The Goodness of Greens

This multi-celled blue-green algae has been safely used as food for centuries. Spirulina grows in saline-rich water around the world in subtropical to tropical zones. The Aztecs in Mexico and the natives of Chad have harvested this algae from lakes where it grows naturally. The term “superfood” should have been coined to describe spirulina. It is easier to say which nutrients it does not contain: namely vitamin C. It contains complete protein, including all eight essential amino acids. Its protein content, by volume, is greater than soybeans or beef, often considered the benchmark for protein levels. It is a highly usable protein in terms of bio­availability to the body. It contains the entire B-complex, including the elusive vitamin B-12 which does not generally occur in plant-based foods. It is high in iron, calcium, and other minerals. It is extremely high in beta-carotene and also zeaxanthin, essential for vision support. It is the only whole-food source of valuable essential fatty acid GLA, elsewhere found only in seed oils such as hemp and borage. As far as novel compounds, spirulina contains a pigment called phycocyanin which has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system activator. Japanese studies on this compound revealed it to increase interferon production and NK cytotoxicity (cancer-killing cells).

Other studies showed pronounced antiviral activity, including inhibiting herpes simplex virus and human cytomegalovirus. After the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986, spirulina was given to children suffering from high radiation levels and was shown to effectively remove radiation from their urine. Other Russian studies involving rats exposed to x-rays showed phycocyanin to correct radiation levels. Spirulina has been safely used as an appetite suppressant. It contains good levels of the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine which can suppress hunger. Last but not least, it is high in detoxifying chlorophyll.

Evergreen carries spirulina from several companies. From our own Evergreen label comes a certified organic spirulina, available in powder form or convenient tablets. Pure Planet offers a powder as well as vegan capsules.

Often lumped in with spirulina, chlorella is a superstar in its own right. Unlike spirulina, it is a one-celled organism, a fresh-water green algae. Its name comes from its high content of chlorophyll, the highest of any plant. It is about 2% by weight, ten times the amount found in alfalfa. Famed for detoxifying the bloodstream and liver and cleansing the bowel, chlorophyll also resembles the hemoglobin portion of the blood and may assist in the development of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Chlorella is over 50% protein and contains an impressive array of nutrients. It is extremely high in beta-carotene and contains the full B-complex. Minerals include phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt. Such high nutrient content enables it to be of use in third world nations for malnourished/starving masses.

Numerous clinical studies have proven chlorella’s ability to detoxify and assist with removal of heavy metals. The clinical usefulness to detoxify cadmium was shown by a scientific study demonstrating increased urinary excretion of cadmium in persons suffering from cadmium poisoning. The chlorella binds strongly to cadmium and will not give it up to the body. Another study used a brewer’s yeast culture which was poisoned and killed with the addition of P.C.B., mercury, copper, and cadmium. When chlorella extract was added to these toxic substances, the brewer’s yeast remained alive. Other studies showed that chlorella cell walls absorb and hang onto uranium and lead, facilitating their removal from the body. This unique property of picking up toxic substances from the environment (the body) and holding onto them has powerful applications for heavy metal overload/poisoning.

Chorella is an exceedingly rich source of nucleic acids. It is approximately 10% RNA and 3% DNA. Some scientists consider these nucleic acids to be “long life factors.” These compounds revitalize at the cellular level, involved in cell function, and as the body ages production of them slows down. They provide the basic building “material” for the immune system, tissue repair, the production of enzymes, and more. Extracts of chlorella provide an especially interesting compound rich in these nucleic acids called chlorella growth factor, or CGF for short. In trials with mice, CGF extended lifespan by 30%.

 

Chlorella (and CGF) have been found to possess marked antiviral activity in multiple studies. It induces interferon levels, stimulating immune macrophage activity. As well, doctors have found chlorella to activate both T and B immune cells.

Numerous studies have been conducted on chlorella with regard to cholesterol reduction. It appears to have a stimulatory effect on lipoprotein synthesis in the liver and also increases excretion of free cholesterol into bile. Increased excretion of cholesterol into the small intestine will lower blood cholesterol concentration. A Japanese study using rats reported that chlorella powder “significantly inhibited” the rise in rats’ serum cholesterol when fed a high cholesterol diet. Two other studies showed a drop in the cholesterol in serum and livers with the administration of chlorella.