Tuesday, October 15, 2024
HomeCardio-VascularAlgae Extract Improves Cardiovascular Markers

Algae Extract Improves Cardiovascular Markers

Chlorella may help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, among hypercholesterolemic men and women.

Chlorella is a type of single-cell green algae, and was among the first of all algae to be cultivated into dietary supplements.   Abundant in antioxidant vitamins, some studies suggest that chlorella is a potent detoxifier.  Korean researchers administered a chlorella supplement (5 gms/day) or placebo, to 63 men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), for 4 weeks.  Among the chlorella supplemented group, the researchers observed significant reductions in total cholesterol  (-1.9%) and triglycerides (-10.3%), whereas those markers increased in the control (placebo) group.  Additionally, beneficial changes in antioxidants occurred: lutein/zeaxanthin levels increased by almost 90% in the chlorella group, but decreased in the controls; alpha-carotene rose by 164% in the chlorella group as well.   Writing that: “Daily consumption of Chlorella supplements provided the potential of health benefits reducing serum lipid risk factors, mainly triglycerides and total cholesterol, in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects,” the study authors submit that: “The effect was related to carotenoid consumption.”

Na Ryu, Yeni Lim, Ji Park, Joohee Kim, Ji Kim, Sung Kwon, Oran Kwon. “Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.”  Nutrition Journal 2014, 13:57.

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