Chlorella is a green, single-celled alga which grows in fresh water the world over. It is one of the oldest plants on earth and has remained the same for at least 2.5 billion years! Each microscopic plant measures only about 2.8 microns (1 micron = 1/1.000.000 metre) in diameter, roughly the size of a human blood cell.

Chlorella is a source of concentrated nutrition and has been used as a food supplement for over 20 years in Japan, where it has widespread popularity. Intensieve worldwide research (especially in Japan) has proven its nutritional benefits.

Chlorella can replace vital nutrients often missing from today's diet, particularly the trace elements. It has detoxifying effects and restores and repairs tissues.

Modern Cultivation

Chlorella is cultivated today in man-made air-circulation ponds under sunlight. Chlorella cells are harvested by means of centrifugal separation and then spray dried, as in the production of milk powder.

Nutritional Profile

Chlorella consists of approximately 65% protein and contains all 8 essential amino acids. It also contains over 20 vitamins and minerals and is the highest known source of both chlorophyll and deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid (RNA and DNA). It is particulalry rich in Vitamin B12, Niacin, Iron, Selenium and Zinc and has high levels of Beta Carotene (Pro Vitamin A).

5 grammes of Chlorella contain:

Pro-Vitamin A	5,016 IU
Niacin	28 mg
Vitamin B12	5.1 mcg
Iron	28 mg
Zinc	232.5 mcg
Selenium	950 mcg
Protein	3.3 g

Elements of Chlorella

1. Chlorophyll - The human body unilises chlorophyll to detoxify the bowel, liver and bloodstream. It has an anti-bacterial action and flushes heavy metals from the system. (Together with the action of the cellulose cell wall, this performs a most efficient detoxification). Chlorophyll can also be converted to haemoglobin, which is the oxygen carrier in the bloodstream and is also vital to the immune system. The chlorophyll content of Chlorella makes it effective in the treatment of ulcers (both internal and external).
2. Chlorella stimulates the production of interferon (a natural secretion of the body which is thought to stimulate macrophages - cells which ingest debris and bacteria) so protecting against viruses (including the common cold).
3. Radiation poisoning and heavy metal poisoning - the cellulose cell wall bonds with heavy metals and flushes them from the system.
4. Arthritis (Chlorella neutralises acidic constitutions. In raising the pH level of inflamed joints, the over-activity of the white cells in the painful joints decreases, thereby decreasing pain.)
5. The cellulose cell acts as a bowel fibre and so stimulates peristalsis (movement of the bowels) thus promoting a healthy digestive process. Dr Yamgishi, chief of the Clinic Hospital in Tokyo, reported that Chlorella was easily digested by infants who ere unable to digest milk formula. Chlorella also encourages the growth of healthy flora in the digestive tract.
6. Stimulates T-cells and macrophages (which consume tumor cells,bacteria and foreign bodies).
7. RNA/DNA
   Chlorella is 10% and 3% DNA. It is the highest known sourc eof RNA and DNA of foods - being 17 times higher than sardines, which take second place. RNA an DNA are Nucleic acids and are the genetic memory of the cells. When they break down cells age and deteriorate. RNA and DNA are hence known as anti-ageing factors.
8. 19 Amino Acids
   Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Chlorella is a " complete" protein, containing all eight amino acids which are essential to life. Amino acids also stimulate the immune system and promote tissue growth and repair.
9. Beta Carolene
   A precursor to Vitamin A, thought to act against the formation of cancerous cells. It suppresses free radicals (enemies of the immune system), working with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium as an anti-oxidant.
10. B Vitamins
    Chlorella contains the complete B complex including Vitamin B12 which is often lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets. Chlorella is hence of importance as a plant source of Vitamin B12.
11. Iodine
    Essential to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
12. Iron
    Sufficient quantities of iron are essential in the bloodstream to prevent anaemia.
13. Calcium
    Essential for healthy bones and teeth.
14. Selenium
    Fights against arthritis in combination with Vitamins A, C and E.
15. Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF)
    Chlorella has a very rapid production rate (4 times in approximately 20 hours) and this creates intense photosynthesis, which produces CGF. CGF is unique to chlorella and is located in the nucleus. It is rich in nucleic acid and stimulats healing and replacment of cell tissue, activates the immune system and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones for growth and healing of tissues and cells.
16. Omega-3 Oils
    Chlorella is a good source of Omega-3 oils which are promoted as protectors against heart disease. (Fish also high in Omega-3 oils obtain their sources from plants like Chlorella.) It is also said to be of benefit in the treatment of arthritis.

Application of Chlorella for Food Prepartion

Chlorella powder and Chlorella extract are widely used in food processing. Chlorella powder is added to noodles, lactic acid drinks and curries to enhance colouring or improve flavour. Chlorella extract can be added to alcholic beverages, soy sauce and soy bean paste. (Chlorella powder and extract solution are agricultural products and are not classed as additives.)

Chlorella is a wholefood supplement, not a processed extracted vitamin. It may take longer to produce effects than chemical drugs but it produces no side effects. It contains all the components essential to life and is therefore the most nutritionally potent wholefood available. It is easily digested and can be taken by children and adults.