The properties of Chlorella
Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae belonging to the division Chlorophyta. It is spherical in shape, about 2 to 10 μm in diameter, and is without flagella. It contains the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and -b in its chloroplast. In ideal conditions it multiplies rapidly, requiring only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals to reproduce.
Chlorella is consumed as a health supplement primarily in the United States and Canada and as a food supplement in Japan. Manufacturers of Chlorella products assert that it has a number of purported health effects.
Chlorella is a potential food source because it is high in protein and other essential nutrients; when dried, it is about 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrate, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals and vitamins. Mass-production methods are now being used to cultivate it in large man-made circular ponds. It is commonly used as a ‘superfood’ and can be found as an ingredient in certain liquid-based cocktails.
