Chlorella

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Chlorella is a freshwater algae which grows in ponds and lakes in Southeast Asia and Australia. Chlorella is used as a nutritional supplement, which is available in tablet, liquid and powder form.

The whole of the plant is used in the production of these supplements, as it is nutrient-dense. Chlorella tablets are great for those looking to add more healthy greens to their diet.

What is the difference between chlorella and spirulina?

These two superfoods are very similar since they are closely related. Both chlorella and spirulina come from a tiny, single cell algae and are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. They both harness energy from sunlight to fuel their growth. However, they do have some key differences, including their structure and how they work in the body.

Chlorella is a vivid green algae which has around 10 times more chlorophyll than spirulina. Spirulina is a blue green algae which is not as old a species as chlorella. They can be taken as supplements independently or combined to make the most of the nutrients contained in each one. If you want to understand more about chlorella check out our Guide to Chlorella.

What benefits does Chlorella have?

Chlorella has become popular in recent years thanks to its high content of nutrients. However, it was first discovered as a superfood in the 1940s, when it was thought it could be a cheap source of protein, when other foods were scarce. Chlorella is an excellent source of protein, with up to 70% protein content as well as containing all nine essential amino acids.

This makes it especially useful as part of a vegan diet. Vegans can sometimes find it difficult to achieve the daily recommendations for protein intake, as protein is often gained from meat, fish and dairy products in a carnivorous diet. And so taking a chlorella supplement regularly will help to achieve this.

Chlorella is also rich in iron. Iron is important to normal functioning of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. Iron also has a part to play in lots of other processes in the body, including energy production and the regulation of body temperature.

Chlorella is very high in vitamin B12, which helps contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system while the iron content contributes to healthy immune system functioning and energy-yielding metabolism. Again, an iron supplement may be useful to someone following a vegan diet since it can be difficult to get through eating plant based food alone.

If you want to further your knowledge of chlorella benefits read our article about Chlorella Benefits and 4 Reasons to Try.

How can I take Chlorella?

Chlorella can be added to a balanced diet in a supplement form, which you can either take as capsules, tablets or as a powder. Chlorella tablets work to enhance vitality and energy. These tablets are rich in chlorophyll, which is the part of the chlorella plant which absorbs sunlight during photosynthesis and converts it to energy.

Chlorella powder is an easy way to incorporate chlorella into your daily balanced diet. Add this supplement to a smoothie or drink in with water. You can also add it to salad dressings and baked goods for a nutritional hit. High in protein, vitamin E and iron, this supplement can act as a pick me up, as it contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Shop our range of superfood and green powders.

Recommended chlorella dosage

There are currently no dietary recommendations for taking chlorella so ensure that you read the label on each individual supplement and follow the recommended dosage, to avoid taking more than is advised.