Chlorella Benefits for Skin- Chlorella is a genus of single-cell green algae belonging to the phylum that grows in fresh water. The whole plant is used to make nutritional supplements and medicines.
As a medicine, chlorella is used for preventing cancer, reducing radiation treatment and side effects, stimulating the immune system, improving response to flu vaccine increasing white blood cell counts (especially in people with HIV infection or cancer), preventing cold and flu, protecting the body against toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and slowing the aging process.
Some people also use chlorella for the prevention of stress-related ulcers; treatment of constipation, bad breath, and hypertension; as an antioxidant to reduce cholesterol, to increase energy, to detoxify the body and as a source of magnesium to promote mental health, relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and reduce asthma attacks. It is also used for fibromyalgia.
Chlorella’s rich green color comes from a high concentration of chlorophyll present in it. We are all told to eat more leafy green vegetables for good health, but sometimes it can be difficult to get the 5-7 servings of vegetables a day recommended by nutritionists and doctors of functional medicine.
While juicing these green leafy vegetables is another option, it’s simply too time-consuming for most people. And frankly, most green leafy vegetables fail in comparison to the health benefits that chlorella can provide.
By consuming organic, low-temperature-extracted chlorella supplements, you can receive all of the chlorella benefits in a simple powder or tablet form.
Benefits of Chlorella for Skin
Chlorella is beneficial for the skin because it has high levels of skin-benefiting vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. When these ingredients are combined they help to detoxify skin cells, resulting in healthy beautiful skin. Chlorella also bonds to toxins within our body and assists the body in flushing them out. Chlorella binds to heavy metals that are toxic, as well as pesticides and other chemicals.
Benefits of Chlorella for skin are listed as follows :
Detoxification
One of the most important things chlorella does for the skin is detoxify our skin cells from the inside out. When toxins are removed from the body they don’t have the chance to damage our skin. Over time this will help the skin to maintain radiance and beauty. Drinking a lot of pure water is great, but chlorella goes one step further than water, making it a wonderful supplement for detoxification and giving a radiant and flawless skin. Chlorella actually penetrates the cell wall to remove harmful substances that can lead to premature aging and other health conditions. Taking chlorella as a vitamin supplement results in overall healthy cells.
Dark Circles
Fifteen women aged between 50 and 65 years old applied a cream containing Chlorella vulgaris at 1% twice a day for 28 days. The effect of the product on the dark circles was measured by colorimetric analysis. The skin colour was defined according to its luminosity and its individual typological angle or ITA, which defines the degree of pigmentation of the skin of an individual; the higher the ITA, the lighter the skin.
Acne
Chlorella is also a very powerful acne treatment. It strengthens and detoxifies the liver, which results in clear skin because less toxins are coming to the surface. Chlorella also contains high levels of vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids. All these nutrients contribute to healthier skin and reduce inflammation, resulting in fewer breakouts and flawless skin.
Wound Healing
Chlorella can also be used externally as a powerful skin healing agent. The vitamins and minerals found in chlorella speed up the wound-healing process. Chlorella is so powerful when it comes to healing is because it stimulates our cells to reproduce at a much faster rate and results in new healthy tissue.
Anti Aging
Chlorella is also a wonderful anti-aging food supplement. It can slow down the aging process by reducing free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are materials in our body that damage cells and lead to disease and cause our skin to age faster. Free radical damage is the result of pollution in our environment, poor diet and the general aging process. Chlorella when consumed regularly slows the aging process.
Eczema
Chlorella is also a wonderful treatment for eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that cause the inflammation of the skin. The nutrients in chlorella helps in preventing eczema and it should be taken externally and internally for people who suffer from eczema.
Reduces the Appearance of Spider Veins on Skin
In a study conducted by Pierre-Yves Morvan and Romuald Vallee through Codif International, France Chlorella vulgaris was successful in reducing the appearance of spider veins by reducing the redness caused by the vascular irregularities. According to the researchers,”The treatment improved the size and the color of the spider veins.”
Scar Treatment
Some studies have also shown that scars on the skin can be reduced by Chlorella treatment. Chlorella was applied topically and orally to heal wounds on mice and showed “both oral and topical routes appeared to have beneficial effects on skin lesions.”
Chlorella Nutrition Facts
Chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense super-foods in the world.
1-ounce (3 tbsp) serving of chlorella contains:
- Protein: 16g
- Vitamin A: 287% RDA
- Vitamin B2: 71% RDA
- Vitamin B3: 33% RDA
- Iron: 202% RDA
- Magnesium: 22% RDA
- Zinc: 133% RDA
In addition, chlorella contains a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.
When you look at its nutrient density score, it’s easy to see why chlorella is ranked one of the top 10 health foods in the world. In fact, it is way more nutrient dense per gram than other greens, including kale, spinach and broccoli.
How to Take a Chlorella Supplement
- Powder in Smoothies: As Chlorella has a very strong taste so one has to add about 1/2 tsp of chlorella to a smoothie with banana or any other fruit, coconut water, vanilla protein powder and lime juice to help hide the taste.
- Tablets:3-6 tablets of chlorella with 1 glass of water 2-3 times daily to experience the health benefits of chlorella.
- Capsules: Capsules are ideal for those that have trouble digesting the tablets and consuming powder. They are not as widely available though.
Precautions
Like any supplement, allergic reactions can occur, including symptoms such as breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or stomach problems. If you have any side-effects discontinue the use of Chlorella. And consult your physician or nutritionist before beginning new nutritional or health regiments.