Ten years ago, if you’d told me I’d be in love with sea algae, I probably would have laughed and called you insane. In fact, I remember the first time I even saw and smelled spirulina, I almost lost my lunch. But keep in mind, this was before the days of green juices and smoothies became the norm and before I knew a thing about what superfoods were.
Now I know spirulina and other algae are certainly nothing to fear. In fact, I’m such a big advocate of the sea algae I once shrugged my nose up at, that I actually have 5 reasons I believe everyone needs to use spirulina in their daily life. It’s most definitely been the number one ingredient that’s supported my plant-based diet, and I don’t even notice the taste or the smell anymore, thankfully!
Aside from spirulina, there’s another super alga that’s gained a lot of attention the last several years for its highly detoxifying properties: chlorella. Heard of it?
If you’ve ever tried a superfood powder, chances are you’ve had a taste of both spirulina and chlorella, since they’re some of the most potent superfoods on the planet. Both are high in protein (with spirulina being the highest source on Earth) and both are two of the highest sources of pure chlorophyll that exist.
But have you ever wondered which one is best out of these two awesome algae? Here are some differences are between spirulina and chlorella to help you decide which one is best for you. Let’s look at chlorella vs. spirulina.
Similarities
Both are blue-green algae that are complete sources of protein, high in B vitamins, and contain detoxifying and cleansing properties. Both are also affordable and available by pills or powders. Spirulina is even one of my top recommended superfoods to buy on a budget.
Differences
Chlorella is a single-cell alga, yet it grows much faster than spirulina and can quadruple its size in just 20 hours! Chlorella is especially well-known to help boost healthy cell growth, regenerate tissues in the body, and even help repair severe immune deficiencies. It’s a common favorite ingredient used among vegan athletes, along with spirulina, because of its ability to repair torn muscle cells after a hard workout.
Spirulina is also high in growth-like properties, known to aid in heart health, digestive health, longevity, boost brain health, and is richer in Vitamin B12 than chlorella, containing over 150% of your daily values. It is also high in magnesium, zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. A superb energy booster, spirulina is an awesome food to improve your workouts!
How to Choose
I’d suggest going with chlorella if you’re looking for algae strictly for cleansing and rebuilding the blood or immune system. If you’re looking for a still detoxifying, cleansing option with higher amounts of protein, iron, and Vitamin B12, then choose spirulina. Even better – use them both!
Want More Algae Info and Inspiration?
Check out: Seaweed Decoded: Why It’s Essential on A Vegan Diet and all of our Superfood Recipes using spirulina and other awesome superfood goodies!
Never had algae? Make The Ultimate Spirulina Smoothie containing both chlorella and spirulina; you’ll be a convert in no time!
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Spirulina is so awesome! However, to get it down the hatch personally I think smoothies are the best route, lol. Here\’s a video I found on YouTube that does a good job covering spirulina and some of its benefits. Just go to this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLDGuTusV6Q
Hope it helps and stay healthy!
Have you heard about the studies that say that Spirulina does NOT contain the real Vitamin B12? The study says that consuming Spirulina even worsens a lack of Vit.B12 because it keeps the body from really absorbing it!
What do you think about it?
This would mean that it\’s kind of dangerous to take Spirulina, right?
I\’ve heard they also tested Chlorella and that seems to be different, you can kind of absorb the Vit.. B12 of this algae..
Curious to read about your thoughts!
Greetings
I thought both were similar, they seem to be both high in chlorophyll and good for people who do not get enough leafy green vegetables in their diet. I do notice that chlorella seems to have a bit more of a laxative effect and a stronger taste and odor than spriulina and is usually more expensive. Spirulina has become more pricey lately but is not as expensive as chlorella.
I heard about this too, chlorella have active B12 and spirulina inactive B12. If this is true, I think that chlorella wins the fight :D