Chlorella – description and structure of algae, beneficial properties and contraindications, smoothie recipes

The content of the article

• What is chlorella
• Structure
• How chlorella propagates
• Beneficial features
• Application area
• How to take Chlorella
• Chlorella smoothie recipes
• With tomato
• With cucumber and tomato
• With bananas and strawberries
• Contraindications and side effects

The unicellular alga chlorella (chlorella) has the ability to intensively produce oxygen, which is why it is an integral part of life in a submarine or spaceship. It is also used as a biologically active additive, because it contains many micro and macro elements. Medicine and cosmetology value this algae for its significant chlorophyll content. It surpasses wheat in nutrition and is almost in the same place with meat. For this reason, algae is actively used while maintaining a healthy lifestyle..

What is chlorella

This is the name of the genus of green unicellular algae, which belong to the department of Chlorophyta. They live in freshwater bodies, are found in laboratories or at home in vessels with water. With a large accumulation of chlorella, the liquid makes a saturated green. The most common is Chlorella vulgaris. Thanks to the powerful cell wall, algae can outlive many inhabitants of the fauna and flora. According to experts, she is about 2 billion years old. Unicellular was discovered by Danish scientists back in 1890, but it was unavailable for eating for a long time.

Spirulina and chlorella are close relatives. These are algae, which are distinguished by a high concentration of trace elements, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins. Only spirulina includes more protein and iron. Another difference is the blue-green algae. The benefits of spirulina include the following nuances:

• higher content of linoleic and gamma-linoleic fatty acids;
• the composition contains phycocyanin, which exhibits anti-cancer properties;
• spirulina acts softer, does not lead to problems with the intestines.

Adherents of a healthy diet often cannot decide between these two algae. They both have a beneficial effect on the body, but have a number of differences in composition. For this reason, they cannot be considered completely interchangeable:

1. Chlorella contains more chlorophyll, which cleanses the blood. This is due to its use in various detox programs..
2. Spirulina also contains more iron and protein, which is useful for improving the functioning of the brain and heart. Athletes use this seaweed to gain muscle mass..

Structure

Algae can be examined under a microscope, because its size is very small – from 2 to 10 microns. For this reason, up to a million single-celled data can fit in 1 cubic meter of water. The shape of the algae is spherical, without flagella. The vegetative body is a single cell – spherical or oval. It was previously described that it has special contractile vacuoles, but then it was refuted. The cell has a thick membrane. There is no consensus on its composition. Some authors believe that the shell consists of cellulose, while others – from a gelatinous transparent substance..

The disagreement is due to the fact that the cell does not stain violet when interacting with chlorzinc iodine, which is characteristic of cellulose. Each cell contains:

• ribbon-shaped or rounded lamellar wall-mounted chromatophore with 1 or 2 pyrenoids;
• homogeneous protoplasm;
• very small core.

How chlorella propagates

There are varieties of these algae that differ in a symbiotic way of life with animals. Sometimes they were even mistaken for the organs of the latter. Then Geza-Entz and Brandt proved that this species of algae is of exogenous origin, and called them Zoochlorella. Chlorella and zoochlorella have the same organization, but differ only in lifestyle. In addition, in the latter, the symptom of a symbiotic lifestyle is unstable. Zoochlorella can both vigorously reproduce both in freedom and in the body of animals. To do this, they need some minerals..

Photosynthesis is carried out in the presence of light, carbon dioxide and water. Algae cohabitation with animals is an example of lodging – commensalism. It is worth noting that some instances of unicellular are digested, especially the simplest ones. The reason is that they distinguish 3 layers of protoplasm:

• external alveolar – it serves as a cover;
• medium cortical, which is not involved in digestion;
• internal endoplasm controlling food digestion.

An animal digests algae if it enters the endoplasm. Symbiosis is observed when unicellular penetrates into the cortical plasma layer. Algae propagates asexually. This occurs by dividing the cell in half. The process is controlled by the kernel and goes through the following steps:

• cell organs double;
• there is an increase in its size;
• the outer shell is stretched and then torn;
• from one mother cell two daughter cells are obtained;
• the breeding cycle is interrupted, and then repeated again.

Beneficial features

The basis of the algae is chlorophyll, which is also called “green gold”. Its amount is 10 times more compared to spirulina. Chlorophyll is a macrocell. In structure, it is similar to hemoglobin cells in human blood, therefore medicine uses it to treat anemia. The algae’s nutritional value is due to the large number of protein compounds that accumulate when the culture grows on soil rich in nitrogen. The unique composition of the microorganism also includes:

• vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K;
• polyunsaturated fats;
• amino acids;
• biotins;
• trace elements – iron, calcium, cobalt, magnesium, potassium.

The Japanese use powder from this seaweed. It is used in the preparation of main dishes, bread, sauces. Algae smells like fresh grass. Thanks to this composition, the microorganism has many useful properties:

• effectively reduces pressure in hypertension, is a prophylactic against stroke and heart attack;
• reduces the risk of developing proteinuria, edema, anemia in pregnant women;
• helps with diabetes;
• strengthens the immune system;
• improves digestion;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• saturates the blood with oxygen, purifies it;
• removes harmful and toxic substances from the body;
• accelerates cell regeneration, wound healing;
• normalizes metabolism;
• restores hormonal balance;
• removes mucus from the bronchi;
• reduces the effect on the body of preservatives, smoking and alcohol;
• improves eyesight;
• fights inflammation and neoplasms;
• strengthens cartilage and bone tissue;
• helps with constipation;
• activates the body’s production of interferon.

Application area

Previously, Chlorella was used only in the form of a suspension, paste or dry biomass (tablets or powder). All these forms differ in some features and disadvantages:

• the powder is worse absorbed compared to the suspension;
• the paste does not contain a complex of metabolites, so it requires conservation;
• for thickening the suspension requires a long time and large tanks.

All the advantages of a commodity suspension with respect to biological value and digestibility are combined in algae concentrate. It contains living cells of the microorganism and the entire spectrum of water-soluble metabolites. All forms are used in various fields, including:

• gastroenterology – to improve digestion;
• dentistry – to relieve inflammation on the soft gums, strengthen bone tissue;
• otolaryngology – reduces the frequency of asthmatic and allergic attacks;
• biotechnology – to stimulate the growth of animals and birds, in order to prevent flowering of water in reservoirs;
• oncology – to prevent the regeneration of cancer cells;
• cardiology – to strengthen the vascular walls, normalize blood pressure, prevent blood clots;
• immunology – to combat viral and infectious diseases;
• cosmetology – to improve skin health, prolong its youth, oxygenation, to eliminate cellulite and stretch marks;
• dietetics – for the removal of toxins and the fight against excess weight.

Algae is part of various animal feeding and watering systems and is used in the production of granular feed for rabbits, birds, dogs and cats. Algolization with a commercial suspension is ineffective due to the low density of microorganism cells. Due to its ability to actively produce oxygen, the microorganism is used to produce oxygen in closed ecosystems. Suspension is recommended for plant nutrition..

How to take Chlorella

It is necessary to use algae in the diet, observing some rules. They help to get the maximum effect from the use of this microorganism. To cleanse the body, take tablets or powder as follows:

• start with a small dose – 1 tablet 1-3 times a day;
• increase the dosage of 1 tablet daily;
• then go to the recommended norm – 3-4 tablets or 5-7 g of powder.

If side effects occur after administration, then the dosage must be reduced so that the body is accustomed to the action of unicellular. The powder must be washed down with plenty of water or juice, but not coffee, because caffeine does not allow chlorophyll to be absorbed. Tablets are allowed to dissolve or chew. To improve the taste, the powder is diluted in water with the addition of lemon juice. the drink will be more invigorating, with a pleasant refreshing taste.

You can increase the cleaning efficiency by adding barley to the tablets, but the dosage is reduced to 2-3 pieces 3 times a day. It is allowed to use tablets in combination with goji berries. It enriches the body with vitamin C and antioxidants. Over the entire period of purification, it is necessary to monitor the water balance daily. Drink up to 1.5-2 liters of pure water per day.

Chlorella smoothie recipes

The disadvantage of pills is that they have a pungent odor. You can get rid of this difficulty by preparing various smoothies with the addition of algae. It is simply added to the simple recipes for this treat. All ingredients are mixed and adjusted to a uniform consistency with a blender. The basis of the cocktail are fruits, vegetables or berries. For a change of taste spices or spices are added. The main condition for each recipe is the use of powder or tablets that contain Chlorella.

With tomato

• Cooking time: 15 minutes.
• Servings Per Container: 1 Person.
• Calorie dishes: 53 kcal.
• Destination: for breakfast / afternoon tea / dinner.
• Cuisine: author.
• Difficulty: easy.

This is the easiest smoothie recipe that uses chlorella. Only tomatoes and a few spices to taste are added to it. It is better to take small juicy and ripe tomatoes. They are added to the smoothie itself or used for decoration. In the latter case, it will turn out especially original with cherry tomatoes. If you plan to take a smoothie with you in a jar, then it is better to chop the tomatoes immediately with all the other products.

Ingredients:

• juicy small tomatoes – 2-3 pcs.;
• powder chlorella – 1 tsp with a slide;
• coriander – to your taste;
• a pinch of salt – 2 pcs.;
• water – to bring to the required consistency;
• linseed oil – to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender bowl. If tomatoes will be used for decoration, then leave them.
2. Beat products until smooth.
3. Pour into a beautiful jar, garnish with tomatoes.

With cucumber and tomato

• Cooking time: 15 minutes.
• Servings Per Container: 1 Person.
• Calorie dishes: 58 kcal.
• Destination: for breakfast / afternoon tea / dinner.
• Cuisine: author.
• Difficulty: easy.

This is an option for a light but hearty appetizer, suitable for breakfast and dinner. A little salt is added to the smoothie, so it cannot be categorized as a sweet treat. To speed up the cooking time, immediately use the powder. The tablets are pre-crushed. For an average day, you can drink about 400-800 ml of smoothie. This amount helps reduce cravings for sweets and long to satisfy hunger. Thanks to the cleansing of the body and the rejection of sweets, smoothies help to lose weight..

Ingredients:

• ripe cucumbers – 2 pcs.;
• juicy tomatoes – 2-3 pcs.;
• a pinch of salt – 2 pcs.;
• linseed oil – to your taste;
• powder chlorella – 1 tsp;
• water – until the required consistency.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the cucumbers and cut into slices.
2. Place all ingredients except tomatoes in a blender.
3. Beat, then add peeled tomatoes and beat again.
4. Garnish if desired with herbs or a slice of tomato. If the smoothie is too thick, add some water..

With bananas and strawberries

• Cooking time: 15 minutes.
• Servings Per Container: 1 Person.
• Calorie dishes: 97 kcal.
• Destination: for breakfast / afternoon tea / dinner.
• Cuisine: author.
• Difficulty: easy.

This option will appeal more to the sweet tooth, because the smoothie is based on fruits and berries. The combination of bananas with strawberries is considered a classic for many recipes. They make the smoothie nutritious and at the same time more pleasant in taste and aroma. So chlorella will not remind of itself with a pungent smell. The recipes additionally use soy milk, but it can be replaced with wheat, rice or nut. To get an even sweeter taste, you are allowed to add a spoonful of honey.

Ingredients:

• powder chlorella – 1 tsp;
• strawberries – 200 g;
• banana – 1-2 pcs.;
• a glass of soy milk – 1 pc..

Cooking method:

1. Rinse berries, peel bananas.
2. Put the ingredients in a blender bowl, add the powder.
3. Beat everything, then pour in milk and beat again until a homogeneous consistency is obtained..

Contraindications and side effects

Even with a large number of useful properties, chlorella has a number of contraindications. Before using algae, it is necessary to study them. The list of restrictions includes:

• allergic to iodine;
• hemochromatosis;
• the period after menopause – can not be taken in large doses due to the high iron content in unicellular;
• taking blood thinners;
• autoimmune diseases.

Some categories of patients require prior consultation with a doctor. These include pregnant and lactating women, young children. Another important point when using algae is its side effects. More often they develop as a result of the elimination of toxins and toxins from the body. Their manifestation can be reduced by lowering the dosage. The list of adverse reactions includes:

• nausea
• cramping in the abdomen;
• diarrhea;
• bloating.