Chlorella vulgaris
Chlorella vulgaris is a type of microalgae that has gained attention for its diverse benefits to both human health and the environment. This one-celled microorganism thrives in freshwater and uses photosynthesis to create its own food. It plays a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere while producing oxygen, contributing to environmental sustainability. As a nutritional supplement, Chlorella vulgaris is praised for its rich protein content, as well as vitamins like B12 and C, and essential minerals such as iron and zinc. Many users consider it a "superfood" due to its potential health benefits, including immune system support and detoxification properties. While some studies suggest it may aid heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, evidence remains mixed on many of its health claims. Additionally, Chlorella vulgaris is being explored for its role in producing eco-friendly biofuels, positioning it as an important resource for the future. Overall, Chlorella vulgaris represents a promising intersection of nutrition and environmental science.
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Chlorella vulgaris
Chlorella vulgaris is a kind of microalgae that provides multiple benefits to humans and the environment. It removes the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the air and helps in the creation of eco-friendly biofuels. Chlorella vulgaris has also become a popular nutritional supplement and food additive, offering nutrients such as protein and a wide variety of potential health benefits.
![rssalemscience-20200812-15-185181.jpg](https://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/embimages/ers/sp/embedded/rssalemscience-20200812-15-185181.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMNHX8kSepq84xNvgOLCmsE2epq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS "Chlorella vulgaris in endosymbiosis. Лаборатория "Микрокосмос" / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)")
Overview
Chlorella vulgaris is a type of microalgae that has become renowned in the twenty-first century for its many uses, particularly in nutrition and biofuels. A smaller form of algae, microalgae are one-celled microorganisms. Although they have no roots, leaves, or stems, microalgae can live by themselves. They may live in freshwater or saltwater, where they use photosynthesis and related processes to create their own food using sunlight. Microalgae also absorb potentially hazardous carbon dioxide and create needed oxygen.
Aside from its great benefit to the environment, Chlorella vulgaris has many potential uses for humans and other animals. Its exact effects on health are still subject to research and debate, but many people praise it for offering powerful dietary and medical benefits. In its original form, Chlorella vulgaris is not digestible due to its tough cell wall, so it is usually prepared as a powder in capsules or tablets. Many people take Chlorella-based supplements regularly.
The main claim about the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris is that it is packed with nutrition, with some people referring to it as a “super food.” The main nutrient in this microorganism is protein, which makes up more than half its total mass and encompasses various types of protein. Chlorella vulgaris may also contain a variety of vitamins, including B12 and C, and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Antioxidants are also plentiful in various preparations of Chlorella.
Supporters of Chlorella vulgaris believe that it helps to boost the human immune system to combat infection and other illnesses. Studies on this claim are mixed, although no evidence exists indicating that the microalgae harms immune functions. Similarly, some elements of Chlorella vulgaris, such as vitamin C, chlorophyll, and beta-carotene, may serve as antioxidants that help the body ward off diseases. Its cleaning properties also may extend to detoxification of the body, with some sources claiming that Chlorella vulgaris may bind to and remove dangerous heavy metals, such as lead, from the organs.
Many studies suggest that Chlorella vulgaris is a heart-healthy supplement that can help the blood and circulation in several ways. These include possibly lowering high cholesterol and improving blood through the niacin, fiber, and carotenoid content. The supplement may also reduce elevated blood pressure and blood sugar and help to prevent dangerous arterial hardening.
Additional possible benefits of Chlorella vulgaris include improving the human respiratory system, vision and eye health, and liver function. These claims are inadequately supported by research, although accepted by many proponents. More well-established in science is the usefulness of Chlorella vulgaris and other forms of microalgae in creating environmentally friendly power sources known as biofuels. With its many uses, Chlorella vulgaris will likely be an increasingly important material in the future.
Bibliography
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“Chlorella Vulgaris.” Science Direct, 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/chlorella-vulgaris. Accessed 3 Sept. 2020.
El-Ahmady El-Naggar, Noura, et al. “Production, Extraction and Characterization of Chlorella Vulgaris Soluble Polysaccharides and Their Applications in AgNPs Biosynthesis and Biostimulation of Plant Growth.” Scientific Reports, 2020, Vol. 10, No. 3011.
Jennings, Kerri-Ann. “9 Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorella.” Healthline, 8 Apr. 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-chlorella. Accessed 3 Sept. 2020.
Lee, William C.Y., William H. Lee, and Michael Rosenbaum. Chlorella. McGraw-Hill Education, 1998.
Ley, Beth M. Chlorella: The Ultimate Green Food. BL Publications, 2003.
Love, John, and John A. Bryant (eds.) Biofuels and Bioenergy. Wiley Blackwell, 2017.
“What Are Microalgae?” Bio2Solution, 2015, www.bio2solution.com/how-why-it-works/what-are-microalgae. Accessed 3 Sept. 2020.