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| - Last Updated on November 29, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A facebook post claims that cilantro and chlorella can remove large percentages of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and aluminium from the body within 45 days. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
Susan Laing claimed in her facebook post that “Cilantro and chlorella can naturally chelate heavy metals, removing 87% of lead, 91% of mercury, and 74% of aluminium from the body within 45 days, as suggested by various studies.”
Fact Check
Do cilantro and chlorella effectively remove heavy metals from the body?
No, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that cilantro and chlorella together can effectively remove heavy metals at the claimed levels.
Cilantro (also called coriander) and chlorella (a green algae) are often touted for their supposed detoxification properties. Advocates claim they bind to heavy metals in the body and facilitate their removal. However, most studies supporting these claims are either limited to animal models, in vitro experiments, or lack robust methodologies. For example, a 2017 study in mice suggested cilantro might help remove lead when combined with other treatments, but these findings cannot be directly applied to humans.
Similarly, while chlorella is rich in nutrients and has shown some potential for binding heavy metals in test tubes, its effectiveness as a chelating agent in the human body remains unproven. The human digestive system may not allow chlorella to digest because of the cellulose wall in the same way it does in controlled laboratory settings, limiting its real-world application.
Soumam Dutta, PhD Scholar (Nutrition), Department of Endocrinology, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, said, “There is no solid scientific evidence to support the claim that cilantro and chlorella can effectively remove heavy metals at the levels often advertised. Its obvious that chlorella’s cell wall structure may hinder digestion in humans, and cilantro’s effects are mostly speculative without robust human trials. Effective heavy metal detox requires medically supervised chelation therapy.”
What do scientific studies say about heavy metal chelation?
There are limited and inconclusive scientific studies on cilantro and chlorella for heavy metal chelation in humans.
Chelation therapy is a medical treatment specifically designed to remove heavy metals from the body. It involves the use of synthetic chelating agents, such as EDTA, that bind to metals like lead or mercury, enabling their excretion through urine. This process is closely monitored by healthcare professionals due to potential risks, including kidney damage and mineral imbalances.
The claim that cilantro and chlorella can achieve similar results lacks substantial evidence. While there is interest in natural chelation methods, rigorous human studies are needed to validate their safety and efficacy. No credible studies to date have demonstrated that cilantro and chlorella can achieve the dramatic removal percentages stated in the claim (87% of lead, 91% of mercury, and 74% of aluminium).
In fact, liver and kidneys primarily handle the detoxification in the body, which naturally filter and eliminate toxins when functioning properly. Nutrient-dense foods like cilantro and chlorella may support overall health but should not be mistaken for proven medical treatments.
Are there risks in relying on cilantro and chlorella for detoxification?
Yes, relying solely on these remedies can delay effective treatment and pose health risks.
Heavy metal poisoning is a serious condition requiring professional medical attention. Symptoms can range from fatigue and headaches to more severe issues like neurological damage and organ failure. Self-treating with unverified remedies like cilantro and chlorella may lead to delays in seeking proper medical care, exacerbating health problems.
Additionally, consuming large amounts of these foods in hopes of achieving detoxification can cause side effects. For example, chlorella supplements may lead to digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals. There is also the risk of contamination in poorly regulated supplements, which might ironically introduce heavy metals into the body.
Conclusion
There is no credible scientific evidence for the claim that cilantro and chlorella can remove substantial amounts of lead, mercury, and aluminium from the body within 45 days. While these foods are nutritious and may support general health, they should not be relied upon for heavy metal detoxification. For those concerned about heavy metal exposure, seeking advice from a healthcare provider and considering proven medical treatments are the safest and most effective approaches.
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