Chlorella vs Spirulina: Which is Better?

Wondering which one of these bright green-blue nutrient-dense foods is superior?

In this guide, you'll be learning the fundamental differences between the two supplements, their incredible benefits, and which is the best one for you.

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella Vulgaris is a freshwater green algae that's cultivated in North America and Asia. Today, countless quantities of dried Chlorella are produced in these countries every year.

This natural superfood has a highly-nutritious composition of 55 to 60% protein (including all 9 of the essential amino acids), 9 to 18% of dietary fiber, and a huge amount of beneficial minerals and vitamins source).

Benefits

Chlorella offers a range of nutritional benefits, especially as a rich plant-based protein source. It boasts nine essential amino acids, many of the B vitamins, Vitamin A, zinc, and iron, making it an awesome food source for vegans.

Thanks to its complete amino acid profile, it has the ability to lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, improve heart health, decrease blood pressure, and balance blood sugar levels.

When it comes to detoxing the body, Chlorella does a fantastic job of binding with heavy metals and toxins to flush them out.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a freshwater and saltwater blue-green algae known as cyanobacteria.

It's considered a powerful superfood, like the microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris but it's different in the sense that it's actually a photosynthesizing bacteria – not a true algae plant.

This potent functional food has been harvested for centuries in Bodou and Rombou Lakes in the Central African country called Chad for its array of health benefits.

Benefits

The benefits of regularly taking this nutrient-dense dietary supplement are endless.

Spirulina is known to have excellent antioxidant properties thanks to the compound phycocyanin, which decreases inflammation, supports immune function, reduces cancer, and boosts cognitive function.

Numerous studies have found that spirulina supplementation can help to lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol in the body Source).

Athletes specifically love Spirulina for its potential to enhance exercise endurance by decreasing oxidative stress – meaning you are able to train harder for longer.

What is the Difference Between Chlorella and Spirulina?

While Chlorella and Spirulina both promote human health and improve overall wellbeing, they each have something unique to bring to the table.

How are they similar?

Each of these amazing plant-based superfoods is known as a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids – and in similar quantities (Spirulina may have slightly more).

They are also equal in vitamin B2, folate, magnesium, and carbohydrate content.

Since they're both single-celled microorganisms rich in antioxidants, they are highly effective at binding to toxins and heavy metals trapped in the body (especially in the blood).

In this sense, one is not better than the other – they both are excellent for purging harmful substances from the body, like aluminum and cadmium, for example. And often without the unwanted side effects of detoxing.

Which One is Best For You?

Both of these functional foods offer unique advantages – one isn't necessarily better than the other. But if you have to pick only one, it comes down to your individual health needs.

Although they both offer the potential health benefits of boosting the immune system, lowering high blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and removing toxins from the body, most nutritionists recommend opting for a Chlorella supplement.

Why?

Chlorella has a slight nutritional advantage over Spirulina, as it contains more chlorophyll, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.

The two offer a similar amount of protein, with certain types of Spirulina offering only slightly more protein. The only big difference is that Chlorella doesn't contain a high copper content (which is pretty rare to be deficient in).

The ideal would be to supplement with both Spirulina and Chlorella – then you won't be missing out on anything these superb nutritious foods have to offer. Plus, variety is key to good health!

Can you take Chlorella and Spirulina together?

If you really want to take advantage of all the benefits Spirulina and Chlorella supplements have to offer, combining the two is an excellent choice!

Together, they will provide you with a whopping amount of plant protein, antioxidants, detoxing properties, essential vitamins, minerals, and a huge variety of health benefits (discussed above).

How to Consume Spirulina and Chlorella

These algae supplements come in a variety of different forms, with the most common being a powder – either standalone or mixed into a superfood greens powder.

If you don't mind the raw, earthy, algae flavor, you can mix it into a glass of water and gulp it down, or for a more tasty alternative, you can blend it into a smoothie or other foods.

You also have the convenient option of taking them in the form of a tablet if the powder doesn't appeal to you.

Whatever you choose, it's essential that you pick high-quality, organic Chlorella or Spirulina supplements without harmful contaminants or additives.

Recommended Dosages

As will any dietary supplement, consistency plays a big role in achieving the results you desire. Be patient and consistent with taking these superfoods- and you'll be rewarded!

Chlorella supplements

It's advised to take between 2 and 5 grams of Chlorella daily.

If it's your first time supplementing with potent food, it's best to start small and work your way up to a higher dose – to avoid potential side effects.

Spirulina supplements

The recommended daily dose of Spirulina is around 1 to 5 grams daily; however, studies have shown that anything up to 10 grams is effective and safe!

FAQs

Who should not take Chlorella and Spirulina supplements?

The following groups of people need to take precautions with Spirulina and Chlorella:

It's also important to note that taking these supplements in higher doses (19 grams) for long periods of time (more than 2 months) can cause lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Do Chlorella and Spirulina remove heavy metals?

In very high doses, Spirulina and Chlorella can be very effective for detoxing heavy metals from the body. And unlike most detoxes, they rarely are accompanied by the unwanted side effects associated with detoxification.

They have the ability to bind with heavy metals like cadmium, aluminum, uranium, mercury, and even radioactive materials to flush them out.

Chlorella supplements have been used therapeutically for those working in the mines and areas where there are high levels of air pollution and a shortage of safe drinking water.

What is the best time to take Spirulina and Chlorella?

Chlorella and Spirulina can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.

You can also spread them over 2 or 3 doses throughout the day instead of taking one large dose.

Ideally, take Chlorella and/or Spirulina at least an hour before or after taking any other medication (like birth control) to avoid interactions.

Because these supplements are rich in iron, you want to make sure your body absorbs it by not drinking tea or coffee during the same time period (it will inhibit iron absorption).

Taking Spirulina and Chlorella consistently every day will guarantee you receive the many health benefits they have to offer in the long run.

Chlorella Vs. Spirulina: The Verdict

And the healthiest algae is… BOTH.

Combining these two powerful superfoods will provide you with the ultimate variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and a lot of plant protein!

On the other hand, if you would prefer to supplement with only one of them, the best supplement for you will be the one most suitable to your specific health requirements since Chlorella and Spirulina both offer a unique set of health benefits.

Most health experts recommend opting for Chlorella, as its nutritional profile is slightly more nutrient-dense than Spirulina (it contains more chlorophyll, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients).

Whether you choose the one or the other (or both), always make sure to check that the product is a 3rd party-tested, high-quality supplement that is sourced from pure, uncontaminated waters.

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