Comparing Chlorella and Spirulina

The desire for a healthy lifestyle leads to the fact that many people are forced to abandon standard products — they do not have the proper energy value or do not contain the necessary trace elements and nutrients. And then the diet needs to be supplemented with something else.

Algae are good dietary supplements. These herbal preparations contain unique complexes of nutrients, trace elements and vitamins. That is why they are often referred to such an unusual category of products as «superfood».

The most common types of algae used as a dietary supplement are chlorella and spirulina. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s figure out which seafood should be consumed, and which ones are better to refuse.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a small multicellular algae. It grows in tropical waters, needs an alkaline environment for normal development and is quite suitable even for everyday nutrition. The intake of this algae in large quantities does not have any harmful effects, and the chemical composition of the plant is similar to the BJU balance of ordinary food.

So, spirulina is very rich in protein. It is contained in the plant up to 70% by weight. In addition, spirulina is relatively high in fat (for a «green» product) — up to 7%. And the remaining about 20% of the mass is complex carbohydrates, which are used by the body as an energy source.

Thus, the BJU-balance of spirulina is quite suitable for everyday nutrition. Of course, there are too many proteins in algae, and too few carbohydrates, but for some time it is quite possible to survive on only it. However, spirulina is used as a food supplement, not a main product.

And this is due primarily to the rich content of nutrients.

Benefits of Spirulina

So, spirulina contains a lot of useful substances:

1. The most important omega-3 fatty acids are EPA, DHA and ALA. They have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, muscles, bones and hair. In addition, they are important for improving the condition of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. These acids are exactly the fats in spirulina;

2. Linoleic acid (GLA). This substance is extremely important for the normal functioning of the immune system. It is very important to increase its consumption in the autumn — before the «season of colds»;

3. Calcium, potassium and copper. These trace elements take part in metabolic processes and are actively consumed by the body during the «construction» and «renewal» of all cells, regardless of whether active regeneration processes are underway or not;

4. Vitamins C and K. Necessary for hematopoiesis and improving immunity.

It is worth noting that there is no vitamin B12 in spirulina, despite advertising assurances. It contains substances similar to this compound. However, they do not have vitamin activity and are useless.

Benefits of spirulina

In addition to directly containing a unique complex of useful substances and trace elements, spirulina boasts a positive effect on the body of the user. So, among the most pronounced effect can be identified:

1. A set of muscle mass. The protein from this algae is involved in the development of muscles. Therefore, it will be useful for bodybuilders and athletes who build muscle mass;

2. Use in weight loss programs. Spirulina is a high protein food that can replace some other foods. The protein contained in it dulls the feeling of hunger and promotes the development of muscles;

3. Extraction of heavy elements. Spirulina shows a bright detoxifying effect. It well removes arsenic from the body — both in its “pure” form and in the form of salts;

4. Lowering blood cholesterol levels. Consuming spirulina has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by up to 41% in 8 weeks. It is clear that this reduces the risk of atherosclerosis;

5. Antihypertensive effect. Regular consumption of spirulina helps in normalizing blood pressure. This algae contains phycocyanin, which has this effect;

6. Prevention of non-alcoholic hepatosis. Spirulina improves the condition of the liver and contributes to its protection during stressful and inflammatory «loads».

In addition, a number of studies show that taking spirulina has a positive anti-cancer effect, reducing the risk of developing malignant tumors of the pancreas.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater algae that lives in almost all rivers and lakes. Its main feature is the content of a huge amount of chlorophyll. It is he who gives the algae (and the water in which it lives) a rich green color.

This algae is a source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. There are even more of them than spirulina. Chlorella preparations may well be used as an alternative to traditional vitamin complexes.

In addition, chlorella is known for its excellent detox effect. Preparations based on it are used in many modern programs aimed at cleansing the body of heavy metals, organic and inorganic contaminants, as well as restoring microelement balance.

Useful substances in chlorella

Chlorella is a unique source of nutrients. It contains a huge amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and nutrients. So, the BJU-balance of this algae includes:

1. 45% protein, and rich in amino acids (there are more of them than in most vegetable products);

2. 20% fat as essential acids. The main ones are «Omega-3», useful for skin, muscles, bones and hair, and «Omega-6»;

3. 25% of carbohydrates that the body needs for energy;

4. 5% insoluble fiber, which has a positive effect on the state of the digestive system.

In addition, this algae is rich in other beneficial substances and trace elements:

1. Calcium, magnesium and zinc. These trace elements are actively involved in metabolism and are used by the body in the work of cells, tissues, organs and systems;

2. Vitamin C. Extremely useful for the formation of immunity.

However, it is worth noting that there is no vitamin B12 in chlorella. This algae contains a similar substance, but it is not involved in metabolism and therefore does not have a beneficial effect on the body. Chlorella is not recommended as a source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians.

Benefits of chlorella

Chlorella in the form of a food supplement has a complex and diverse positive effect on the body. Among the most striking effects are:

1. Participation in the process of losing weight. Studies show that taking chlorella-based preparations helps in “burning” visceral fat, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels;

2. Withdrawal of heavy metals. This blue-green algae effectively cleanses the body of lead, cadmium, uranium and mercury. That is why it is often used in detox programs;

3. Reducing cholesterol levels. Relatively small doses of chlorella (about 8 grams per day) provide a rapid decrease in blood and serum cholesterol levels, thereby preventing the appearance and development of atherosclerosis and similar diseases of the cardiovascular system;

4. Decreased blood pressure. Studies show that chlorella has an antihypertensive effect. Thus, it can be used to lower blood pressure as well as prevent hypertension;

5. Improving immunity. A large amount of vitamin C and the special composition of chlorella enhance the protective function of the body — blood cells begin to actively fight various viruses and bacteria;

6. Prevention of diabetic complications. Clinical studies show that chlorella has a pronounced antioxidant effect. And it, accordingly, helps to prevent diabetic complications;

7. Slow down aging. The antioxidants contained in this supplement help slow down skin aging and harmful oxidative processes in the body.

8. The immune-boosting effect of chlorella is manifested in another of its beneficial properties. This algae can also be used to prevent cancer! So, its reception activates the so-called «T-killers» — special cells that fight cancerous and benign tumors.

Which is better — chlorella or spirulina?

So, with the features of each of the algae sorted out. Now let’s compare them!

It is clear that, despite their similarities, chlorella and spirulina have a completely different effect. The best solution would be to take two drugs sequentially.

First, it is advisable to drink a course of chlorella. It will help remove heavy metals from the body and improve overall health. And then switch to spirulina, which already has a more complex and comprehensive positive effect.

The only “but” is that when taking spirulina, it is necessary to control the BJU-balance of the rest of the diet.