what is it and why might it be good for us? Sun Chlorella gives us the facts

So, what is chlorella?

Simply put, it’s a single celled green algae that grows in fresh water and is extremely efficient at turning sunlight in to energy and nutrients, meaning it’s packed full of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

Beauty from the inside out…

Studies have shown extracts from certain types of chlorella (there are several varieties) could help prevent the loss of elastin, a protein which gives our skin the elasticity to rebound, preventing our skin from sagging and helping keep wrinkles at bay. Researchers tested chlorella extracts and found they had an ability to inhibit an enzyme called elastase, which is found in our bodies and breaks down elastin. By inhibiting the enzyme, it is thought chlorella could prevent elastin being broken down and thus offer one of the only natural products capable of reducing the age-related breakdown of the protein – potentially meaning less wrinkles and lines.

It could help keep our waistlines and general health in check too. Chlorella isn’t a replacement for daily exercise, an active lifestyle or a healthy diet, but…

A study in Japan, where chlorella is hugely popular, found extracts from the algae appeared able to reduce the increase in the size of the body’s fat cells normally seen when consuming a diet high in fat. Furthermore, some types of algae are thought to be able to support our gut microbiomes (the micro-organisms that inhabit our digestive system). Research in this area is ongoing, but healthy microbiomes have been linked to everything from supporting weight loss and immune function to boosting our energy levels.

Fitter and faster

Chlorella could play a key role in how our bodies react during exercise and recovery. Studies have shown the fresh water algae could help with improving the efficiency of the body’s energy production and lactate removal systems, by improving VO2max  (a measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise) and reducing the impact of intense exercise on the immune system. The most recent research has also indicated that it may help with muscle regeneration, an important factor in exercise recovery.

Keep calm and carry on…

Researchers have found that chlorella could play a role in helping us destress. Scientists found that chlorella may affect part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which plays a big role in how we react to stress. It was discovered that the algae appears able to reduce the amount by which the hypothalamus activates the body’s stress system; resulting in a lower production of a specific stress hormone, called adrenocorticotropic hormone, and a reduction in stress induced hyperglycaemia (a raising of blood sugar levels seen in stressful situations). The scientists concluded that the research helped reinforce the concept that chlorella has an ability ‘to diminish the impact of stressors’; ultimately that under stressful conditions the body doesn’t get as stressed!

Sun Chlorella is available in both tablet and powder form, which can be easily added to your daily smoothie or fruit juice. For more information on chlorella and its benefits simply visit sunchlorella.co.uk.