There’s no doubt that when the sun is shining the world seems a less stressful place, although living in the UK you can never be quite sure when that will be, especially during the first few months on the year.
Even when the sun isn’t shining however, it appears it may still be able to help you de-stress…
Research1 has shown that chlorella, a green algae which is thought to be one of the most effective crops at turning sunlight into energy and nutrients, could help reduce stress levels.
Researchers found that chlorella may affect part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which plays a big role in how we react to stress. It was discovered that the algae appears able to reduce the amount by which the hypothalamus activates part of the body’s stress system; resulting in less activity by a specific stress hormone, called adrenocorticotropic hormone, and a reduction in stress induced hyperglycaemia (a raising of blood sugar levels seen in stressful situations).
Whilst this wasn’t a human study, the scientists concluded that the research helped reinforce the concept that chlorella has an ability ‘to diminish the impact of stressors’; ultimately that under stressful conditions the body doesn’t get as stressed.
How to benefit from chlorella
You don’t need to go wading through ponds with a net to be able to benefit from the algae as there are now a host of chlorella supplements available, both in powder form, to be added to smoothies and shakes, and as tablets.
Some of the most efficient products come from Sun Chlorella, whose new DYNO®-Mill technology breaks down the cell walls of the algae (without the use of heat or chemicals which can reduce the quality of the chlorella) to ensure when you use either their powder or tablets you’re getting the most nutrients possible.
For more information please visit www.sunchlorella.co.uk or health stores nationwide.
- Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2016 Mar;65:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.002. Epub 2015 Dec 4. Chlorella vulgaris reduces the impact of stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain c-fos expression. Souza Queiroz J1, Marín Blasco I2, Gagliano H2, Daviu N2, Gómez Román A2, Belda X2, Carrasco J2, Rocha MC3, Palermo Neto J4, Armario A5.