Chlorella and spirulina are both types of green algae that are amazing for your health. These small but mighty algae are worth getting to know if you aren’t familiar with them yet!
They’re both superfoods high in nutrition, packed with plant protein, vitamins and minerals, and boast an abundance of benefits including ridding your body of toxins, supporting brain health, and fighting illnesses.
How do chlorella and spirulina differ? Is one or the other better for you–or should you use both? Let’s take a look.
Chlorella vs. Spirulina
Chlorella is a green algae that’s grown in freshwater, while its close cousin, spirulina is a blue-green algae grown in both freshwater and saltwater.
Algae is an ancient food source. In fact, chlorella has been around for thousands of years; one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. It’s becoming increasingly accepted as a sustainable food source. These algae grow quickly, are high-yielding, and require minimal resources to farm.
Chlorella and spirulina actually have more qualities in common than they do that are different, however there are a few key differences worth noting.
A Few Key Differences:
Spirulina
Has significantly more copper—85% DV per ounce. Copper is important for providing your body with energy, building connective tissue, and blood vessels. It also helps form collagen.
Provides more protein—Spirulina has 60-70% protein, while chlorella isn’t far behind at 50-60% protein.
Highly digestible—Spirulina has no cellulose cell wall, unlike other plant proteins. This makes it generally easier to digest.
Chlorella
Contains more omega-3 fatty acids—Omega-3’s are important for overall health and many of us aren’t getting enough of them! They support healthy brain development and function, emotional development, reduce inflammation in the body, and may improve sleep.
Is higher in magnesium and vitamin K–Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in muscle and nerve function, energy production and numerous physiological functions in the body. Vitamin K is important for bone and cardiovascular health.
Contains fiber–Chlorella may improve digestion with its fiber content and beneficial bacteria, while also promoting gut health.
Contains ALL vitamins required by humans–Not only does chlorella contain all vitamins required by humans, it’s high in D2 and B12, both of which are absent in other plants.
Aside from the differences above, both chlorella and spirulina algae overlap in some great health benefits.
4 Health Benefits of Both Chlorella & Spirulina
1. Detoxify Your Body
Every day, our bodies are exposed to harmful toxins through the things that we eat, put on our bodies, and even in the environment around us. Chlorella and spirulina are known for their detoxifying properties. They bind to heavy metals and other toxins and help our bodies to eliminate them.
Protein doesn’t have just one function in our bodies, it has many. When we aren’t getting enough protein in our diets we can’t perform at our best. We may heal more slowly and feel sluggish and weak.
Protein is important for our bodies to:
● Sustain energy
● Build and repair muscle and tissue
● Strengthen our immune system
● Regulate fluids
● Prevent infections
3. Provide Antioxidants
Chlorella and spirulina are a great source of antioxidants, which are important for a healthy immune system and for fighting free radicals that can lead to unwanted inflammation.
● Support healthy eyes, including age-related vision loss
● Help heart health
● Support healthy aging
● Help prevent serious illness
● Improve physical and mental health
Chlorella’s beautiful green color is evidence of the high amount of chlorophyll found in the algae. The presence of chlorophyll is what gives it its strong antioxidant power. It also contains these popular antioxidants: vitamin C, lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene.
On the other hand, Spirulina’s intense blue-green color comes from the antioxidant phycocyanin, which protects cells, reduces inflammation, supports your liver, helps protect your brain, and boosts immunity.
4. Energize You
Chlorella and spirulina are two of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Due to this and their unique compounds they can give you the energy boost that you need.
They’re so versatile because they fit into almost any diet and are easily added to what you’re currently eating. Chlorella and spirulina are both superfoods that pack a powerful punch when it comes to sustained energy.
So, Which is Better?
It depends on what you’re looking for. They’re both beneficial for improving your health. This is good news! You can’t go wrong either way, and they can even be combined!
How to Use Chlorella and Spirulina
Now that you’re convinced that you want to add one or both of these superfood algas to your diet, what’s the best way?
Both chlorella and spirulina are available as capsules or in greens powders.
Try putting into different recipes; think soups, salads, hummus, or protein balls
The Best of Both Worlds
BrainMD’s Neuro Greens Superfood Powdercombines the best of both worlds with chlorella and spirulina in powder form.
Neuro Greens Superfood Powder includes:
14 fruit and vegetable concentrates
4 immune-supporting mushrooms
3 nutrient-dense algae
3 prebiotic fibers
With all these things, Neuro Greens Superfood Powder offers antioxidant protection, immune support, and gut health. More than that, it’s a great way to feel good about getting the benefits of spirulina and chlorella along with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
Chlorella and Spirulina Both Support Overall Health
Chlorella and spirulina are classified as superfoods for good reason! They complement each other beautifully. So when wondering which is better, there isn’t a clear winner. By adding one, or both, algas to your diet, you’ll be the winner.
They’re an excellent source of high-quality plant protein, they help rid your body of toxins, provide you with antioxidants, and will leave you feeling more energized.
At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
Amy Huffmire is passionate about helping individuals and families live their best lives through nutrition and fitness, as she has seen the positive effects these things have had in her own life. She loves to write in many forms and genres from children's stories to research articles. She has a BS in Business from Brigham Young University.
