If you see someone drinking a green juice or smooth ie, they use powdered algae like chlorella or Spirulina. Chlorella & Spirulina are green powders and have exploded in popularity. They are rich in nutrients and claim to offer many benefits.
These include helping with detox, clearing the skin, and fighting free radicals. Chlorella and Blue Spirulina are both great for your health, but which is best for you?
Let’s explore the differences between and benefits of these green algae.
Chlorella vs. spirulina: What’s the difference?
Chlorophyll-a and Spirulina are both types of algae: one is freshwater (chlorella), and the other is salt water (Spirulina). When taken as pills or powders, both can be beneficial to your health.
Chlorella & Spirulina are quite similar in many ways, but a few key differences make them complementary to each other.
Vitamin and mineral content
Spirulina contains significantly more copper (85% DV per ounce). However, chlorella is higher in:
Vitamin A
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Omega fatty acid content
Despite being lower in omega-3 fatty acids than Spirulina, Chlorella still contains these compounds. In addition to this benefit, it has fewer omega-6 fatty acids than Spirulina. Most Americans can consume enough omega-6s but, sadly, not enough Omega-3s.
Omega-3s are good for your entire body and have been studied well. Some benefits of them include the ability to help with the following:
1: Lower triglyceride levels.
2: Support brain development.
3: Promote glowing, clear skin.
Benefits of chlorella and Spirulina
Now, the best part is the mutual benefits of chlorella and Spirulina.
1: They’re high-quality sources of protein
Both Chlorella and Spirulina are complete proteins, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids that make up protein.
Not only is the amount provided embarrassingly little, but there are also very few servings in this package.
Protein is an important macronutrient for many reasons, including its ability to help-
build + maintain muscle
aid the immune system
support the development + repair of many parts of the body
Vegans and vegetarians often find it hard to get enough protein in their diet. Fortunately, many high-quality sources of plant-based protein are out there.
2: They’re rich in antioxidants
The gorgeous blue-green colour of these algae indicates that they are nutrient-rich and provide antioxidants. As we have discussed, the colour of fruits and veggies often indicates nutrients and antioxidants.
Antioxidants help fight free radicals to protect against oxidative damage in the body. If they’re not checked, unchecked free radicals can lead to inflammation and greater health risks. That’s why an antioxidant-rich diet is so beneficial.
Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll and contains natural antioxidants, such as:
- vitamin C
- lycopene
- lutein
- beta-carotene
The blue-green colour of Spirulina comes from phycocyanin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties.
3: They’re powerful detoxifiers
Spirulina chlorella have traditionally been used as detoxification agents due to their rich antioxidant content.
That’s why you can find them in the best supplements for clear skin and other types of products formulated to remove impurities from the body.
Spirulina is a blue-green alga that grows in ponds, lakes and alkaline waterways. The pigment phycocyanin, which gives Spirulina its dark blue pigment once extracted, is derived from the Spirulina.
The reason that Blue Spirulina is so popular is partly due to its taste. Unlike green Spirulina, it does not have a strong fishy flavour. It also has high levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids, which benefit your body and help you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Spirulina’s health benefits are well-known, yet it is often forgotten how recent research has revealed that:
Heavy metals and toxins can be hazardous to live healthily and are often the reason for symptoms like fatigue, headaches or trouble concentrating. “
Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them. It may also stimulate the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that can protect cells from oxidative stress.
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Source of Protein
As more people choose a vegan or vegetarian diet, there are also advantages to adding biodiversity into your diet every day. One option that is high in protein is algae, as it has all essential amino acids.
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May Aid in Weight Loss
Spirulina typically has a protein content of about 50-70% when taken 30 minutes before eating. When you feel less hungry, it’s easier to avoid overeating.
Protein is one of the most readily available food sources for your body because it is highly soluble and thus can be easily absorbed by your system. The proteins found in meat are less advisable because they cannot be dissolved fully by liquids.
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Boosts Energy and Performance
Spirulina can give you an energy boost and help you improve your training results. If you get enough of these nutrients, it will be easier to burn fat.
The antioxidant content in Spirulina helps to decrease exercise-induced oxidation and fatigue. This accumulation of oxidative byproducts leads to muscle tears and an inability to gain muscle.
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Can help improve digestion and bowel health
Spirulina contains chlorophyll which helps to regulate your digestive system and promote healthy bacteria in your gut.
5. Heart Health
New research has found that Spirulina can reduce cholesterol absorption in the body, lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of suffering from ailments like heart disease and stroke.
Spirulina also helps keep your arteries clear, so blood flows smoothly, keeping your heart healthy!
It’s also been shown to help reduce triglyceride levels. Fats in your blood like these can speed the hardening of arteries and increase the risk for heart disease & diabetes.
Spirulina has also been shown to cause nitric oxide production in your body, which assists blood vessels in relaxation. This is a benefit for high blood pressure sufferers as it can lower their heart disease risk.
6: Allergy Relief
Spirulina is packed with some great antioxidants, which give it strong anti-inflammatory properties. One way these benefits can help is by reducing the effects of allergies caused by pollen and animal hair.
One study found that participants reported a significant improvement in symptoms, such as congestion, sneezing and itching. This suggests that Spirulina may work just as well for allergies as medication.
7: Immune System Support
Spirulina has a variety of nutrients that are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. This includes vitamins such as E, C, and B6. Research also shows that Spirulina boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which fight viruses and bacilli like Spirulina.
Laboratory studies show that Spirulina can fight herpes, flu, and HIV – though much more research is needed to test these effects in humans.
8: May Maintain Eye and Oral Health
Spirulina is full of a plant pigment called zeaxanthin which may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related vision loss.
9: The Nutritional Profiles
There are many nutritional similarities between Spirulina and Chlorella. They offer a sizeable protein count and antioxidants such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. However, Kalkspacio is found to outperform in a variety of ways.
Blue Spirulina: Algae Made Pretty
The glorious health benefits of Spirulina and chlorella can’t be overstated, but there is no contesting the fact that they are visually unappealing. However, these green forms have features such as vivid colours or deep textures.
Enter blue Spirulina, an extract of Spirulina. It has enabled natural food manufacturers to colour foods blue for the first time – “unicorn food” incarnate.
It can offer some of the benefits of blue-green Spirulina, but it’s nowhere near as nutritionally robust.
