Chlorella is a fresh water algae packed with vitamins, minerals, chlorella growth factor, and proteins that protect your health and deliver a wealth of disease-fighting benefits. Chlorella contains a high amount of chlorophyll - more than any other plant. Chlorella is commonly used as a detoxifier and for bowel cleansing. The fibrous outer shell of chlorella has been shown to bind to heavy metals and chemical toxins like PCBs that can build up in our systems, and eliminate them from the body. Chlorella also improves the digestive system by increasing digestive enzymes and beneficial bacteria in the intestine and decreasing constipation.
Chlorella's ability to eliminate heavy metal toxins is well documented. Research from Japan following the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings in 1945 reported that chlorella increased the elimination and detoxification of cadmium, uranium and lead. Other studies show that chlorella detoxifies chemical toxins such as the PCBs dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs are chemicals used in plastics and insulation that are known to cause cancer and liver problems.
Chlorella has also been shown to be useful in mercury detoxification. Since over 90 percent of mercury is eliminated through the stool, chlorella treatment can facilitate fecal mercury excretion. Mercury accumulation in other body tissues will then move into the intestines, where chlorella will efficiently eliminate it. One study shows that chlorella can help detoxify high levels of mercury caused by mercury dental amalgam removal and replacement. Some dentists and their staff report taking chlorella for detoxification after accidental amalgam mercury exposure.
Chlorella's fibrous shell helps improve digestive health and promotes beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. This facilitates our digestive processes and the assimilation of nutrients. Chlorella is also an alkaline nutrient that can help balance the body's pH. Many processed foods are acidic, contributing to diseases such as cancer which thrive in an acidic pH. Chlorella's alkaline pH may help reduce the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.
REFERENCES:
1. Life Extension eds., Disease Prevention and Treatment, 4th ed. (Hollywood, Florida: Life Extension Media, 2003), Heavy Metal Toxicity, online: www.lef.org/protocols/prtcls-txt/t-prtcl-156.html
2. Horikoshi T et al. Uptake of uranium by various cell fractions of Chlorella regularis. Radioisotopes 1979 Aug;28(8):485-8
3. Health Benefits of Chlorella, Mercola.com:
http://www.mercola.com/chlorella/index.htm
4. Mercury Toxicity and Systemic Elimination Agents, Mercola.com:
http://www.mercola.com/article/mercury/mercury_elimination.htm
5. Chlorella Scientific Research, Mercola.com:
http://www.mercola.com/chlorella/research.htm
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on July 18, 2006 01:55 PM
