There are two main types of nutritional algae found in green leafy vegetable supplements. They are chlorella and spirulina. Both dry microalgae into a dark green powder that “provides a range of important nutrients, including healthy fats and vegan protein,” says Paul Falcone, BODi’s chief scientist.
Both contain high levels of antioxidant-like compounds and are taken as health-promoting supplements, but which one is better than the other?
Falcone helped us take a closer look at chlorella and spirulina. Read this article to find out which green reigns supreme as the best high-quality plant-based source of vitamins, protein, and antioxidants.
What is the difference between chlorella and spirulina?
There are two main differences between these microalgae: processing methods and nutritional profiles.
1. Processing
Spirulina is harvested and dried. This is a simple commercial process that has been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures in Africa and Mexico.
Chlorella, on the other hand, has a cell wall that needs to be broken down to make it easier to digest and to prevent rare photosensitivity in consumers. However, this adds a step to the packaging process, which explains why spirulina was initially more popular. Chlorella was only discovered in the 1800s and has had the necessary ability to penetrate cell walls since the 1970s.
2. Nutritional Profile
Spirulina has been around commercially longer, but chlorella may be more nutritious. “Chlorella wins here because it contains higher amounts of important nutrients,” Falcone says.
Health benefits of spirulina
Although chlorella is nutritionally superior, spirulina still has many health benefits. Here are its main properties.
1. Vitamins and minerals
Spirulina provides more copper than chlorella, containing nearly twice the daily value (DV) of copper per ounce. It also contains slightly more vitamin B1, also known as thiamin.
2. Protein
Spirulina contains 16 grams per ounce, making it extremely high in protein for a plant-based food. Not only is it high in protein content, it is also composed of a wide variety of amino acids (the building blocks of protein), which are the key to protein quality.
Chlorella health benefits
Spirulina is superior to chlorella in several ways, but chlorella is superior to spirulina in many more ways. Here are some examples of its health benefits.
1. Vitamins and minerals
Compared to spirulina, chlorella contains more than seven times more phosphorus. Phosphorus is an important mineral and a structural component of DNA, RNA, and ATP (an energy molecule).
2. Protein
Like spirulina, chlorella is about 50% protein by weight, making it a good way to get protein from plant sources.
3. Chelation
Both microalgae are effective in removing heavy metals from the body. However, chelating with chlorella also provides many additional benefits of chlorella compared to spirulina.
Falcone points out that chlorella used to be more complicated to produce than spirulina, but things have changed. “Since cell wall destruction is now part of the chlorella harvesting process, chlorella can now be produced as quickly and efficiently as spirulina. We expect it to become even more popular.”
4. Healthy fats
In a study comparing multiple samples of Spirulina and Chlorella, both microalgae contained a variety of important fatty acids. However, a total of nine samples showed wide variation in fatty acid composition due to differences in growth conditions and processing, although chlorella appeared to provide higher amounts of certain healthy fats.
Research results on heart health
Chlorella and spirulina have been studied to benefit cardiovascular health. These are proven to support normal heart health.
conclusion
Spirulina has many health benefits and is a great addition to any meal, but chlorella is a better choice for overall health and wellness.
As Falcone says, many of chlorella’s benefits come from the science-based action of key nutrients. Proteins are essential building blocks of life, phosphorus is a necessary structural component of DNA and ATP, and healthy fats help support normal brain and health. Cell function. Whatever your health goals, chlorella is a great tool to have in your kit. *
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
