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NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Chlorella consists
of approximately 60% protein in the form of amino acids. This
is superior to other sources of protein from animals and
vegetables which must be broken down to amino acids by the
digestive enzymes in the stomach, and absorbed into the body
through intestinal walls, before the body can utilize them for
its own particular types of protein.
Among 22 different
amino acids, all but 8 can be produced inside our body by
using the other amino acids as material. These 8 amino acids
can never be produced in our body, and must be consumed from
food. These are called "essential amino acids". If any of
these is even lacking, the others cannot function as well.
Chlorella contains
19 out of 22 different amino acids, and all 8 of the essential
amino acids. Therefore, Chlorella is considered a complete
protein.
In addition,
cultivating Chlorella makes good ecological sense since it
produces 20 times as much protein as soybeans growing on an
equal-sized area of land. Ounce for ounce Chlorella provides
over twice the protein as soy, beef, or chicken and almost 20
times the protein as rice or potatoes.
Chlorella is a
complete storehouse of rich nutrients in addition to its
incredible protein content. It also contains vitamins,
minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, chlorophyll,
enzymes, antioxidants and many other phytonutrients. Chlorella
provides vitamin A, Beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, E and K. Its
minerals include calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium,
magnesium, zinc, manganese, sulfur, and several other trace
minerals.
Chlorella is an especially rich source of lutein, a powerful
antioxidant known to be highly beneficial for the eyes. Lutein
is known to ward off vision problems such as cataracts,
macular degeneration and retinal problems. Some species of
Chlorella (503 mg./100 mg.) contain 50 times more lutein than
spinach (10.2 mg./100 mg. raw).
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