Both Spirulina and Chlorella are micro-algae and have been introduced as the new “superfood”.
Both types of micro-algae are healthy and the differences between them are minor;
However, there has all the time since they were introduced been a debate going on about Spirulina vs Chlorella.
In this article we will look at both differences and similarities.
Both Spirulina and Chlorella have gained popularity as dietary supplements.
Various studies and research have shown that they have considerable health benefits because of their high levels of antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and carbohydrates.
Both are alkaline and help to regulate the body’s pH.
It’s said to be an important supplement for vegan and vegetarians because of the proteins which often are lacking in their diet.
Both micro-algae are available in various forms like tablets, capsules and powder as supplements.
They are both cultivated commercially by various artificial farming methods.
Spirulina is a blue – green algae which thrives in many different environments like salt water, fresh water, alkaline water and brackish water from the tropics and up to the North-Sea.
Chlorella is a green algae that grows in fresh water all over the world.
It belongs to the division Chlorophyta and is a single-celled organism which just like plants uses the photosynthesis for energy production.
In fact Chlorella has a bit more advanced cellular structure than Spirulina by the fact that it’s eukaryotic (nucleus, membrane and mitochondria are present).
While Spirulina is prokaryotic (nucleus, membrane and mitochondria are absent).
Nutrient value
Spirulina’s protein content is higher than that of Chlorella, more than 60% and the protein in Spirulina is superior to all other animal or plant based proteins.
It’s nutritional content also includes essential fatty acids, GLA fatty acids, lipids, nucleic acids, B-complex, Vitamin C, B and E, carotenoids (chlorophyll, phycocyanin).
In dried form Chlorella consists of more than 40% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrates and 10% minerals and vitamins.
Chlorella has much of the same nutrients as Spirulina but also vitamin K and higher in chlorophyll.
Healing properties
Chlorella is most known for its ability to strengthen the body’s natural defense system and to detoxify chemicals and heavy metals.
Experiments on rats have shown that Chlorella has cancer fighting properties, preventing liver disease regulating cholesterol and treating fungal infections.
Spirulina also strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.
It also works as a detox like Chlorella.
It has also been used for treating high cholesterol, intestinal difficulties, allergies, anemia, arthritis, internal inflammation, diabetes, gout, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, radiation poisoning, combating stroke and heart damage.