Bringing algae into the 21st century
It is one of the oldest and most basic organisms on the planet, but an ancient algae that’s been around for millions of years could soon be transforming your health.
Whilst Chlorella has been available in the UK for three years, it has until now only had a small cult like following, used by a select few in the know. A new company hope to bring algae smack bang up to date and open the market up to everyone with the launch of their funky new range of ‘Natural Greens’.
The Science Bit…
Chlorella pyrenoidosa, as it’s known to scientists, is a unique, single celled, fresh water green algae, which was the first form of life with a true nucleus, and has been on the earth for over 2.5 billion years. Because it is single celled chlorella must have everything it needs within that single entity and is therefore a true wholefood.
Chlorella is comprised of a fibrous outer shell (20%) and nutrient rich inner (80%). The fibrous outer shell is thought to be behind Chlorella’s main health benefits and it has been proven to actually bind with, and eliminate, heavy metals and toxic chemicals that can accumulate in our bodies1, 2, 3. By cleaning the body’s bloodstream this amazing little organism is able to help strengthen our body’s defense system4, 5 in a natural way.
Furthermore chlorella’s inner nutrients are uniquely varied and make up a concentrated supply of vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and chlorophyll. Because chlorella is a pure, whole food, these nutrients are in the form and balance that nature intended meaning this small green algae is a ‘dream’ food source; packed with twice as much protein as spinach, nine essential amino acids and a host of vitamins and minerals.
Due to both the nutrients (especially its high chlorophyll levels) and the fibrous outer shell chlorella is seen to have some serious health benefits. New research from Japan suggests that Chlorella could be effective in fighting major ‘lifestyle’ conditions and diseases. It has been shown to reduce body-fat percentage6,, cancer7,10, heart disease 8, 9 and blood-glucose levels11, 12, therefore helping those suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Its benefits also include boosting energy and aiding digestion13 by stimulating the growth of ‘friendly’ bacteria14.
Possible benefits in a nutshell…
Chlorella is jammed packed full of important nutrients such as chlorophyll and is also thought to have the ability to cleanse the blood and remove toxins. These properties in combination are thought to be behind a number of positive health benefits ranging from weight loss, to stimulating friendly bacteria growth, boosting the immune system, and detoxing the body.
The funky new brand…
If the thought of consuming algae doesn’t turn you on, then Natural Green’s Chlorella could soon change your mind. A new and upcoming company, started by a young professional looking for a natural way to get more out of his life, Natural Green’s products are packaged in stylish recycled packaging and the chlorella comes in an easy to use powder, which can be added to water, smoothies or juice, and capsules. It is 100% pure and natural (with no fillers, like some other products), non GM, gluten-free, and the chlorella is registered with both the Vegan and Vegetarian societies. Furthermore a percentage of the company’s profits go to the charity YES TO LIFE, which helps support people with cancer in the UK in accessing Complementary & Alternative Medicine (see below for more details).
Packaged in handy 1,2 or 4 month supplies, perhaps the biggest reassurance of the quality and effectiveness of Natural Green's products comes from their 7 day return policy. They're so confident you will feel the benefits of 'Natural Greens' that they offer a 7 day money back guarantee if you're not happy.
How to get your hands on it
For more information or to buy Natural Green’s Chlorella please visit www.naturalgreens.co.uk where you’ll also find other 100% natural powerful supplements such as Spirulina and Wheatgrass.
Natural Greens are donating a % of their profits to the charity YES TO LIFE.
YES TO LIFE is a new charitable initiative looking to open up a positive future for people with cancer in the UK by supporting an integrated approach to cancer care. An integrated approach is one which seeks to combine orthodox medicine with complementary & alternative medicine (CAM), to extend care, widen choice and improve results. YES TO LIFE offer a vital and unique initiative to directly support people with cancer in the UK in accessing Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
Natural Greens would like to encourage other companies within the natural health trade, and further afield, to join them in supporting the important work carried out by YES TO LIFE.
For more information, or to show your support for this vital work please visit www.yestolife.org.uk
References
1. Effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on fecal excretion and liver accumulation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin in mice. Takekoshi H, Suzuki G, Chubachi H, Nakano M. Chemosphere. 2005 Apr;59(2):297-304. Epub 2005 Jan 7
2. Chlorophyll derived from Chlorella inhibits dioxin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates dioxin excretion in rats. Morita K et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2001 Mar;109(3):289-94.
3. Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin. Egner PA, Muñoz A, Kensler TW. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb-Mar;523-524:209-16.
4. Immunostimulatory Bioactivity of Algal Polysaccharides from Chlorella pyrenoidosa Activates Macrophages via Toll-Like Receptor 4. Hsu HY, Jeyashoke N, Yeh CH, Song YJ, Hua KF, Chao LK. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 16.
5. Stimulation of cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by an aqueous Chlorella extract. Ewart HS, Bloch O, Girouard GS, Kralovec J, Barrow CJ, Ben-Yehudah G, Suárez ER, Rapoport MJ.
Planta Med. 2007 Jul;73(8):762-8. Epub 2007 Jul 5.
6. A hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa reduces body weight and serum lipids in ovariectomized rats. Hidaka S, Okamoto Y, Arita. Phytother Res. 2004 Feb;18(2):164-8
7. Suppression of glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive foci development in rat hepatocarcinogenesis by Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Takekoshi H, Mizoguchi T, Komasa Y, Chubachi H, Inoue Y, Imanishi H, Nakano M. Oncol Rep. 2005 Aug;14(2):409-14.
8. Preventing dyslipidemia by Chlorella pyrenoidosa in rats and hamsters after chronic high fat diet treatment. Cherng JY, Shih MF. Life Sci. 2005 May 13;76(26):3001-13.
9. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for mild to moderate hypertension. Merchant RE, Andre CA, Sica DA. J Med Food. 2002 Fall;5(3):141-52.
10. Antiproliferative Effects of Carotenoids Extracted from Chlorella ellipsoidea and Chlorella vulgaris on Human Colon Cancer Cells”. Authors: Kwang Hyun Cha, Song Yi Koo and Dong-Un Lee
11. Hypoglycemic effect of Chlorella vulgaris intake in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki and normal Wistar rats. Jeong H, Kwon HJ, Kim MK. Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Spring;3(1):23-30. Epub 2009 Mar 31.
12. Effect of Chlorella vulgaris on glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed high fat diet. Lee HS, Kim MK. J Med Food. 2009 Oct;12(5):1029-37.
13. Administration of Chlorella sp. microalgae reduces endotoxemia, intestinal oxidative stress and bacterial translocation in experimental biliary obstruction. Bedirli A, Kerem M, Ofluoglu E, Salman B, Katircioglu H, Bedirli N, Yilmazer D, Alper M, Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;28(6):674-8. Epub 2009 Jul 8.
14. Chlorella enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus in the human colon by fourfold in a standard growth medium. It is evident that Chlorella promotes human colon health. ( A report by Dr. Takechi Y. Gakushu Kenku-sha, Tokyo, Japan. Nov. 30, 1970.)