Spirulina (aka blue-green algae) vs Chlorella (aka as green algae)

Some people thought they are the same.  They may be similar as they are both algae.  Spirulina and Chlorella tablets may even look like twins.  But, they are NOT the same.

Chlorella (commonly known as green algae) is another well-known edible alga, and is popularly consumed as health food. Chlorella was introduced into Singapore market much earlier than Spirulina. 

Below are the distinctive differences between them: 

* Higher and Better Digestibility in Spirulina *

Spirulina can fully absorb nutritional contents with its prominent digestibility of 95% and contained many more nutritional components such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. These are efficiently utilized in your body. Chlorella only has digestibility level of about 60 to 82%. Unlike Chlorella, cell wall of Spirulina requires no special treatment. It is soft and does not contain indigestible cellulose. It is made up of muramic polysaccharide and is exceptionally easy for digestion and assimilation in its natural state!

* Three Times Higher Beta-Carotene Content in Spirulina *

Beta-carotene is one of the key nutrition to maintain our immune level, and protect our membrane systems. 4g/day dosage of Spirulina equal to intake of 6mg/day of Beta-carotene, which is the recommendable intake level for protection from cancer. As for Chlorella, it requires 12grms to achieve 6mg.

* Higher Alkaline Score in Spirulina *

80% of Alkaline food is recommended to ensure a balance and healthy diet. Alkaline score of Spirulina is more than 40, while alkaline score of Chlorella is between 20 to 25 and vegetables are normally between 10 to 15.

So, you be the judge...

Protein vs Common Food

Food Source Beta-Cartone vs Common Vegetables and Fruits

Iron Content of Spirulina vs Other Common Food

Spirulina vs Supplements

We know that vitamins and minerals are vital in maintaining healthy bodily systems.  However, we are also aware that our foods are providing less of what we need to due overprocessing and certain farming techniques.

There are many supplements and multivitamins available so it can be confusing to know what is best.

One thing we can rely on is that nutrients from a plant source will be far superior than those from a laboratory produced, synthetic product.

The human body needs certain ratios of specific nutrients in order to function properly and efficiently. Our bodies can be thrown out of sync by one nutrient deficiency.  Most vitamins and minerals need a specific combination and ratio of other vitamins and minerals for effective metabolic reaction.

The vitamin and mineral molecules in foods are attached to proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Our body recognizes all of these as fuel. 

Unfortunately, most supplements are synthetically engineered combinations of only isolated vitamins and minerals.

The labels of these supplements may claim the consumer will receive their daily requirements if they take the recommended dosage.  

However, many of these nutrients are not bound to anything so may have an entirely different chemical structure than those found in foods.  This also means they may have a different effect on the body.

It is well known that some nutrients, such as calcium and iron, are not well absorbed. Complex factors that aid absorption may be missing in lab formulated supplements. 

Studies have shown that the nutrients delivered by Spirulina are better digested and absorbed that any synthetic supplement.

Spirulina offers functional nutrients and phytochemicals as well as new frontiers for disease prevention research. 

Medical research is now identifying the foods that enhance our immune system. These research organizations are probing the globe for diverse new foods and plants to extract life enhancing goodness including cancer preventing compounds.