Chlorella, a type of green algae, which can be harvested and turned into a health supplement, has been claimed to help support the normal functioning of the immune system, due to it containing numerous vitamins and other important nutrients. There could be another way chlorella could help our immune systems this winter however.
It’s thought that long term stress suppresses our immune system, making us more prone to getting ill. Researchers1 have found that chlorella may affect part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which plays a big role in how we react to stress. It was discovered that the algae appears able to reduce the amount by which the hypothalamus activates part of the body’s stress system; resulting in less activity by a specific stress hormone, called adrenocorticotropic hormone, and a reduction in stress induced hyperglycaemia (a raising of blood sugar levels seen in stressful situations).
Whilst this wasn’t a human study, the scientists concluded that the research helped reinforce the concept that chlorella has an ability ‘to diminish the impact of stressors’; ultimately that under stressful conditions the body doesn’t get as stressed.
How to Benefit from Chlorella | Green Algae
You don’t need to go wading through ponds with a net to be able to benefit from the algae as there are now a host of chlorella supplements available, both in granule form, to be added to smoothies and shakes, and as tablets.
Some of the most efficient products come from Sun Chlorella, whose new DYNO®-Mill technology breaks down the cell walls of the algae (without the use of heat or chemicals which can reduce the quality of the chlorella) to ensure when you use either their granules or tablets you’re getting the most nutrients possible.
Available directly from www.sunchlorella.co.uk or health stores nationwide.
REFERENCE
- 2016 Mar;65:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.002. Epub 2015 Dec 4. Chlorella vulgaris reduces the impact of stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain c-fos expression. Souza Queiroz J1, Marín Blasco I2, Gagliano H2, Daviu N2, Gómez Román A2, Belda X2, Carrasco J2, Rocha MC3, Palermo Neto J4, Armario A5.
