Both chlorella and spirulina have made a name for themselves in the health foods industry as types of superfoods that we should be consuming. However, people often get the two of them mixed up. Both are green powders that are made from freshwater algae and packed full of nutritional value, but they both are different in terms of numerous health properties that they provide.
What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a tiny single-celled organism that grows in freshwater environments. There are over 30 types of chlorella, but the most common ones are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa.
What is unique about chlorella is that it has a hard and fibrous cell wall that makes it indigestible for humans. Thus, chlorella has to be taken in the form of a supplement, such as powders, tablets, extracts or capsules, to obtain its benefits.
For its nutritional value, chlorella tends to be a richer source of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, zinc and riboflavin. It also contains high levels of vitamins B, C, D, E, K and beta-carotenes, alpha-carotenoids and lutein.
Chlorella is also excellent for healthy hormonal function and cardiovascular health, high in antioxidants and great for blood sugar control. It can even help with detoxifying the body.
What is Spirulina?
On the other hand, spirulina is a blue-green spiral-shaped microalgae that grows in freshwater lakes and springs. Spirulina was actually consumed by the ancient Aztecs who found this organism to be full of health benefits. Most supplements are made from Arthrospira or Spirulina maxima and Arthrospira platensis.
Spirulina is thought to be one of the most complete nutritional supplements. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron and magnesium. It is also rich in chlorophyll, polysaccharides, sulfolipids, and glycolipids.
Due to the high amounts of Vitamin B2, B6 and selenium, spirulina is great for metabolism and energy levels, while promoting immunity and protecting from cell damage. Compared to chlorella, spirulina has more protein and is higher in antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Both Chlorella and Spirulina
However, both microalgae are also low in fats and sugars but high in proteins, idoine, iron, chlorophyll and carotenoids. They are both very suitable for those who are vegan and vegetarian and need to boost their nutritional intake. Moreover, you only need a few grams of powdered spirulina or chlorella to add to your nutrients levels. They both also can be easily added to your daily breakfast smoothie for better intake.
Although they both seem highly beneficial for us, spirulina does offer higher levels of phytochemicals that can help lower the risk of cancer and boosting of the immune system. In contrast, chlorella is better known for detoxifying your system.
Chlorella’s Secret Weapon - Chlorella Growth Factor
However, chlorella also contains another secret weapon - a unique complex called chlorella growth factor. Discovered in the 1890s, it was only in the 1950s when a Japanese scientist, Dr. Fujimake discovered how to extract this from chlorella via hot water and cultivate the many benefits of chlorella.
Chlorella growth factor (CGF) allows chlorella cells to multiply 4 times every 20-24 hours, resulting in the ability to repair damage in nerve tissues and help with cell production. This can aid the body when it comes to growth, recovery and wound healing. It can also increase immunity and is said to defend against tumours.
Other Health Benefits include:
- Builds the immune system
- Maintains health, beauty and youth
- Increases the body's resistance against disease infections
- Controls tumour cells
- Stimulates tissue and genetic material repair
- Regulates enzyme production
- Regains energy
- Protects cells against toxins
- Improves bowel function and memory
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves liver function and blood counts
- Regulates blood sugar
- Helps heal stomach ulcer, skin disorders, and anaemia
- Removes headache
- Stimulates appetite
For all the available benefits listed above, Nature’s Glory has sourced CGF extract from the Yaeyama islands of Japan - one of the world’s most potent sources of Chlorella.
Our Nature’s Glory Yaeyama Chlorella is harvested for its highest nutrient levels in Chlorella Growth Factor (C.G.F.), up to 24%, and chlorophyll, 1.4 times higher than those indoor-cultivated ones. It has the highest digestibility, 100 percent purity and an exceptionally fragrant taste. Yaeyama is the world pioneer and has over 40 years of technology in the cultivation of Chlorella.
Chlorella also has many benefits including boosting immunity, increasing the body’s resistance against disease infections, defending against toxins in the body, and helping to improve bowel function, liver function and blood sugar levels.
Find out more about Nature’s Glory Yaeyama Chlorella here.