Chlorella is a micro-algae that is hailed for being a superfood with excellent nutrient density. It is actually one of the few edible types of water-grown algae and is rich in chlorophyll, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, protein, iron and more.
Other Uses
Chlorella is also used for a variety of other effects, including detoxification. Detoxification is (ironically) something of a dirty word, seeing as there’s no consensus on what it actually means and it’s most likely just a marketing ploy.
In this case though, chlorella does appear to have some actual practical use, as studies on rats show it’s able to combat the effects of lead and cadmium (1, 2). Whether or not this is something you actually need in your diet is another matter, but it can’t hurt! (As long as it doesn’t act on the desirable heavy metals.)
More interesting is the ability that chlorella may have to improve immune function. In one 2012 study, it was found that after 8 weeks of supplementation, chlorella could help to improve NK cell activity (3).
Other interesting studies point to potential benefits for weight loss, for blood pressure and for pain relief. It’s also a powerful antioxidant.
Conclusion
Overall then, chlorella is a very interesting option when it comes to health supplements. It’s high in nutrients and it seems to have a lot of interesting research backing it up. It’s also fairly affordable so it certainly can’t hurt to add it to your diet.
On the other hand though, like all these things it’s not likely to change your life. If you have generally good health, then there are probably easier and more convenient ways to improve your diet.