What Is the Difference Between Spirulina and Chlorella?

The green powders and tablets spirulina and chlorella are increasingly popular as 'superfoods' known for their positive effects on the body. This blog explores why these superfoods are beneficial and what they contain.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina falls under the category of blue-green algae. It is a microscopic alga with a spiral shape, hence the name 'spirulina'. Spirulina has existed for 3.5 billion years, making it one of the most important algae species globally. Spirulina thrives in alkaline water, particularly in mineral-rich lakes and waters.

Blue spirulina contains phycocyanin, the pigment responsible for spirulina's blue colour. Phycocyanin is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the immune system.

Green spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, giving it a green colour. This pigment has special detoxifying and liver-protective effects. Today, spirulina is mainly cultivated in North America and Asia.

Effects of Spirulina

Spirulina has an exceptionally high nutritional value. With a protein content of 60-70%, spirulina is one of the richest protein sources. It also contains all the essential nutrients you need.

The antioxidant activity of spirulina is mainly attributed to the presence of two phycobiliproteins: phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.

Spirulina is also rich in the vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and B11). Additionally, it is a potent source of the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, chromium, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium, copper, and calcium. These nutrients are easily absorbed by the body from spirulina.

What Is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a green single-celled freshwater algae, discovered in 1890 by Dutch microbiologist M.W. Beijerinck. The name chlorella means 'little green leaf'. It grows in large quantities in rivers and lakes in Southeast Asia.

The green colour is due to the high amount of chlorophyll present, which has a detoxifying and liver-protective effect. There are different types of chlorella, but the most commonly used in dietary supplements are Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa.

Effects of Chlorella

Chlorella packs healthy nutrients, including 20 vitamins and minerals. Chlorella is particularly high in beta-carotene, a provitamin that the body converts into vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in cell renewal and is a powerful antioxidant.

Chlorella also contains healthy fats and a complete B-vitamin complex. It is rich in chlorophyll, fibre, glucosamine, and enzymes like chlorophyllase and pepsin. It also contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, as well as vitamins C, E, and K.

The Differences Between Spirulina and Chlorella

Both spirulina and chlorella are superfoods rich in healthy nutrients. So what are the differences? Here’s a comparison:

• Spirulina is a blue-green saltwater algae, while chlorella is a green freshwater algae
• Chlorella contains more chlorophyll, making it a stronger detoxifier
• Spirulina has a higher protein and fatty acid content than chlorella
• Chlorella contains more beta-carotene than spirulina
• Spirulina contains phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant

Purasana Spirulina and Chlorella

Spirulina and chlorella are available in tablet and powder form. You can find Chlorella and Spirulina raw powder at Purasana. The powders are perfect for use in smoothies and dishes.

Chlorella and Spirulina tablets are also available from Purasana. In several of Purasana's 'super mix' powders, such as the Slimming Mix, spirulina and chlorella have been added for their healthy and effective properties.

And yes, you can feel free to combine chlorella and spirulina, as they each have their benefits!