History of Chlorella

Chlorella is a single-cell fresh water algae with a history dating back more than two billion years. Roughly the size of a human red blood cell, these tiny microalgae was discovered in 1890 by a Dutch microbiologist, Martinus Beijerinck, who studied pond algae. His fascination with why sweet-water ponds turn a deep green led to the discovery of chlorella, which is rich in green-pigmented chlorophyll. Since then, chlorella has become the most researched algae in the world. It has been studied by the Rockefeller Foundation, Carnegie Institute and NASA. The Japanese, who have been using chlorella for years as one of their principal health foods and for its anti-ageing benefits, developed the technology to grow, harvest and process chlorella on a large commercially-feasible scale.

Chlorella is a storehouse of concentrated nutrients. It provides impressive amounts of protein, amino acids, fiber, enzymes, beta carotene, vitamins C, E & K and the full range of B-vitamins. Minerals in chlorella include calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and trace amounts of manganese, iodine and zinc. It is by far the richest source of chlorophyll, the most powerful cleansing agent found in nature.

Chlorophyll

Called “Nature's Healer” for its positive effects on health, chlorophyll's chemical structure is similar to hemoglobin, the pigment found in red blood cells. Chlorophyll has proven useful as a blood builder which improves red blood cell count and corrects anemia.

Known as the most powerful cleansing agent found in nature, chlorophyll detoxifies the bowels, liver, kidney and bloodstream. It normalizes the beneficial bowel flora, stimulates tissue regeneration and speeds the healing of wounds and burns. It also assists in digestion, controls calcium in the body and increases iron absorption. It is best known for its deodorant properties.

Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF)

In the early 1950s, Dr. Fujimaki of the People's Scientific Research Centre in Tokyo separated a substance from a hot water extract of chlorella by electrophoresis. He named the hitherto unknown fraction of chlorella the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). CGF was found to be rich in the nucleic acids RNA and DNA.

Production of RNA and DNA (termed “long life factors”) by the cells in our body slows down as we age, resulting in lower levels of vitality, physical deterioration and susceptibility to diseases. Lifestyle factors including consumption of junk food, drugs and alcohol; smoking; and pollution also cause sluggish production of RNA and DNA. Containing the highest level of nucleic acids in a natural source, chlorella counters declining production of these important long life factors, and promotes youthful skin and vitality in adults and the elderly. Canned sardines were thought to be the highest source of RNA; however, recent research findings indicate that chlorella contains 17 times more RNA than sardines.

Chlorella Cell Wall

Chlorella's unique cell wall is one of the important factors that set it apart from other “green foods”. The chlorella cell wall has the remarkable capacity to bind toxins and cleanse the body of harmful chemicals and pollutants in the blood and lymphatics. The cell walls are also an excellent source of fiber which promotes bowel function and regularity, an important key to a clean and healthy colon.

Another benefit of chlorella's cell wall lies in its complex component which stimulates the immune system to produce interferon. Interferon protects the body against infections from influenza viruses and has been proven to demonstrate anti-tumor activity.

The tough cell wall, while beneficial, is not easily digestible. The spray-dried method used by Yaeyama is a process which disintegrates the cell walls without removing them, making the algae over 80% digestible. This way, you reap the benefits of both the cell nutrients and the cell wall.

Concerns about Chlorella

Some people have expressed concerns that Chlorella might promote the growth of cancer cells, as well as the growth of healthy cells. Clinical studies have however dispelled the myth. Click here for more info.

Yaeyama Shokusan Co. Ltd. Japan is a world-renowned chlorella producer with over 40 years of advanced technological know-how.

The farms are located at the pristine Ishigaki Island of Okinawa, Japan, known for its longest life expectancy. The island's sub-tropical temperature, clean and mineral-rich coral reef mountain water, fresh air and glaring sun are ideal for cultivating superior quality chlorella. The unpolluted surroundings are essential because chlorella is best cultivated outdoors as natural sunlight produces higher levels of chlorophyll and CGF.

•  Patented cultivation: This yields higher concentrations of RNA, DNA, CGF, chlorophyll, beta carotene and other nutrients (as compared to regular chlorella).

•  Patented processing method: A pioneering process cracks the tough cell walls and allows users to reap the benefits of both chlorella's unique cell walls and its nutrients. Nutrients are preserved within cell walls until they break apart in the body when consumed.