Although many haven’t heard of it, chlorella is becoming increasingly popular in the beauty and health industries.
A form of algae, the bright green detoxifier contains a number of vitamins that are beneficial for both the body and mind. Its standout substance, however, is chlorophyll, which is the molecule that helps with photosynthesis and provides plants with their green colour.
Chlorophyll features antioxidant powers that work by fighting free radicals from carcinogenic material and pollution found in the environment and in what we put in our bodies every day.
Studies have also shown that chlorophyll can help reduce inflammation, induce weight loss and assist with some cancer treatments.
Even though people have been drinking chlorophyll beverages for years, chlorella stands out due to its advanced potency.
"Chlorella has the most chlorophyll out of the plant world and is rich in antioxidants. It also has a significant amount of betacarotene and lutein, as well as many minerals,” Nutritionist, Brooke Alpert said, adding that it’s also known for helping the body detox from heavy metals.
While chlorella has been compared to activated charcoal, there are some significant differences.
"The benefit of chlorella over activated charcoal is that it doesn’t bind to the 'good' stuff and targets the bad, unlike activated charcoal, which is less picky about what it binds to," Alpert said. Put simply, activated charcoal absorbs everything via tiny pockets in the molecular surface, while chlorella specialises in attracting metal particles, acting as a natural chelator (a binding agent that suppresses chemical activity).
Although the efficiency of this cleansing practice isn’t yet clear, experts have found it to be an extremely promising possibility, with brands such as HUM Nutrition already working it into their detoxifying formulas.
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital New York City, chlorella was originally used to supplement foods to make them more nutritional, but it’s increasingly being used in skincare products.
"Topical application of vitamins can provide the skin with benefits that you cannot obtain even by consuming high concentrations by mouth. Chlorella is loaded with B vitamins, magnesium and zinc, which help calm skin inflammation and promote healthy functioning,” he said.
