What Is Chlorella Pyrenoidosa?

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single-celled freshwater green algae. This microscopic organism was discovered in the 19th century. Chlorella pyrenoidosa evolved some 2.5 million years ago and was the first plant to evolve a complex nucleus. The algae is high in important nutrients, vitamins and amino acids. The healing properties of Chlorella pyrenoidosa are currently being studied.

Production and Harvesting

• Chlorella pyrenoidosa grows naturally in many freshwater ponds and lakes. When produced for human consumption, it is grown in mineral water ponds and closely monitored to avoid contamination with other microorganisms. Chlorella pyrenoidosa reproduces rapidly in bright natural sunlight. When it is harvested, the tough outer wall of the cell is broken down to enhance digestibility.

Chlorophyll and Amino Acids

• Chlorella pyrenoidosa contains high amounts of chlorophyll and amino acids. Chlorophyll is an important nutrient for building and repairing tissue, improving oxygenation in the blood and stimulating the production of red blood cells. It also helps in cleansing toxins from the body and removing deposits of heavy metals. Amino acids are important protein builders that are essential for nearly every function in the body. Chlorella pyrenoidosa contains 18 amino acids, which includes all of the essential amino acids.

Vitamins, Minerals and Enzymes

• Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a good source of many vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Vitamins include vitamin C, the B vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid, biotin and vitamin K. The minerals present in this algae are calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and copper. Useful enzymes include the digestive enzymes chlorophyllase and pepsin.

Conditions

• Chlorella pyrenoidosa is indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure, asthma, colitis, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, hypertension and hormone imbalance. The concentrated nutrition in Chlorella pyrenoidosa can help to protect the body during radiation therapy.

Research

• Randall E. Merchant and Cynthia A. Andre of Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia have tested the effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. They have found that this supplement can improve quality of life while helping to alleviate some illnesses. Among the conditions that they found Chlorella pyrenoidosa particularly beneficial for are high blood pressure, wound healing and the lowering of cholesterol. They found it helpful in strengthening the immune system.