Can Chlorella consumption improve cholesterol levels?
A new study recently published in Nutrition Journal examined the effect of Chlorella supplementation on elevated cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was designed to test whether the daily intake of Chlorella can improve cholesterol levels by enhancing carotenoid (organic pigments found in plants) concentration in individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Results: remarkable inhibitory effect of Chlorella
The participants were randomized into either Chlorella or placebo groups in a double-blinded fashion. The Chlorella group consumed 5g a day of Chlorella for 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, the Chlorella group exhibited remarkable changes in total cholesterol, suggesting an inhibitory effect of Chlorella on the intestinal absorption of dietary and endogenous lipids. Further, the changes of serum lipids appeared to be associated with the changes of serum carotenoids.
The researchers concluded that daily consumption of Chlorella supplements provided the potential health benefits of reducing serum lipid risk factors, mainly triglycerides and total cholesterol, in individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol. The effect was related to carotenoid consumption.
“Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.”
Na Hee Ryu1, Yeni Lim1, Ji Eeun Park1, Joohee Kim2, Ji Yeon Kim3, Sung Won Kwon4* andOran Kwon124*
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/13/1/57
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