Studies show chlorella could improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients

Sunday, November 03, 2013 by: PF Louis
Tags: chlorella, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes

(NaturalNews) There have been studies under the radar of public awareness or mainstream media disclosure demonstrating chlorella's ability to improve diabetic symptoms. It's certain that very few MDs know of these studies.

It seems that the wonders of this single-cell microalgae superfood continue to surface. Chlorella has demonstrated several immune system benefits, detoxification benefits, liver health enhancement, and even anticancer activities.

Now it looks like diabetes 2 and prediabetic or metabolic disorder individuals can address those issues directly with chlorella while enjoying all the other benefits this centuries-old, fresh water, green microalgae can offer.

Three studies for chlorella's affect on insulin and blood sugar issues

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to metabolize nutrients, especially glucose, primarily for energy needs but for other functions as well. Diabetes 1 sufferers have insufficient pancreatic functions of insulin, while type 2 diabetics are "insulin resistant." Their pancreas is pumping insulin, but cells are not taking it in for metabolic energy conversion. [1]

Just before the type 2 diabetes designation comes a prediabetic situation commonly called metabolic syndrome or metabolic disorder syndrome. This malady is characterized by obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar, high liver triglyceride counts and early signs of some insulin resistance. [2]

All of these situations can be improved with chlorella consumption.

A study from Seoul, South Korea, published in a 2009 edition of Nutrition Research and Practice used two types of rats. One type had diabetes type 2 and the other type was normal.

Both types were subdivided into three groups according to the percentage of Chlorella vulgaris in their diets: 0 percent, 1 percent and 5 percent.

After measuring several markers in all sets of rats, the researchers decided that their study provided enough positive information about chlorella's ability to reverse high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, without pushing the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Instead, chlorella was able to create a hypoglycemic effect that countered the insulin resistance-induced hyperglycemia. [3]

Another Korean study with Chlorella vulgaris and rats (chlorella is popular in East Asia) took two sets of rats separated by diets. One group was fed a normal diet, while the other was fed a high fat diet.

Then those groups were subdivided further into no chlorella, 5 percent chlorella and 10 percent chlorella in their diets for nine weeks.

"In conclusion, 10% Chlorella intake was more effective for blood glucose regulation than 5% Chlorella intake in rats fed a high fat diet. Chlorella intake may prevent insulin resistance in Wistar rats fed a high fat diet."

Well good for the rats. But what about we humans? Here's a study that promotes human use.

This study was conducted in Taiwan. Again, rats were used, but this time some rats were fed fructose-rich chow and then fed chlorella. Perhaps this was to mimic the high HFCS processed food diet that has taken over most industrialized regions. Even with too much fructose, the rats fed chlorella fared well.

Their conclusion: "The obtained results suggest that oral administration of Chlorella has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity, which may be used as an adjuvant therapy for patients with insulin resistance." [Emphasis added]

These studies demonstrate the potential for using chlorella to prevent or diminish insulin resistance and high blood glucose issues, even diabetes type 2, while enjoying chlorella's detoxification and immune-boosting dynamics.

Remember, chlorella is a food, not a synthetically derived supplement. Anywhere from 3 to 5 grams intake daily is recommended for generally improving health, while more may be added for intensely therapeutic purposes.

Sources for this article include:

[1] http://www.news-medical.net

[2] http://www.medicinenet.com

[3]http://science.naturalnews.com

[4]http://science.naturalnews.com

[5]http://science.naturalnews.com