Chlorella-Spirulina
Although similar, both chlorella and spirulina contain some uniquely different nutrients and with these, benefits. If you can’t choose between these two powerful superfoods, you don’t need to! We have combined the two into a brand new, combined formula.
What is Chlorella?
Chlorella, Chlorella Vulgaris, is single-celled, freshwater algae that originate from the Chlorellaceae family. In recent years, the green algae have exploded in popularity as a nutritional supplement, due to its rich and diverse nutritional profile.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina, Arthrospira Platensis, is a planktonic algae that was first discovered by the Aztecs and has been part of the human diet for centuries. It is for this reason that the World Health Organisation considers spirulina as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet! Among the wide array of nutrients packed into both greens are protein, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B9, B12, magnesium, copper, iron, and chlorophyll.
Key Health Aspects of Chlorella-Spirulina
Superfood is a term that is often misused nowadays. It should be used only for foods that are rich in a wide variety of nutrients, and so is considered to be ‘especially healthy’. Both chlorella and spirulina are foods that were initially considered as food alternatives to provide sustenance to the rising population demands due to their rich nutrient profile and have been awarded the label of superfood.
- Complete source of protein
- Vitamin B1, B2, B7, B9 (folate), B12 & K
- Iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Antioxidants
- Chlorophyll
Complete protein
Both chlorella and spirulina consist of 50-60% complete protein. This means that it provides the nine essential amino acids, including leucine, that we cannot produce in the body (Source: NCBI & NCBI). In fact, green algae are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein available! It is for this reason that chlorella and spirulina are often used to supplement vegetarian and vegan diets.
Antioxidants
Chlorella and spirulina both contain a diverse range of powerful plant nutrients, called phytonutrients. These compounds provide natural antioxidant effects, detoxifying and quenching harmful substances that can accumulate in our bodies.
A recent study showed that chlorella supplementation considerably increased the antioxidant levels in the blood of smokers. The most common class of these antioxidative nutrients is known as carotenoids and chlorella contains several important carotenoids including lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Spirulina is also a rich source of antioxidants, especially phycocyanin. This has been well-studied and shown to provide a host of healthful benefits, especially the quenching of harmful oxidized species mentioned above (Source: PLOS).
Studies have also shown that regular supplementation of spirulina may potentially increase the production of defense cells, and help to prevent the activation of the more aggressive stage of the immune response in athletes (Source: Taylor & Francis).
Immune Components
Although natural supplements do not rapidly ‘boost’ or ‘ignite’ the immune system, some can provide the raw materials e.g. antioxidants, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals that if consumed on a regular basis, can help to support optimal immune function (Source: NCBI).
These raw materials support the regular function of T-cells and NK fighter cells, the first line of defence of our immune system. Chlorella and spirulina provide an abundance of these materials and have been shown, in early studies (Source: NCBI), to promote the production of antibodies. Regular supplementation of chlorella may also help to reduce the risk and severity of infection in athletes (Source: Springer).
Chlorophyll
Chlorella is one of the richest sources of a powerful antioxidant known as chlorophyll. This is a pigment that is only found in plants and is required to produce nutrients through photosynthesis. While humans cannot use it for the same reasons, chlorophyll may help to detoxify harmful substances in the body, skin repair, blood sugar control, and oxygen delivery.
Vitamins
Chlorella is one of only few plant foods that contain a bioactive source of vitamin B12 (Source: NCBI). This is an essential vitamin, that we cannot produce in the body. It is usually attained from animal sources, such as meat and dairy. It is critical for nerve function, energy as well as red blood cell and DNA production.
Both super-greens are rich sources of vitamin A, B1, B2, B9 (folate) and vitamin K, which is required by our bodies to make blood-clotting proteins. This ensures that wounds and bruises heal normally.
Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that we require in very small amounts, but without them, our bodies would not function. Chlorella provides a source of several key minerals including magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. In just one serving of our algae combo, you will reach your daily iron needs. This mineral is essential for oxygen delivery around the body and the reduction of fatigue and tiredness (Source: NCBI).