Schmidt, J. R., Wilhelm, S. W., & Boyer, G. L. (2014). The fate of microcystins in the environment and challenges for monitoring. Toxins, 6(12), 3354–3387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25514094/ Nakano, S., Noguchi, T., Takekoshi, H., Suzuki, G., & Nakano, M. (2005). Maternal-fetal distribution and transfer of dioxins in pregnant women in Japan, and attempts to reduce maternal transfer with Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplements. Chemosphere, 61(9), 1244-1255. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653505004959 Nakano, S., Takekoshi, H., & Nakano, M. (2007). Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplementation decreases dioxin and increases immunoglobulin a concentrations in breast milk. Journal of medicinal food, 10(1), 134–142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17472477/ Panahi, Y., Darvishi, B., Jowzi, N., Beiraghdar, F., & Sahebkar, A. (2016). Chlorella vulgaris: a multifunctional dietary supplement with diverse medicinal properties. Current pharmaceutical design, 22(2), 164-173. Suter, P. M. (2011). Vitamin A, nutrition, and health values of algae: Spirulina, Chlorella, and Dunaliella. Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences, 1(2), 111-118. https://setpublisher.com/pms/index.php/jpans/article/view/2189 Montelius, C., Erlandsson, D., Vitija, E., Stenblom, E. L., Egecioglu, E., & Erlanson-Albertsson, C. (2014). Body weight loss, reduced urge for palatable food and increased release of GLP-1 through daily supplementation with green-plant membranes for three months in overweight women. Appetite, 81, 295-304. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666314003493 Clarke, M., Ward, M., Dickey, W., Hoey, L., Molloy, A. M., Waldron, L., Varghese, A., McCann, A., Blayney, J. K., & McNulty, H. (2015). B-vitamin status in relation to bone mineral density in treated celiac disease patients. Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology, 50(8), 975–984 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25861707/ Edelmann, M., Aalto, S., Chamlagain, B., Kariluoto, S., & Piironen, V. (2019). Riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin B12 in commercial microalgae powders. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 82, 103226. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157519300730 Reboleira, J., Freitas, R., Pinteus, S., Silva, J., Alves, C., Pedrosa, R., & Bernardino, S. (2019). Spirulina. In Nonvitamin and nonmineral nutritional supplements (pp. 409-413). Academic Press. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128124918000552 Merchant, R. E., Phillips, T. W., & Udani, J. (2015). Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa Lowers Serum Methylmalonic Acid in Vegans and Vegetarians with a Suspected Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency. Journal of medicinal food, 18(12), 1357–1362. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26485478/ Majdoub, H., Ben Mansour, M., Chaubet, F., Roudesli, M. S., & Maaroufi, R. M. (2009). Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochimica et biophysica acta, 1790(10), 1377–1381. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19632306/ Tan, C. S. S., & Lee, S. W. H. (2021). Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 87(2), 352-374. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bcp.14404 Feroze, K. B., & Kaufman, E. J. (2017). Xerophthalmia. https://europepmc.org/article/nbk/nbk431094 Andrade, L. M., Andrade, C. J., Dias, M., Nascimento, C., & Mendes, M. A. (2018). Chlorella and spirulina microalgae as sources of functional foods. Nutraceuticals, and Food Supplements, 6(1), 45-58. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lidiane-Andrade/publication/322888591_Chlorella_and_Spirulina_Microalgae_as_Sources_of_Functional_Foods_Nutraceuticals_and_Food_Supplements_an_Overview/links/5a745245458515512078e1ec/Chlorella-and-Spirulina-Microalgae-as-Sources-of-Functional-Foods-Nutraceuticals-and-Food-Supplements-an-Overview.pdf        

Green powders have been a popular trend in many health and fitness communities for several years, but they've recently picked up mainstream attention. They're touted to improve immunity, and energy levels and improve cognitive function. Green powders are generally chock-full of vitamins and minerals, and some even contain probiotics and other nutritionally beneficial substances. Their well-rounded nutritional profile makes them an appealing alternative to more traditional synthetic multivitamins. A big part of their surge in popularity is because of the recent demand for more natural foods and food products. Green powders are easy to use, often contain only natural ingredients, and can be a delicious and simple way to ramp up one's daily nutrition intake.   Super Greens: Are Green Powders Healthy? What Are Powdered Greens, And Are They Good For You?   The most common ways to use green powders are to mix them into water, juices, or smoothies. The possibilities are essentially endless. Both the taste and nutrition of a green powder will vary depending on the ingredients, but they generally have a mild grassy taste which pairs well with other fruits or vegetables. Their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into any daily routine.   10 Delicious Ways To Use Superfood Greens Powder   When shopping around for a green powder, it's important to examine not only what the ingredients are, but also the quality of the ingredients, and how they were processed. The main concerns when selecting a green powder are to ensure that the product has minimal to no contamination from harmful substances, contains no filler ingredients, and to check if the product has an adequate amount of ingredients that offer functional benefits. A few of the most nutritionally dense and beneficial ingredients to look for in green powder products are: Organic Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, and Chlorella.   What To Look For In A Greens Powder   Organic Wheat Grass   Wheatgrass is simply the young leaves of the more commonly known wheat plant. Since it doesn't contain the plant's seeds it's free of gluten. Wheatgrass has been popular in niche health communities for several decades; particularly among those who are interested in juicing. The reason the plant is so beneficial is because of its dense and varied combination of nutrients. It's even colloquially known as "green blood" since it contains such high and nourishing levels of the substance chlorophyll; a plant pigment used in photosynthesis (Gore, 20171).   Is Wheatgrass Worth The Hype?   Wheatgrass's nutritional profile consists of vitamins A, C, E, the full spectrum of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, amino acids, glutathione, and more (Ghumman, 20172). Aside from the diverse and balanced nutrient composition, wheatgrass is also known to contain nutrition in extremely dense amounts which can mean even a small amount of powdered wheatgrass can contain more nutrition than several large servings of fruit and vegetables.   20 Reasons You Need To Add Wheatgrass To Your Wellness Routine   This nutritional powerhouse has been shown to help with digestion due to its unique enzyme content (Rathore, 20163). It also contains a plant substance called thylakoids which have some evidence for increasing satiety and assisting with healthy weight loss (Amirinejad, 20204).    11 Benefits Of Wheatgrass, Nutrition Info, and Side Effects   Organic Barley Grass   Barley grass is another important ingredient to look for in a well-rounded green powder product. Barley grass is nutritional quite similar to Wheat grass, but there are important differences that make both ingredients worth seeking out. It's an extremely nutritionally dense plant with 30 times the thiamine, and 11 times the calcium content of cows' milks. It also contains 6.5 times the amount of carotene and 5 times the iron content of spinach (Zeng, 20187). This is just the tip of the nutritional iceberg. Barley grass is also high in vitamins c, e, k, folic acid, magnesium, and a host of other health-boosting substances (Paulickova, 20078).   9 Surprising Benefits Of Barley Grass Health Benefits Of Barley Grass   Barley grass also has some specific benefits that make it a worthwhile inclusion to any high-quality green powder blend. It contains a substance called glutamic acid, which has shown promising results for reducing cravings. It's thought to reduce cravings for sugar, alcohol, coffee and nicotine, and has even been studied to see if it can be utilized as a form of addiction therapy (Miller, 20129). Beyond this valuable trait, barley grass also contains several substances including chlorophyll, vitamins, irons, amino acids and phycocyanin which may help to repair bone marrow stores (Zeng, 20187). This is an extremely relevant feature since bone marrow manufactures stem cells which can turn into new red and white blood cells.(Woo, 201710). Barley Grass: Benefits And Uses    Organic Chlorella   The third and final important ingredient to search for in an ideal green powder product is the inclusion of the algae chlorella. Chlorella similarly contains a plethora of vitamins, minerals and nutritional substances, but some of the benefits it offers are very different from barley grass and wheat grass. Chlorella can be a well-balanced multi-vitamin alternative by itself, but beyond this are some additional unique properties not generally found in other plants. Namely, chlorella contains vitamin d, vitamin b12, and omega 3s (Tang, 201111). These nutrients are all extremely rare in plants and can be difficult for vegans and vegetarians in particular to consume adequate amounts of (Dunn-Emke, 200512). Aside from this, chlorella contains a nucleotide-peptide complex not found in any other plant known as chlorella growth factor (An, 201613).   Vegan Superfood Spotlight: Chlorella   The Health Benefits Of Chlorella, An All Natural Detox Food   Final Thoughts   While the huge amount of information available on green powders may seem like a lot to take in, the most essential thing to remember is that simple, organic, high-quality ingredients are the best choice. Selecting a green powder that uses a handful of ingredients that are known to bring well-rounded benefits is the best way to ensure optimal value. Some brands may fill their products with ingredients of lesser quality or only add miniscule amounts of the beneficial ingredients just so they can include them on their ingredient list. Choosing a trustworthy brand and relying on simple nutritionally rich whole food-based products is a fantastic way to increase vitamin and mineral intake, and improve overall health. The use of green powders should not be a replacement for a healthy diet but is rather an excellent way to boost overall nutrient intake to help bring the consumer optimal energy, health, and wellness.    Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?     References   Vadiraja, B. B., Gaikwad, N. W., & Madyastha, K. M. (1998). Hepatoprotective effect of C-phycocyanin: protection for carbon tetrachloride and R-(+)-pulegone-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 249(2), 428-431. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1998.9149 Pabon, M. M., Jernberg, J. N., Morganti, J., Contreras, J., Gonzalez-Martinez, J., Schiapparelli, P., ... & Yang, T. (2012). A spirulina-enhanced diet provides neuroprotection in an α-synuclein model of Parkinson's disease. PloS One, 7(9), e45256. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045256 Huang, Z., Guo, B. J., Wong, R. N., & Jiang, Y. (2007). Characterization and antioxidant activity of selenium-containing phycocyanin isolated from Spirulina platensis. Food Chemistry, 100(3), 1137-1143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.11.021 Wang, H., Chen, G., Ren, D., Yang, S. T., & Li, Y. (2015). Efficacy of C-phycocyanin in the treatment of human diseases: a review of preclinical and clinical studies. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(4), 364-373. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2014.0005 Pugh, N., Ross, S. A., ElSohly, H. N., ElSohly, M. A., & Pasco, D. S. (2001). Isolation of three high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations with potent immunostimulatory activity from Spirulina platensis, aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Planta Medica, 67(8), 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-18358 Hidaka, H., Hiramoto, K., Umemura, T., Yamaguchi, M., & Inoue, M. (2002). Phycocyanin, a bile pigment analogue, and ultraviolet light cooperate in the induction of apoptosis of human hepatoma cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 296(4), 987-992. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-291X(02)02017-3 Senthilkumar, R., & Devaki, T. (2004). Protective effect of lipistat, a polyherbal formulation on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Journal of Health Science, 50(2), 159-165. https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.50.159 Torres-Durán, P. V., Miranda-Zamora, R., Paredes-Carbajal, M. C., Mascher, D., Díaz-Zagoya, J. C., & Juárez-Oropeza, M. A. (1998). Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 59(4), 959-964. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(98)00007-0 Ravi, M., De, S. L., Azharuddin, S., & Paul, S. F. (2008). The beneficial effects of Spirulina focusing on its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements, 2, 73-83. https://doi.org/10.2147/nds.s4080 Hwang, J. H., Chen, J. C., & Chan, Y. C. (2013). Effects of C-phycocyanin and Spirulina on salicylate-induced tinnitus, expression of NMDA receptor and inflammatory genes. PLoS One, 8(3), e58215. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0058215 Farooq, S. M., Boppana, N. B., Asokan, D., Sekaran, S. D., Shankar, E. M., Li, C., ... & Karthik, H. S. (2015). C-Phycocyanin confers protection against oxalate-mediated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in MDCK cells. PLoS One, 9(4), e93056. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093056 Sampath, K., Sharma, R., & Suresh, B. (2012). Evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxic effect of Spirulina platensis against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and Vero cell line. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(4), 341-344. Retrieved from https://www.ijppsjournal.com/Vol4Issue4/3499.pdf Khan, Z., Bhadouria, P., & Bisen, P. S. (2005). Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 6(5), 373-379. https://doi.org/10.2174/138920105774370607 Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817-1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5 Chamorro, G., Pérez-Albiter, M., Serrano-García, N., Mares-Sámano, J. J., & Rojas, P. (2008). Spirulina maxima pretreatment partially protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity. Nutritional Neuroscience, 11(5), 218-224. https://doi.org/10.1179/147683008X301450 Khan, M., Shobha, J. C., Mohan, I. K., Naidu, M. U., Sundaram, C., Singh, S., ... & Srinivas, R. (2005). Protective effect of Spirulina against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Phytotherapy Research, 19(12), 1030-1037. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1746

Chlorella is a green, unicellular alga that is a superfood containing almost all the nutrients required for optimizing your health.  Additionally, chlorella has more folate (2.5 mg/100 g dry weight) and iron (104 mg/100 g dry weight) than comparable plant-based foods. Due to this, chlorella can help maintain cardiovascular health, promote a healthy pregnancy, and prevent anemia, among other health benefits (Bito, 2020). Health Benefits of Chlorella Due to Folate and Iron Unlike animals, plants can produce folate molecules de novo (Gorelova, 2017). Therefore, plant-based foods like spinach and other green leafy vegetables are sources of folates for us. However, studies indicate that spinach has less folate than chlorella. This means that chlorella supplements are a wonderful way for people to get the required folate into their diets (Woortman, 2020). Similarly, chlorella also contains more iron than other plant-derived foods. It is also a rich source of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption (Panahi, 2016). Read on to learn about few health benefits of chlorella due to folate and iron. 1.    Great For Energy Folate, together with vitamins B12 and B6, helps to regulate elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood. Increased homocysteine levels may raise the risk of heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease) (Selhub, 1995), (Ganguly, 2015). Homocysteine is a non-protein-forming amino acid generated as a byproduct of methionine metabolism and converted to cystathionine by cystathionine-synthetase, an enzyme dependent on vitamin B6. Methionine synthase, an enzyme dependent on vitamin B12, is capable of remethylating homocysteine back to methionine. Folate is also necessary for the remethylation of homocysteine through the production of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (Ganguly, 2015). Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, and folate (Forges, 2007). Several clinical studies show that atherosclerosis is linked to low folate levels (Bunout, 2000). 2.    Promotes Healthy Pregnancy Folate insufficiency before and throughout pregnancy is linked to neural tube defects in babies. Neural tube abnormalities such as spina bifida can occur during the first few months of pregnancy. Research indicates that folate supplementation help reduces neural tube birth abnormalities (Czeizel, 2013). During pregnancy, folate helps your fetus's skull, brain, and spinal cord form, making it an essential nutrient for neurodevelopment. Folate is one of the vital vitamins for developing the neurological system. In addition, folate is necessary for normal cell growth and function, including the production of red blood cells. It is crucial to take a prenatal vitamin that contains folate if you are pregnant or planning to conceive (Pitkin, 2007).  3.    Good For Eye Health Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye illness that damages your central vision, although its cause is not entirely understood. In addition to inflammation and oxidative stress, it is believed that high homocysteine levels may also have a role. According to a study, taking folate on a regular basis can reduce the incidence of AMD by up to 40% (Christen, 2009). 4.    Facilitates Everyday Body Processes Your body needs iron to synthesize hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to your muscles. This is essential for efficient daily bodily functions, immune system function, energy, and more (NIH). Iron also contributes to the creation of some hormones by promoting the health of thyroid gland, which is responsible for the synthesis and regulation of numerous hormones in your body (Chatterjee, 2021). Chlorella supplements provide adequate amounts of iron to facilitate your body's processes, reduce fatigue, and enhance energy levels for daily activities. 5.    Helps with Iron Deficiency During pregnancy, the blood volume in a woman's body rises, necessitating a higher iron intake for both her and the growing child. If a woman doesn't get enough iron while pregnant, she's more likely to get iron deficiency anemia, and her baby is more likely to be born early or with low iron levels. Iron deficiency may also hinder the infant's cognitive development (NIH). In addition, the phytates found in grains bind iron, forming an insoluble compound, which significantly reduces iron absorption in the intestines. Thus, vegans and vegetarians may be susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia (Gibson, 2018). Chlorella products include a considerable amount of iron (104 mg/100 g dry weight), the consumption of which may prevent anemia. Additionally, it contains vitamin C, which aids iron absorption (Bito, 2020). Chlorella supplementation has been examined for its ability to prevent iron-deficiency anemia in both rats (Gao, 2019) and humans. Oral chlorella supplementation (6 g/day) for 12-18 weeks lowered indicators of anemia compared to the control group, showing that chlorella supplementation may lowers the risk of pregnancy-associated anemia in a cohort of 32 women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (Nakano, 2010). 6.    May Assist With Blood Issues Researchers believe that chlorella, due to the presence of folate and iron, may help reduce high blood pressure in pregnancy (Nakano, 2010). Folate reduces homocysteine levels. Supplementing with 6 grams of chlorella per day from weeks 12-18 of pregnancy reduced anemia and symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension in 32 pregnant Japanese women (Nakano, 2010). 7.    Promotes Hair, Skin, And Nail Health Another benefit of iron is that it is needed to make connective tissue. Therefore, a high iron level is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails (Sato, 1991). If you notice that your hair, nails, or skin are brittle or lifeless, you may want to check your iron levels. Remember that iron is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. When this process is inefficient due to low iron levels, the body's cells may not receive adequate oxygen, resulting in brittle nails, hair loss, and a yellow complexion (American Society of Hematology). Taking chlorella supplements may provide you required iron content for promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. 8.    Improves Athletic Performance Your aerobic capacity may be affected by your iron stores since iron is essential for creating energy and carrying oxygen to your cells. Simply said, if oxygen cannot flow through your body rapidly enough, you may feel weary and weak, which is not ideal when jogging, swimming, or working out (Rubeor, 2018). Thus, chlorella may improve your athletic performance due to iron, folate, and other energy-boosting vitamins and minerals. The Bottom Line Chlorella is an algae that delivers a powerful nutritional punch because it is rich in numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Folate and iron are only found in plant-based foods. But chlorella has more folate and iron than other plant-based foods you can readily absorb. References Bito, T., Okumura, E., Fujishima, M., & Watanabe, F. (2020). Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients, 12(9), 2524. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551956/ Gorelova, V., Ambach, L., Rébeillé, F., Stove, C., & Van Der Straeten, D. (2017). Folates in Plants: Research Advances and Progress in Crop Biofortification. Frontiers in chemistry, 5, 21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28424769/ Woortman, D. V., Fuchs, T., Striegel, L., Fuchs, M., Weber, N., Brück, T. B., & Rychlik, M. (2020). Microalgae a Superior Source of Folates: Quantification of Folates in Halophile Microalgae by Stable Isotope Dilution Assay. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 7, 481. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32039182/ Panahi, Y., Darvishi, B., Jowzi, N., Beiraghdar, F., & Sahebkar, A. (2016). Chlorella vulgaris: A Multifunctional Dietary Supplement with Diverse Medicinal Properties. Current pharmaceutical design, 22(2), 164–173. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26561078/ Selhub, J., Jacques, P. F., Bostom, A. G., D'Agostino, R. B., Wilson, P. W., Belanger, A. J., O'Leary, D. H., Wolf, P. A., Schaefer, E. J., & Rosenberg, I. H. (1995). Association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and extracranial carotid-artery stenosis. The New England journal of medicine, 332(5), 286–291.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7816063/ Ganguly, P., & Alam, S. F. (2015). Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. Nutrition journal, 14, 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25577237/ Forges, T., Monnier-Barbarino, P., Alberto, J. M., Guéant-Rodriguez, R. M., Daval, J. L., & Guéant, J. L. (2007). Impact of folate and homocysteine metabolism on human reproductive health. Human reproduction update, 13(3), 225–238. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307774/ Bunout, D., Petermann, M., Hirsch, S., de la Maza, P., Suazo, M., Barrera, G., & Kauffman, R. (2000). Low serum folate but normal homocysteine levels in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease and matched healthy controls. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 16(6), 434–438. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10869899/ Czeizel, A. E., Dudás, I., Vereczkey, A., & Bánhidy, F. (2013). Folate deficiency and folic acid supplementation: the prevention of neural-tube defects and congenital heart defects. Nutrients, 5(11), 4760–4775. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24284617/ Pitkin R. M. (2007). Folate and neural tube defects. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(1), 285S–288S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17209211/ Christen, W. G., Glynn, R. J., Chew, E. Y., Albert, C. M., & Manson, J. E. (2009). Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women: the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study. Archives of internal medicine, 169(4), 335–341. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2648137/ Iron, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/ Chatterjee, S., Chakrabarti, P., & Sinhamahapatra, P. (2021). Relationship between iron metabolism and thyroid hormone profile in hypothyroidism. International journal of research in medical sciences, 9, 2330–6012. https://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms/article/view/9269 Gibson, R. S., Raboy, V., & King, J. C. (2018). Implications of phytate in plant-based foods for iron and zinc bioavailability, setting dietary requirements, and formulating programs and policies. Nutrition reviews, 76(11), 793–804. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30010865/ Gao, F., Guo, W., , Zeng, M., , Feng, Y., , & Feng, G., (2019). Effect of microalgae as iron supplements on iron-deficiency anemia in rats. Food & function, 10(2), 723–732. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30664135/ Nakano, S., Takekoshi, H., & Nakano, M. (2010). Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 65(1), 25–30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20013055/ Sato S. (1991). Iron deficiency: structural and microchemical changes in hair, nails, and skin. Seminars in dermatology, 10(4), 313–319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1764360/ Iron-Deficiency Anemia. American Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency Rubeor, A., Goojha, C., Manning, J., & White, J. (2018). Does Iron Supplementation Improve Performance in Iron-Deficient Nonanemic Athletes?. Sports health, 10(5), 400–405. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116100/

The term "anemia" is often used interchangeably with "iron-deficiency" and though they are related, they aren't quite the same thing. Iron deficiency is a broader term that can manifest in several ways. Iron deficiency anemia is a specific type of iron deficiency where a lack of iron results in too few healthy red blood cells (Balendran 20211). This is a common result of inadequate iron. Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide, thought to affect as many as 20% of the world population in developed and underdeveloped nations alike (Balendran 20211). The reasons for low iron levels are most often diet-related, but there are several other factors that can play a role. Getting to the root cause of an individual's low iron status is paramount to resolving their deficiency, though increasing iron intake through supplemental or dietary intake is almost always part of the solution. One food that has shown the ability to effectively increase iron levels is the freshwater algae chlorella, which has many attributes that make it uniquely helpful (Tomohiro Bito 1, ).   Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms How Chlorella Helped with my Low Iron Levels   Before examining chlorella, it's first essential to understand iron metabolism in the body. Iron is a mineral that's essential for human life. The main role it plays is as a component of hemoglobin; also known as red blood cells (Dev 20173). Red blood cells carry oxygen in the blood to be delivered throughout the body. Oxygen transport is important for both respiration and energy metabolism, so impairment to this system commonly has symptoms of low-energy and fatigue (Dev 20173). The metabolism of iron in the body is very tightly controlled since it's so essential. The body has methods of increasing or decreasing absorption and stores of iron as a buffer to adapt for intake variance (Dev 20173).   Iron Functions in the Body   The reasons low iron levels arise can stem from any combination of: insufficient intake, malabsorption, excessive excretion, or increased needs (Zimmermann 20074). Iron needs are particularly high for pregnant or breastfeeding women, vegetarians or vegans, as well as for growing children (Haider 20175). These groups of people are all at a higher risk of deficiency. Similarly, individuals with illnesses or conditions that impair iron absorption will also have a more difficult time meeting their iron needs and may require intervention. This may include chronic kidney disease, celiac disease, those who've had gastric bypass surgery (Yilmaz 20186).    How Much Iron Do You Need per Day?   Though there are many causes for low iron, the most common and easily remedied situation is simply an inadequate intake from diet (Balendran 20211). Low iron can be measured through tests that observe stores in the blood, as well as red blood cell count to diagnose this (Read 20217). The body does have some innate measures to protect itself from low iron status, such as increasing gastric absorption or decreasing stores, but these are not long-term solutions (Gulec 20148).   What is an Iron Blood Test?   Iron supplements are often the first line of defense used to treat low iron. While they work well for some individuals, they are also known to have a range of unpleasant side effects and are often not as bioavailable as food sources (Bloor 20219). An alternative strategy for increasing iron levels with fewer unpleasant effects is to increase intake through food, and to support high levels of absorption through adequate intake of synergistic nutrients.   What You Need to Know About Iron Supplements Iron-Rich Foods   This explains why chlorella can be such an excellent choice for individuals with low iron status. It's an excellent source of the mineral, with higher quality brands generally containing higher levels (Safi 201410). Perhaps even more importantly, chlorella contains all of the important nutrients needed to help the body properly absorb and utilize iron in the blood (Jacobs 200911).   Chlorella Nutrition Facts   Chlorella contains very high amounts of vitamin c and good amounts of vitamin d (Safi 201410). Both of these nutrients increase absorption of iron in the gut (Lee 201412). Vitamin d in particular is difficult for individuals who consume few to no animal products to obtain. Vegans and vegetarians are less likely to meet their iron intake recommendations, and will have a harder time obtaining vitamin d sources since they exist almost exclusively from animal foods (13). Chlorella is a rare plant-based source of vitamin d, which makes it extremely valuable for increasing iron levels in vegetarians and vegans.   Vitamin C and Iron: A Perfect Match 7 Healthy Foods That Are High in Vitamin D   In addition to vitamin c and d, vitamin b12 plays a key role in achieving healthy iron levels. Vitamin b12 is likewise found predominantly from animal foods, and is therefore a nutrient vegetarians should pay particular attention to consuming from other sources (Dominguez 202114). Chlorella is an excellent plant source of vitamin b12, which is needed to protect red blood cells (Safi 201410). A deficiency in vitamin b12 can therefore lead to a deficiency in iron as well, making them synergistic nutrients (McIlvaine 201315).   B12 & Iron Together Vitamin B12 in Plant Foods   From this evidence, it's clear that chlorella is uniquely helpful for increasing iron levels due to its convenient composition of interrelated nutrients, and high bioavailability. It may have fewer side effects than synthetic iron supplement options, and it is suitable for all types of diets and eating preferences.   References   Rao, A. R., Kulkarni, P., & Kanitkar, M. (2021). Protective role of lutein and zeaxanthin in diabetic retinopathy: a review. Nutrients, 13(11), 4027. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114027 Chen, S., Zhang, S., & Wu, J. (2020). Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 61(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.61.1.7 Wu, J., Cho, E., Giovannucci, E. L., Rosner, B. A., Sastry, S. M., Willett, W. C., & Schaumberg, D. A. (2018). Dietary intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and risk of age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology, 125(5), 671-679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.10.009 Yakes, E. A., Arden, G. B., Bernard, G. J., & Hancox, J. (2007). Nutritional supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improves visual performance in older subjects: a randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 370(9603), 2015-2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61235-5 Ma, L., Liu, R., Du, J. H., Liu, T., Wu, S. S., & Liu, X. H. (2016). Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation associated with macular pigment optical density. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(6), 992-1002. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1259210 Pintea, A. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin in the prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Pharmacy, 11(4), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy11040098 Wu, J., Ma, L., Chen, S., Li, S. Y., Li, S. S., & Zhu, L. (2021). Association of dietary patterns with age-related macular degeneration and cataract: a cross-sectional study in China. JAMA Network Open, 4(9), e2124612. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.24612 Xiang, M., Wang, P. X., Wang, A. B., Zhang, X. J., & Zhang, Y. (2013). Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 305(12), G920-G927. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00348.2013 Scala, A., Armani, A., & Vassallo, A. (2021). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: current status and regulatory implications. Molecules, 12(2), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules1202033 Rizwan, N., & Nandra, C. (2014). Lutein and zeaxanthin in dietary supplements: a review of current status and regulatory implications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 40, 114-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.097 Wallace, T. C. (2009). Anthocyanins in cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5), 1543S-1548S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736X Wang, Y., Chung, S. J., McCullough, K., & Song, W. O. (2014). Dietary carotenoids are associated with cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers mediated by serum carotenoid concentrations. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 25(7), 793-800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.03.010 Kim, J. H., Lee, K. T., & Choi, J. H. (2021). Metabolomic profiling of dietary carotenoids and their metabolites in human plasma using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Metabolites, 11(4), 255. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11040255 Liu, R. H. (2007). Whole grain phytochemicals and health. Journal of Cereal Science, 46(3), 207-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2007.06.010 Cunnane, S. C., Plourde, M., Pifferi, F., Bégin, M., Féart, C., & Barberger-Gateau, P. (2009). Fish, docosahexaenoic acid and Alzheimer's disease. Progress in Lipid Research, 48(5), 239-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plipres.2009.04.001  

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich single-celled green alga that is found in freshwater. It has been referred to as "the green blood of plant life." Because it is nature's richest source of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment critical to photosynthesis allowing plants to create energy from sunlight. Chlorophyll is similar to heme which is the pigment in blood, only it has magnesium at its core not iron. Chlorella has the most chlorophyll per gram of any plant, it has traditionally been used to purify the blood and liver (Bito, 2020). Read on to learn about chlorophyll's health benefits and where to get it. Health Benefits of Chlorophyll The presence of chlorophyll is essential to plants' overall health and vitality. Additionally, it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and therapeutic characteristics that may be beneficial to your health. Chlorophyll is a fat-soluble compound. When you take in chlorophyll, it travels through your system in fat-containing molecular groups called micelles. It is believed that little amounts of good fats can assist the body in absorbing chlorophyll during meals. There are many possible benefits of chlorophyll as a dietary supplement (Joe, 2020). Among these are: Chlorophyll May Raise Red Blood Cell Count Some studies refer to chlorophyll as a "blood builder," implying that it can boost the quantity and quality of red blood cells. This is because chlorophyll is chemically like hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. Because of their similar chemical composition and chlorophyll's antioxidant properties, chlorophyll shows promise as a therapy for anemia and other hemoglobin deficits.  A study using chlorophyll to treat anemic patients concluded that its use might alleviate anemia symptoms (Xu, 2016). An increase in healthy red blood cell count can profoundly affect your strength, energy, and overall health. Boosting your body's hemoglobin levels will boost the amount of oxygen moving through your blood, which will positively affect your energy and your cells' ability to perform. Chlorophyll May Strengthen Your Immune System According to studies, if a person's ability to produce white blood cells is limited, chlorophyll may be able to enhance white blood cell production. In one study, 105 people with low white blood cell counts were randomly put into three different groups (Gao, 2005). One group took 40 mg of chlorophyll and the other took 20 mg of filgrastim thrice a day. Filgrastim is a bone marrow stimulant that makes more white blood cells. Finally, a control group was given a placebo of 100 mg of vitamin C thrice a day. After one month of treatment, the chlorophyll group was 85% successful at increasing the number of white blood cells. The filgrastim and placebo groups' success rates were 83.3% and 26.7%, respectively. The chlorophyll group did not have any adverse effects. More studies are needed, but chlorophyll shows promise as a natural approach to boosting the body's production of immune cells (Gao, 2005). Chlorophyll May Heal Skin, Reduce Acne and Assist With Signs of Aging Chlorophyll has been found to aid in wound healing by lowering inflammation and disinfecting a wound using its antibacterial characteristics. Moreover, chlorophyll may help lessen the redness and swelling associated with acne. A review of wound care research included multiple trials on ointments comprising topical chlorophyll (Smith, 2008). In a pilot study, applying topical chlorophyll gel to 10 individuals with acne and big pores resulted in skin improvement (Stephens, 2015). Using topical chlorophyll for eight weeks improved sun-damaged skin, according to another pilot trial involving 10 participants (Sigler, 2015). Chlorophyll has antioxidant qualities that may make a topical application of it useful for helping with the aging process. Chlorophyll can help you maintain a more youthful appearance as you age and keep your cells in better condition by ensuring that your mitochondria remain healthy. Mitochondria play a critical part in developing diseases and aging (McCook, 2016). Chlorophyll May Act as A Natural Deodorant Chlorophyll has been used for a long time as a natural deodorant, and its consumption has been shown to mitigate the unpleasant odors caused by sweating and other physiological wastes. A recent study of persons with trimethylaminuria, a disorder that generates a fishy odor, discovered that chlorophyll dramatically reduced the level of trimethylamines (Yamazaki, 2004). Chlorophyll May Promote Weight Loss Chlorophyll is often touted for its purported ability to aid with weight loss. However, there is currently relatively little research on this area. One research study of 38 women indicated that individuals who took a supplement consisting of green plant membranes, including chlorophyll, once daily lost much more weight than the control group. Researchers also found that taking the supplement decreased "bad" cholesterol (Montelius, 2014). In animal research, chlorophyll has also been proven to suppress appetite and food consumption. This impact, combined with chlorophyll's tendency to promote satiety, prevents weight gain. With all these benefits to the body, chlorophyll is a great natural green supplement to help with weight loss (Amirinejad, 2020). Chlorophyll May Enhance Energy Because chlorophyll may help make more red blood cells, it may help give you more energy. Red blood cells transport the oxygen necessary for proper energy production and cellular activity throughout the body. With increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, both energy and physical endurance improve (Xu, 2016). Where To Get Pure Chlorophyll As mentioned earlier, chlorella is nature's richest source of chlorophyll. In addition to chlorophyll, chlorella contains an exceptionally well-balanced mixture of essential nutrients. Chlorella contains all nine essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, carbs, enzymes, antioxidants, specific fiber, RNA/DNA, and its own Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF).  (Bito, 2020).   References Bito, T., Okumura, E., Fujishima, M., & Watanabe, F. (2020). Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients, 12(9), 2524. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551956/ Joe Bowman and Jill Seladi-Schulman, (2020). The Benefits of Chlorophyll. https://www.healthline.com/health/liquid-chlorophyll-benefits-risks Xu, X. F., Hu, J. P., Cheng, X., Yu, G. J., Luo, F., Zhang, G. S., Yang, N., & Shen, P. (2016). Effects of sodium ferrous chlorophyll treatment on anemia of hemodialysis patients and relevant biochemical parameters. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 30(1), 135–140. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27049084/ Vaňková, K., Marková, I., Jašprová, J., Dvořák, A., Subhanová, I., Zelenka, J., Novosádová, I., Rasl, J., Vomastek, T., Sobotka, R., Muchová, L., & Vítek, L. (2018). Chlorophyll-Mediated Changes in the Redox Status of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Are Associated with Its Anticancer Effects. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 4069167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051000/ McQuistan, T. J., Simonich, M. T., Pratt, M. M., Pereira, C. B., Hendricks, J. D., Dashwood, R. H., Williams, D. E., & Bailey, G. S. (2012). Cancer chemoprevention by dietary chlorophylls: a 12,000-animal dose-dose matrix biomarker and tumor study. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 50(2), 341–352.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3486520/ Jubert, C., Mata, J., Bench, G., Dashwood, R., Pereira, C., Tracewell, W., ... & Bailey, G. (2009). Effects of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin on low-dose aflatoxin B1 pharmacokinetics in human volunteers. Cancer prevention research, 2(12), 1015-1022. http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/2/12/1015.short Frugé, A. D., Smith, K. S., Riviere, A. J., Demark-Wahnefried, W., Arthur, A. E., Murrah, W. M., Morrow, C. D., Arnold, R. D., & Braxton-Lloyd, K. (2019). Primary Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial to Explore the Effects of a High Chlorophyll Dietary Intervention to Reduce Colon Cancer Risk in Adults: The Meat and Three Greens (M3G) Feasibility Trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2349. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835237/ Gao, F., & Hu, X. F. (2005). Analysis of the therapeutic effect of sodium copper chlorophyllin tablet in treating 60 cases of leukopenia. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 11(4), 279-282. https://europepmc.org/article/med/16417778 Smith, R. G. (2008). Enzymatic debriding agents: an evaluation of the medical literature. Ostomy Wound Manage, 54(8), 16-34. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wmp/content/enzymatic-debriding-agents-an-evaluation-medical-literature Stephens, T. J., McCook, J. P., & Herndon, J. H., Jr (2015). Pilot Study of Topical Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Acne and Large Pores. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 14(6), 589–592. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26091384/ Sigler, M. L., & Stephens, T. J. (2015). Assessment of the safety and efficacy of topical copper chlorophyllin in women with photodamaged facial skin. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 14(4), 401–404. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25844615/ McCook, J. P., Stephens, T. J., Jiang, L. I., Law, R. M., & Gotz, V. (2016). Ability of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to repair photoaged skin by stimulation of biomarkers in human extracellular matrix. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 9, 167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4966572/ Yamazaki, H., Fujieda, M., Togashi, M., Saito, T., Preti, G., Cashman, J. R., & Kamataki, T. (2004). Effects of the dietary supplements, activated charcoal and copper chlorophyllin, on urinary excretion of trimethylamine in Japanese trimethylaminuria patients. Life sciences, 74(22), 2739–2747. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15043988 Montelius, C., Erlandsson, D., Vitija, E., Stenblom, E. L., Egecioglu, E., & Erlanson-Albertsson, C. (2014). Body weight loss, reduced urge for palatable food and increased release of GLP-1 through daily supplementation with green-plant membranes for three months in overweight women. Appetite, 81, 295-304. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666314003493?via%3Dihub Amirinejad, A., Heshmati, J., & Shidfar, F. (2020). Effects of thylakoid intake on appetite and weight loss: a systematic review. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 19(1), 565-573. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40200-019-00443-w

Fatigue is something everyone experiences at some point or another. Most often, it's in response to a lack of sleep, dietary issues, or periods of high stress, though there are many other factors that can contribute to its development (Bassi 20081). Fatigue can be temporary or chronic, with a broad range of severity. Naturally, the specific causes of fatigue for each case determine the ways to reverse it. The occurrence of chronic fatigue is surprisingly common, and it's most often due to a combination of factors (Junghaenel 20132). One part of the solution is diet related. Addressing nutrition inadequacies and imbalances is a vital component of managing energy levels. Chlorella has been highlighted by many researchers as being one helpful dietary strategy for targeting several fatigue-related issues (Noguchi 20133).   Fatigue can come from several different dietary issues: too much or little food, nutrient deficiencies, or poor nutrition as a cause or instigator for disease (Tardy 20204). Proper nutrition is firstly needed for calories which are converted into energy. Beyond this, many vitamins and minerals are required for effective energy metabolism (Tardy 20204). The path from food to energy via digestion is complex and requires a multitude of vitamins and minerals to take part in chemical reactions. The most essential required micronutrients for metabolism are: b vitamins, vitamin c, zinc, iron, and magnesium (Tardy 20204). This may partially explain why chlorella has been shown to improve energy levels, as it is a good dietary source of all of the aforementioned nutrients (Rani 20185). The second possible diet-related cause of chronic fatigue is when poor diet contributes to illness. Most illnesses, if not all, take an energetic toll on the body. In particular, diabetes is known to cause feelings of tiredness (Fritschi 20106).  Another significant factor that can lead to chronic fatigue is chronic stress. The phenomena of oxidative stress in particular is a well known cause of low-energy and other unpleasant systems (Fukuda 20168). Oxidative stress occurs when the body has an excess of dna-damaging free radicals in the body. This can stem from countless environmental sources, all with the common effect of causing inflammation (Fukuda 20168). This is another area where chlorella's unique benefits can be of assistance. Chlorella is very high in a number of antioxidant nutrients which may combat oxidative stress, and it has anti-inflammatory properties (Lee 20109). Chlorella has been shown to reduce symptoms of fatigue in otherwise healthy subjects with these effects (Okada 201710). While there certainly is more to the issue of fatigue than chlorella can comprehensively address, such as sleep issues, medication side effects and mental health aspects, it can certainly serve as a component of an otherwise healthy lifestyle to help maximize energy and vitality.    References Doria, A., Caligiuri, P., & Pizzigallo, E. (2009). Chronic fatigue syndrome: Characteristics and possible causes for its pathogenesis. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 22(1), 15-24. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Doria-3/publication/5551032_Chronic_fatigue_syndrome_Characteristics_and_possible_causes_for_its_pathogenesis/links/02e7e51fa04a5a14e8000000/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome-Characteristics-and-possible-causes-for-its-pathogenesis.pdf Naviaux, R. K., Naviaux, J. C., Li, K., Bright, A. T., Alaynick, W. A., Wang, L., ... & Gordon, E. (2013). Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(37), E5472-E5480. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1607571113 Gupta, A., & Silman, A. J. (2014). Psychological stress and fibromyalgia: a review of the evidence suggesting a neuroendocrine link. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 6(3), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar1176 Brown, B. I. (2020). Chronic fatigue syndrome: a personalized integrative medicine approach. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 9, 2164956120906853. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956120906853 Kumar, S., & Suresh, P. (2018). Spirulina: A potent source of valuable bioactive constituents and its health benefits. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 7(7), 431-435. Retrieved from https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue7/PartJ/7-7-62-339.pdf Klimas, N. G., Broderick, G., & Fletcher, M. A. (2010). Biomarkers for chronic fatigue. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 24(8), 1209-1216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2010.03.011 Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., & Parrinello, G. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: benefits and endpoints in sport. Nutrients, 11(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010046 Mattson, M. P. (2015). Lifelong brain health is a lifelong challenge: from evolutionary principles to empirical evidence. Ageing Research Reviews, 20, 37-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2014.12.011 Marventano, S., Kolacz, P., Castellano, S., Galvano, F., Buscemi, F., Mistretta, A., & Grosso, G. (2015). A review of recent evidence in human studies of n-3 and n-6 PUFA intake on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depressive disorders: does the ratio really matter? International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 66(6), 611-622. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2015.1077790 Tsuge, K., Kataoka, Y., & Seto, Y. (2017). Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients. Journal of Medicinal Food, 20(2), 171-178. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.3775

Eye health is something that most individuals consider to be genetic, and while it is to some extent, there are also many modifiable lifestyle factors that can greatly affect eye function. One of the main factors is nutrition (Abdel-Aal 20131). Chlorella in particular is a food that can play a role in supporting good eye function and preventing disease (Qi 20182) (Shibata, 2009). Most common problems of the eye are age and inflammation related. Fighting inflammation and providing proper nutrition to delay degenerative effects may then be an effective strategy for preserving eye health (Lawrenson 20193).   While nutrition for eye health is still an evolving field, nutrients that have been shown to be especially important include: vitamins A, B, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, omega 3s and even more prominently; the antioxidants lutein, and zeaxanthin (Demmig-Adams 20134). These nutrients work synergistically, and need to be consumed in balance to achieve the best results. Studies have shown that food sources are more bioavailable and effective than synthetic versions (Demmig-Adams 20134). Synthetic supplements have even been shown to have negative effects in some cases due to the unnaturally high dosages of the vitamins and differences in how the body reacts to the man-made molecules (Demmig-Adams 20134).   With these considerations, chlorella has emerged as a remarkably beneficial food for supporting eye health since it contains good amounts of all of the above mentioned nutrients in a naturally occurring and bioavailable form (Bito 20205). Additionally, the interdependent function of the nutrients requires either an expertly composed supplement that offers a balanced variety of nutrition, or an assortment of foods combined to contain adequate amounts of each need. Chlorella is a rare single food source that contains a balance of all of the key nutrients required for eye health, making it an easy solution for natural supplementation.   Some of the most common eye problems include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions are all related to oxidative stress since the eye which eyes are particularly vulnerable to in comparison to areas of the body (Lawrenson 20193). Eyes contain a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are susceptible to forming reactive oxygen species when exposed to visible light (Sacca 20186). This is primarily why good eye health requires an array of various antioxidant nutrients: to combat oxidative stress. Carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, and vitamin A are one type of antioxidant that are especially helpful (Abdel-Aal 20131) (Serra, 2021). Different carotenoids serve different functions, which may explain the need for a balanced diversity of antioxidants (Demmig-Adams 20134)). While direct studies examining chlorella's effects on eye health are still evolving, there is ample evidence to support its use within the context of preventative eye care. (Bernstein, 2008)     References   Bone, R. A., Landrum, J. T., & Cao, Y. (2013). Macular pigment response to a supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. Nutrition & Metabolism, 10, 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-10-42 Katsuura, S., Imamura, T., Bando, N., & Yamanishi, R. (2009). Effects of luteinizing hormone on lutein and zeaxanthin accumulation in the human retina. Food Science and Technology Research, 15(4), 449-455. https://doi.org/10.3136/fstr.15.449 Liu, Y., Hu, X., Wu, Q., & Sun, L. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and its molecular mechanism in age-related macular degeneration. Journal of Ocean University of China, 17(2), 411-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11802-018-3465-2 Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., & D'Orazio, N. (2019). Carotenoids: potential allies of cardiovascular health? Food & Nutrition Research, 63. https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v63.1656 Stringham, J. M., & Hammond, B. R. (2013). Macular pigment and visual performance under glare conditions. Optometry and Vision Science, 90(2), 124-131. https://doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0b013e31827f15c0 Estrada-Luna, D., Ortiz-Rodríguez, M. A., & Medina-Campos, O. N. (2020). Protective effect of lutein and zeaxanthin on the diabetic retina of Wistar rats. Nutrients, 12(9), 2734. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092734 Boonpraderm, A., Chonpathompikunlert, P., & Kukongviriyapan, V. (2021). Protective effects of lutein against methotrexate-induced oxidative stress in rat liver. Antioxidants, 10(8), 1164. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10081164 Mares, J., & LaRowe, T. L. (2018). Lutein and zeaxanthin and their potential roles in disease prevention. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 36(5), 379-389. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2017.1353617 Kijlstra, A., Tian, Y., Kelly, E. R., & Berendschot, T. T. (2012). Lutein: more than just a filter for blue light. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 31(4), 303-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.03.002 Stringham, J. M., & Hammond, B. R. (2011). Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin: possible effects on visual function. Nutrition Reviews, 69(2), 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-488 Seddon, J. M., Ajani, U. A., Sperduto, R. D., Hiller, R., Blair, N., Burton, T. C., ... & Yannuzzi, L. A. (1994). Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration: Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. JAMA, 272(18), 1413-1420. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1994.03520180037032 Weigert, G., Kaya, S., Pemp, B., Sacu, S., Lasta, M., Werkmeister, R. M., ... & Schmetterer, L. (2014). Effects of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density and visual acuity in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Nutrition Journal, 13(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-57 Yonova-Doing, E., Hysi, P. G., Venturini, C., Williams, K. M., Nag, A., Beatty, S., ... & Hammond, C. J. (2013). Candidate gene study of macular response to supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 54(7), 6695-6702. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.13-12527

Chlorella is a hot new superfood taking the world by storm, and for good reason! It boasts a long list of health benefits with hundreds of studies supporting its effectiveness. While it may be a new mainstream health topic, it's certainly not new to earth! Chlorella has been around for 2 billion years and was discovered by humans in the early 19th century. It's been thoroughly proven to be safe and beneficial for a number of uses.   Chlorella can be consumed to support general health and one lesser known function of chlorella specifically relevant to women's health is its ability to improve iron levels. Women have higher iron requirements than men since they lose iron through menstruation, pregnancy and lactation, which means they have a greater risk of developing a deficiency. Exacerbating this issue is the fact that women on average consume less food overall, and more specifically, less foods rich in iron. Those following vegetarian and vegan diets in particular may struggle to meet their iron needs. Iron deficiencies can lead to experiencing fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath among other symptoms., which is sadly prevalent within studied populations. A recent study by Columbia University in the United States has shown that a whopping 30% of the women sampled had a mild to severe iron deficiency.   While iron supplements are commonly prescribed for iron deficiency, they are known to have potential side effects including stomach aches, cramps, nausea, and constipation. Chlorella side effects appear to be less common, and milder. Supplement sources of iron also may not be as bioavailable as the iron within chlorella. Nutrients such as vitamin C, prebiotics, and probiotics increase the absorption of iron, and chlorella happens to be rich in both complementary vitamin C, and prebiotic fiber. An additional reason why chlorella could be considered a superior alternative to traditional iron supplements is due to its antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation of the intestine can decrease iron absorption, and the promising possibility of chlorella's dual action to mitigate this damage while providing a highly bioavailable iron source is truly unbeatable!   To put it simply, chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense wholefoods and its composition is far more complex than alternative synthetic options created in a laboratory setting. Nature has made this superfood packed with protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, vitamin C, fiber, omega 3 , 6 and 9 fatty acids and many other vitamins and minerals that work synergistically to improve human health in a number of ways. While it's certainly possible to combat low iron with dietary modifications or supplement use, chlorella is likely the simplest way to ensure adequate intake of highly bioavailable iron, and it has the added benefit of lowering inflammation and improving gut-health to further support this use. This superfood truly has no comparable alternative, and the only thing you'll regret is not trying it sooner!  

We're here prepping for our new years resolutions!⁠⁠Did you know that only around 8% of people achieve their New Years Resolution 😮⁠⁠Here are 9 tips to get you ready:⁠⁠1. Believe in yourself!⁠2. Plan in advanced= Set goals- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.⁠3. Use mental imagery- Meditation and positive reflection.⁠4. Seek Help- Personal Trainer, Friends and Family support.⁠5. Reward yourself- Associate rewards with goals eg buy a new workout t-shirt, try a new supplement (Biogenesis SuperGreens maybe?).⁠6. Small weekly exchanges- eg exchange full sugar softdrink for water.⁠7. Become competitive- plan a challenge with a friend eg “First one to lose 5kgs wins”.⁠8. Start easy and slowly increase the difficulty. Eg 20 minutes exercise a day to 30 minutes and so on.⁠9. Control your environment- Remove temptations, distractions and barriers.

4 ways to prep smoothies 🙏⁠⁠1. Blend and Freeze⁠Make double the amount of your desired smoothie and pour half of it into another container. You can then put it into the freezer for later. ⁠⁠2. Make Smoothie Packs⁠Get small plastic bags and put each set amount of ingredients in each bag. Then all you need to do is put it straight into the blender, blend, and enjoy. Also, don’t forget if you are on the go, you can always have our convenient Biogenesis Natural Chlorella tablets.⁠⁠3. Blend and Refrigerate⁠This is similar to Blend and Freeze except you put it in the fridge as you would have the smoothie sooner not later.⁠⁠4. Create Grab-n-Go smoothies⁠You can do this by making push or popsicle moulds and putting the finished smoothie into them. Once frozen all you need to do is grab and go. If you are always on the go, you can also use sachet-like products like Biogenesis Super Green sachets to ensure you are getting all your essential vitamins and minerals.

Yoga offers both physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. These can include:⁠⁠- Can Decrease Stress⁠- May Reduce Inflammation- Could Promote Sleep Quality.⁠- Could Help Improve Breathing.⁠- Improves Flexibility and Balance.⁠- Can Increase Strength.⁠- Could Improve Heart Health.⁠- Improves Quality of Life.⁠- Could Reduce Chronic Pain.⁠- Relieves Anxiety.⁠⁠

Well, you may be able to reduce your appetite by increasing the hormone "Lepin".⁠⁠It is produced in the fat stores of your body and signals your brain when you're full, triggering you to stop eating.⁠⁠Some strategies that may improve your leptin levels include:⁠1. Strategic overfeeding. This includes a day where for a short period of time that you eat more than you normally do.⁠2. Avoid high consumption of omega-3.⁠3. Include dairy in your diet.⁠4. Increase your Zinc consumption by adding 2 teaspoons of Biogenesis Natural Chlorella Powder.⁠5. Don’t over train.⁠6. Get around 8 hours sleep- less than 8 hours can lower leptin by up to 20%.⁠⁠⁠References⁠1. Chen, M. D., Song, Y. M., & Lin, P. Y. (2000). Zinc may be a mediator of leptin production in humans. Life Sciences, 66(22), 2143-2149.⁠⁠2. Hariri, M., Ghiasvand, R., Shiranian, A., Askari, G., Iraj, B., & Salehi‐Abargouei, A. (2015). Does omega‐3 fatty acids supplementation affect circulating leptin levels? A systematic review and meta‐analysis on randomized controlled clinical trials. Clinical endocrinology, 82(2), 221-228.⁠⁠3. Havel, P. J., Townsend, R., Chaump, L., & Teff, K. (1999). High-fat meals reduce 24-h circulating leptin concentrations in women. Diabetes, 48(2), 334-341.⁠