Chlorella Vs Spirulina – Nutrition, Benefits, & Side Effects

Most people are looking for healthier eating options today, thanks to the increasing awareness about health. This has paved the way for an interesting debate on the efficacy of chlorella and spirulina. These are algae-based supplements rich in nutrients and proteins that can be a healthy addition to your diet. These similar-looking supplements have gained popularity and share similar nutritional profiles. However, they are different in certain ways. Scroll down to learn more about the differences between these two ingredients, their nutrition profiles, benefits, and risks, and how to include them in your diet.

What Are Chlorella And Spirulina?

Chlorella is a nutrient-dense, bright green, round algae with high chlorophyll content. This single-celled, freshwater algae is a nutritional supplement available as powder, capsule, and extract. It has an impressive nutritional profile with many incredible health benefits.

Spirulina is a blue-green, spiral algae that grows in both fresh- and saltwater. This multicellular algae is known for its rich nutritional profile and intense flavor. It is a low-calorie and high-protein supplement with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What are the differences between these two popular and similar-looking algae? Scroll down to learn more in the next section.

Differences Between Chlorella And Spirulina

Chlorella and spirulina are the most popular algae supplements available on the market today. While they provide similar health benefits and share identical nutrient profiles, they also are different from one another.

Chlorella has a higher fat and calorie content when compared to spirulina. However, some strains of spirulina have a higher protein content, making it a popular protein supplement among astronauts (1).

While chlorella is higher in minerals like zinc and magnesium, spirulina is richer in thiamine and copper (2), (3).

Chlorella has a tough cell wall that is difficult to digest, so it must be broken down before it can be consumed. On the other hand, spirulina lacks a tough cell wall and is easily digestible.

Spirulina is available as gummies, powder, or tablets, while chlorella is solely available as a “broken cell wall” supplement.

A major difference between them is that chlorella contains chlorella growth factor, which helps repair nerve cell damage and aid in cell production (4). Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that the chlorella growth factor provides immunity and protects the body from infection (which is not available in spirulina).

With these differences in mind, let’s now take a look at their nutritional composition.

Chlorella And Spirulina: Nutrition Facts

A bowl of 100 grams of these nutrient-dense algae contains (2), (3):

While both chlorella and spirulina contain numerous antioxidants, their nutritional similarities end here.

Chlorella has a  higher calorie, calcium, iron, and fat content than spirulina. Whereas spirulina contains copper and has slightly more thiamin (vitamin B1) than chlorella. Spirulina is richer in omega-6 fatty acids while chlorella contains more omega-3 fats (5), (6).

Both algae supplements contain essential nutrients that provide multiple health benefits. Scroll down to learn why you should include them in your diet.

Benefits Of Chlorella And Spirulina

1. May Help Improve Blood Glucose Levels

Studies suggest that chlorella may help lower blood glucose levels in healthy individuals and those with an increased risk of lifestyle diseases (7), (8). It also prevents the formation of some proteins (AGEs, or advanced glycation end products), which may attract glucose molecules in the body and worsen the symptoms of diabetes (9).

Animal studies indicate that oral supplementation of spirulina may help lower blood sugar levels (10). Spirulina contains important phytochemicals and exhibits anti-diabetic properties that help improve blood sugar levels (11). Daily intake of 0.8 to 8 g of  spirulina supplements may reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (12).

2. May Improve Heart Health

Daily intake of 10 g of pure chlorella tablets and 100 ml of chlorella liquid extract for 2 to 3 months may help regulate blood pressure levels and lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (2),(13).

A study published in Nutrition Journal found that a daily dose (416 mg) of chlorella improved blood lipid levels in people with elevated cholesterol (14). Another study published in 2022 found that chlorella administration reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels (though it did not show any improvement in triglyceridesⁱ  XMost common type of fat molecules found in the body that circulate in the blood and give your body energy. or HDL (good) cholesterol levels) (15).

Similarly, spirulina supplementation showed a significant effect in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (16). One study conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine, Greece, found that the daily intake of 1 gram of spirulina for 3 months lowered LDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent (17).

3. May Offer Antioxidant Benefits

In a study conducted by the Department of Medical Nutrition, Korea, six-week supplementation of chlorella showed a positive impact on plasma antioxidant nutrient status and improved free radical scavenging activities in male smokers (18). Spirulina contains an antioxidant called phycocyanin that may help fight against free radicalsⁱ  XUnstable molecules that build up in your cells and increase the risk of cardiovascular and age-related diseases. (19), (20).

4. May Have Detoxifying Properties

Chlorella and spirulina also act as natural detoxifying agents because of their rich antioxidant content. These supplements have become popular due to their ability to  help remove toxins from our systems (21), (22). Both chlorella and spirulina can be used in higher doses for metal detoxification. But ensure to consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.

While they provide a host of benefits to the body, it is important to note their side effects too. Scroll down to the next section to learn more.

Side Effects Of Chlorella And Spirulina

Intake of chlorella is generally considered safe. However, some individuals may experience side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, and abdominal discomfort (23). Chlorella may also lead to asthmaⁱ  XA chronic condition where airways narrow and swell, causing breathing difficulties, wheezing, and chest pain. and anaphylaxisⁱ  XA potential, life-threatening reaction to an irritant or an allergen that occurs within seconds or minutes from exposure. (24).

Spirulina contains microcystins, excess consumption of which may cause liver problems (25), (26). Anecdotal evidence suggests that spirulina intake may slow down the blood clotting process. However, more studies are warranted in this regard.

Both chlorella and spirulina share similar properties and benefits. But which of the two should you include in your diet? Scroll down to know.

Chlorella Vs. Spirulina: Which One Is Healthier?

Both chlorella and spirulina contain high amounts of protein, fats, and minerals. They exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and act as effective detoxifying agents. While chlorella has a higher iron, omega-3, and zinc content, spirulina has a higher copper content.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that one should exercise caution while consuming these supplements due to their ability to interact with blood-thinning medications. Individuals with autoimmune diseases should avoid taking their supplements as they may worsen the situation.

Both chlorella and spirulina have essential nutrients that make them a healthy addition to one’s diet. But consult your doctor to understand which supplement suits your needs the best before incorporating it into your routine.

Should your doctor give a go-ahead, be informed that adding these ingredients to your diet can be fun and creative! Learn more in the section below.

How To Use Chlorella And Spirulina

There are no recorded guidelines for the proper usage of chlorella or spirulina. Chlorella is available as powder, liquid, or tablet and can be added to your diet in the following ways.

• Add a spoonful of chlorella powder to any smoothie.
• Mix with water, juice, or yogurt.
• Add it to stir-fries, miso soups, or vinaigrette salad dressings.
• Sift a few teaspoons of chlorella powder into your preferred baking flour to make your cookies, cake, or muffins.

Spirulina is available in tablet or powder form and can be incorporated into your diet in the following ways.

• Add to any sweet smoothie to mask its sea flavor.
• Sprinkle it on salads and soups.
• Make energy balls with it.
• Combine spirulina powder with matcha green tea for a creamy breakfast option.
• Add it to a citrusy cocktail like a lemon drop.

To Sum Up

The chlorella vs. spirulina debate has been around for a long time. Both supplements are highly nutritious with many health benefits. They remove toxic metals from your body and help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, people with autoimmune disorders and on blood thinners should avoid using these supplements. Consult your health care provider to understand which supplement is suitable for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better for hair growth – chlorella or spirulina?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that spirulina is richer in protein, vitamin A, fat, and iron than chlorella. These nutrients play a key role in hair growth.

Should I take spirulina and chlorella together?

Yes, it is better if you consume spirulina and chlorella together. This combination is rich in protein and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Their combined detoxifying properties help remove toxins from the body (21), (27).

Why do bodybuilders take spirulina?

Spirulina is rich in protein, an essential nutrient for bodybuilders that also helps repair muscle damage after workouts (28).

Is moringa better than spirulina?

While spirulina contains more protein than moringa, the latter wins the bet when it comes to other vitamins and minerals. In fact, moringa contains twice as much fiber, vitamin A, calcium, and iron as spirulina (29).

Sources

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Sindhu Koganti is a certified health and nutrition life coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to…View Profile ›