In the early 1950s, when the world was at the height of industrialization and the population was flourishing. Growing enough food for an ever-growing population was a challenge. Food demand was expected to increase by 25-30% over the next few decades. Alternative food sources were considered the only way out of this crisis. Chlorella was one of the potential candidates for these alternative foods. It was specifically selected by researchers to explore and improve its production as a food of the future. Since then, Chlorella has become an interesting food whose benefits and large-scale production are continuously being researched.
Chlorella biomass has been explored last 60 years for various industrial applications. A most significant property of chlorella as a nutritive source is that it contains lot many bioactive components. That makes it a functional food with many health benefits.
The dry biomass of Chlorella is a rich source of proteins (45%) and essential nutrients, including fat (20%), carbohydrates (20%), fiber (5%), minerals, and vitamins (10%). In addition, it contains various pigments, growth factors, immune-stimulating substances, antibacterial substances, stomach-protecting, and detoxifying substances, etc. These components make it a nutritious food with many health benefits.
Health benefits of Chlorella
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Chlorella powder provides sufficient protein to meet the daily needs of a healthy person and is also more easily absorbed by body tissues than other vegetable proteins.
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The fat contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which contribute to the essential fatty acids needed by the human body. This helps to keep cholesterol levels in check and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Carbohydrates and fiber improve digestion and intestinal health.
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Well-absorbable vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6, and biotin contribute to healthy tissue growth and hair nutrition.
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The high chlorophyll content promotes the production of hemoglobin and also provides antioxidant activity to keep cancer away.
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Antioxidants help prevent cell degeneration in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It also improves brain function to focus and concentrate.
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Antibiotics like Chlorelline fight many bacterial and viral diseases and are also being studied for their antitumor effects.
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Chlorella is considered the best food for weight loss programs and also helps prevent many orthopedic diseases.
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Chlorella contains a high concentration of zeaxanthin, an important nutrient for eye health.
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Chlorella-enriched foods are the best source for all ages and various medical conditions, such as early child development, pregnancy, and elderly health.
Chlorella is marketed with its potential uses and is easily mixed with any good product. Dried Chlorella powder is used in morning health drinks, juices, and soups, and as an additive in whole grain dishes. By adding Chlorella to regular foods, daily meals become more nutritious than before.
