Spirulina can be used and consumed in supplements right after harvest, but chlorella has to go through processing to break its cellular walls to enable the absorption of its benefits by users. Chlorophyll comes from green plants and algae. Chlorella is said to be higher in chlorophyll (maybe even double the amount) than spirulina while spirulina is typically higher in protein, iron, protein and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The university’s two-year study allowed researchers to observe that glioma-positive patients have fewer respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses when taking chlorella. 3. Supports Your Immune System Rzymski P, Jaśkiewicz M. Microalgal food supplements from the perspective of Polish consumers: patterns of use, adverse events, and beneficial effects. J Appl Phycol. 2017;29(4):1841-1850. doi:10.1007/s10811-017-1079-5

Inconsistent products: The nutrition content of chlorella supplements may vary, depending on the algae species, growing conditions and processing ( 52, 53). According to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College, “Cellular components and functions of the immune system remain at or near normal levels and are less adversely affected when patients are undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids” Omega-3s: As with other algae, chlorella contains some omega-3s. Just 3 grams of chlorella delivers 100 mg of omega-3s ( 8).

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorella

Chlorella contains violaxanthin — an antioxidant found in leafy greens — that studies show can reduce inflammation. Additional research points to other antioxidants in chlorella, like lycopene, that contribute to this effect. Our chlorella is routinely tested for heavy metals, including mercury, lead and other contaminants to ensure that the finished product is completely pure. Chlorella is blue-green unicellular micro-algae from the Chlorellacea family. The term chlorella is derived from a Greek and Latin word respectively, ‘chloros’ and ‘ella’. The former means green while the latter means small. Chlorella tablets are one form of the supplement in which chlorella is available for consumption. Of the three species of chlorella, Chlorella lobophora, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlorella vulgaris, the latter is the most widely cultivated.

Siriwatanametanon N. Warfarin-chlorophyll products, herb-drug interactions. Pharm Sci Asia. 2017; 44 (4), 173-189. doi:10.29090/psa.2017.04.173

Nutrition

Relieves PMS: Anecdotal evidence says that chlorella can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It could be a stretch, but chlorella contains calcium and B-vitamins, both of which have been shown to reduce PMS ( 48, 49). Chlorella and spirulina nutrition both contain additional nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins and more that is not contained in chlorophyll supplements. Spirulina has even been used in the World Health Organization’s feeding programs for malnourished children in undeveloped countries. A single one-gram dose of spirulina powder a day can counteract a vitamin A deficiency that can lead to blindness. Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of Chlorella as a dietary supplement to promote human health. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2524. doi:10.3390/nu12092524 Obviously, this isn’t a problem, but for some people that don’t have nutritional knowledge and don’t know how different micronutrients will benefit them, they may be put off from buying the supplement because it’s not clear what benefits they will derive from taking it.

Research shows that chlorella benefits for skin also exist. A study published in the journal Clinical Laboratory revealed that chlorella reduces oxidative stress, that can be caused from pollution, stress and a poor diet. The edible algae, which is a cyanobacteria, has the ability to multiply quite rapidly. Cells of the algae are spherical and are rich in a variety of nutrients. The strains that comprise the micro-algae are highly resistant to elevated temperatures and can do well in temperatures that range between 15-40°c. Chlorella can survive in quite a range of diverse environments. However, it is mostly found in freshwater sources as opposed to salty water ones, as well as in soil with specific properties. Cells of the edible algae are quite small and can only be seen under a microscope.

Directions

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common forms of cancer treatment today. Anyone who has gone through either of these treatments, or knows anyone who has, knows what a toll they take on the body. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body. Chlorella benefits are many including detoxification from heavy metals and conventional cancer treatments, boosting the immune system and skin health, helping with weight loss, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and fighting cancer. In Ayurvedic Medicine, chlorella is believed to supply ojas (“vitality” or “life force”) to people who feel run down or who could use an extra boost to their already positive state of health. Nutrition Facts One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it wraps itself around even stubborn toxins residing in our bodies, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. Regular consumption of chlorella can even help keep heavy metals from accumulating in our bodies’ soft tissues and organs in the first place. 2. Detoxifies Radiation and Chemotherapy Chlorella powder and other chlorella supplements can cause side effects in some individuals. What are the side effects of taking chlorella? Some of the chlorella side effects include:

Research has found that chlorella can bind to these heavy metals, flushing them from your system before being absorbed by your body.Again, this isn’t great for those with little knowledge about nutrition, but it’s not actually detrimental to the efficacy of the tablets, obviously. Are you looking for an all-natural supplement that boosts your energy, supports fat loss and helps detox heavy metals like lead and mercury from your body? If so, a freshwater algae called chlorella may be exactly what you need. Is chlorella or spirulina better? While most Americans may have not heard of chlorella, many people have been taking spirulina for years. Chlorella and spirulina are both algaes that contain chlorophyll and offer additional nutrients. They are both waterborne organisms, but at the cellular level, they are quite different.