Technically speaking, a superfood is defined as "a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being." Of course, this may vary depending on your specific nutritional needs, but some go-to examples include Swiss chard, blueberries, and salmon. Now, scientists have identified what they believe could be the next big superfood—green alga, or chlorella. They say it can not only benefit brain health and boost immunity but also help address global food insecurity.
What is chlorella?
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Chlorella is a freshwater microalga native to Japan and Taiwan.
According to a press release detailing a new study published in the Journal of Food Science, "The microalga can be incorporated into food products to enhance their nutritional value. With its antioxidant properties, immune support, and detoxifying effects, Chlorella is a promising nutraceutical ingredient."
Alga might not sound too appetizing at first, but it's typically not consumed in its raw form. Rather, it's made into powdered or pill supplements. Chlorella powder can also be used as an ingredient in salad dressings, smoothies and juices, baked goods, or even mixed in with smashed avocado on toast.
What are chlorella's health benefits?
Chlorella is an excellent source of plant-based protein. As MedicalNewsToday reports, "One mouse study has shown that the body absorbs protein from three types of chlorella effectively. This is rare for plant protein sources. It makes chlorella a suitable protein option for vegans."
In addition, it's a rare plant-based source of vitamin B-12, which helps with energy levels, mood, and brain health.
Chlorella is also high in calcium (necessary for bone health, blood circulation, and nerve function), magnesium (which benefits sleep regulation, muscle and nerve function, bone health, heart health, and more), and iron (important for cognitive function, immunity, blood health, and energy).
Iron is especially important when pregnant, as the body requires more of the mineral to deliver oxygen to the baby. A 2009 study found that pregnant women who took a daily 6 g chlorella supplement had a "significantly" reduced risk of developing pregnancy-associated anemia (iron deficiency).
Put together, chlorella's health benefits include "anti-tumor properties, potential for preventing Alzheimer's disease, and positive effects on major depressive disorder," according to the researchers involved in the latest study.
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How can green alga address food insecurity?
As the press release states, "Unlike conventional agriculture, which requires extensive land and water resources, [chlorella] can be cultivated sustainably with minimal environmental footprint."
However, the scientists point out that more research is needed to optimize how chlorella is produced "to increase yield and reduce costs."
Once that is better understood, chlorella's geographic footprint can be expanded, and it can then be added to more food products to increase their nutritional value.
"As consumer interest in health-conscious and eco-friendly products grows, Chlorella Vulgaris could be one of the superfoods that redefine the future of food innovation," said industrial microbiologist and study co-author Helen Onyeaka, PhD. "Our study underscores the critical role of applied research in addressing global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability."
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The Takeaway:
The green alga known as chlorella offers a multitude of health benefits, including heart health, immunity, cognitive function, and more. It's most typically consumed in supplement form as a powder or tablet.
A new study underscores the nutritional makeup of chlorella and adds that it "offers significant environmental advantages, helping to capture carbon dioxide and cleanse wastewater, aligning with global sustainability goals."
"We found that Chlorella not only meets growing demand for sustainable food sources but also offers substantial health and nutrition benefits. By overcoming production challenges through technological advancements, we can pave the way for Chlorella’s widespread adoption," concluded Onyeaka.
