What Is Chlorella Vulgaris?

Overview It may seem hard to imagine, but some researchers believe algae is both the food of the future and the fuel of the future. Chlorella, a particular genus of algae, may hold the key to producing nearly limitless quantities of fuel as well as an inexpensive yet nutritious food that could help end world hunger. Identification Chlorella vulgaris is a particular species of single-celled green algae. According to author Toshihiro Kanno, Ph.D., in "Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract," this type of algae is over 1.5 billion years old. It's found in lakes and swamps and is the ancestor of modern vegetables such as pumpkins and spinach. Since the mid-1960s, Chlorella algae has been offered as a health-food supplement in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Indonesia. PPARsChlorellaSorokiniana 3 in 1 Blue Green Red Algae Extract Organic GMP ISO US Patented www.lanigiro.com.sg Sponsored Links PPARsChlorellaSorokiniana 3 in 1 Blue Green Red Algae Extract Organic GMP ISO US Patented www.lanigiro.com.sg Sponsored Links Characteristics According to Kanno, members of the Chlorella genus of algae contain more chlorophyll than other plants. This means they can absorb the sun's energy and, through the process of photosynthesis, turn water and carbon dioxide into useful nutrients including starch. Each single-celled Chlorella vulgaris organism ranges in size from 2 to 10 microns, only visible beneath a microscope. This particular strain also features a thinner cell wall than other species of Chlorella, making it easier to digest and absorb in dietary supplements. CK Strain Within the species of Chlorella vulgaris, scientists have identified particular strains with slight variations in cell wall thickness and available nutrients. According to Kanno, the most beneficial nutritionally is the Chlorella vulgaris CK strain. Only the CK strain features a polysaccharide compound called Chlorella vulgaris extract, or CVE. Kanno notes that CVE can help detoxify your body, improve liver function and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as regulate digestion and your immune system.

Algae as Food According to Kanno, Chlorella contains abundant plant-based protein, a rich supply of vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber. In the introduction to Kanno's book, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt of the American Academy of Neural Therapy notes that chlorella itself is made up of 50 percent protein and amino acids, along with additional nutrients such as vitamin B6 and beta carotene. It also contains a form of vitamin B12 called methyl-cobolamine, the one most absorbent within the human body. Algae as Biofuel According to ScientificAmerican.com, algae are a potentially viable large-scale fuel source. Producers use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce sugar, which algae then transform into oil. In 2009, Continental Airlines performed a successful test flight with algae-based fuel and recorded increased mileage. According to manufacturer Sapphire Energy, their algae-based fuels will work with existing infrastructure such as refineries, pipelines and motor vehicles. LIVESTRONG.COM

References
"Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract (CVE): The Powerful"; Toshihiro Kanno; 2005 ScientificAmerican.com: Is Algae the Biofuel of the Future? About this Author

Jenni Wiltz is a fiction writer who has also worked in advertising for a nationwide department store. Her historical fiction has been published in "The Portland Review." She has a degree in English and history from the University of California at Davis, and has worked as a grant coordinator and senior editor in addition to writing professionally since 2003. Copyright 2011 Demand Media, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Ad Choices

Copyright 2011 Demand Media, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of

the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Ad Choices