Ultimate Nutrition contains the nutrient algae chorella, a supplement which has shown promise in improving cholesterol levels and ridding the body of toxins.

What Is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-celled, green freshwater algae. Because chlorella has a hard cell wall that humans cannot digest, it must be taken as a supplement to reap its benefits. Studies indicate that chlorella has many health benefits:

1.     Very Nutritious

Chlorella's impressive nutritional profile has led some to call it a "super food." it packs several beneficial nutrients.

They include:

• Protein: Chlorella is 50–60% protein. What's more, it's a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.

• Vitamin B12: Some chlorella varieties may also contain vitamin B12.

• Iron and vitamin C: Chlorella can be a good source of iron. Depending on the supplement, it may provide anywhere from 6–40% of your daily need. It's also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron.

• Other antioxidants: These tiny green cells provide a wide range of antioxidants.

• Other vitamins and minerals: Chlorella provides small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid and other B vitamins.

• Omega-3s: As with other algae, chlorella contains some omega-3 fatty acids. Just 3 grams of chlorella contains 100 mg of omega-3s).

• Fiber: In large quantities, chlorella can be a good source of fiber. However, most supplements don't provide even 1 gram of fiber per dose.

2.     Binds to Heavy Metals, Aiding Detox

Chlorella has gotten some buzz for its ability to help the body "detox." In fact, animal studies indicate that it's effective at helping remove heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body.

Heavy metals include some elements that are essential in small amounts, such as iron and copper, but these and other heavy metals like cadmium and lead can be toxic in larger amounts.

In animals, algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken the heavy metal toxicity of the liver, brain and kidneys. Furthermore, chlorella has been shown to help lower the amount of other harmful chemicals that are sometimes found in food.  

3.     Could Enhance Your Immune System

Your immune system helps keep you healthy by fighting off infections. The immune system is a complex system made up of multiple mechanisms and cells that get into gear when an invader enters your body.

Chlorella enhances immune response in both animal and human studies. In one study, men produced more antibodies when taking chlorella than when they took a placebo. In another eight-week study, healthy adults who took chlorella showed markers of increased immune activity.

4.     May Help Improve Cholesterol

Several studies have suggested that chlorella supplements may help lower cholesterol Specifically, several studies have shown that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol.

Chlorella's content of the following may help improve blood lipid levels:

• Niacin: A B vitamin known to lower cholesterol.

• Fiber: A cholesterol-lowering agent

• Carotenoids: Have been shown to naturally lower cholesterol

• Antioxidants: Help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is known to

5. Acts as an Antioxidant

Chlorella contains several antioxidant compounds including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein. These antioxidants can help fight many chronic diseases.

Some of these antioxidants seem to reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive many of the complications of diabetes.

In animals and lab studies, chlorella has interfered with the way genes age.  Also, a human study showed chlorella supplements increased antioxidant levels in chronic cigarette smokers, a population at a higher risk of oxidative damage

6. Helps Keep Blood Pressure in Check

Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure. In one study, people with mildly high blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks. By the end, these people had lower blood pressure readings than participants who took the placebo.  Another study in healthy men showed that taking chlorella supplements was linked to less stiffness of the arteries, a factor that affects blood pressure. One theory to explain this is that some of chlorella's nutrients, including arginine, potassium, calcium and omega-3s, help protect arteries from hardening

7. Could Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Some research shows that chlorella may help lower blood sugar. One study found that taking chlorella for 12 weeks lowered fasting blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Other studies have shown that supplementing with chlorella improves blood sugar control and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

8. May Help Manage Respiratory Diseases

Managing respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often requires controlling inflammation. Chlorella has some components that can help reduce inflammation, including its many antioxidants. One study found that chlorella supplements improved antioxidant status in COPD patients.

9. May Enhance Aerobic Endurance

One study has looked at chlorella's effect on aerobic endurance, it showed a positive effect. Researchers gave a group of young adults six grams of chlorella or a placebo daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, the chlorella group showed a significantly improved ability to saturate their lungs with oxygen, which is a measure of endurance. The placebo group did not experience any changes in endurance. This effect may be due to chlorella's branched-chain amino acid content.

Other Potential Benefits

Many other possible benefits have been proposed, but there's little research to support these claims. Here are some of the main health claims:

• Promotes eye health: Chlorella contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that protect the eye and lower the risk of macular degeneration.

• Supports liver health: Chlorella supplements have been shown to improve markers of liver health in people with liver disease. However, it's not clear whether there's a benefit for healthy people.

• Improved digestion: Many sources claim chlorella eases digestion and reduces bloating. However, no studies have assessed these proposed benefits.

Relieves PMS: Anecdotal evidence says that chlorella can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It could be a stretch, but chlorella contains calcium and B-vitamins, both of which have been shown to reduce PMS