Your New Super Greens: Chlorella and Spirulina

Their names may sound very medical, but trust us, chlorella and spirulina can be friendly—and definitely healthy—additions to your regular recipes! You’ve probably heard the terms in fitness and health enthusiast spaces before, but we’re here to dissolve any barriers of entry to prove to you that adding these functional foods into your system can work wonders for your wellbeing.

Chlorella and spirulina are two freshwater microalgae. They’re widely considered to be superfoods, a category of functional foods that bring about significant health benefits.

In terms of nutritional composition, there’s not much that differs between the two—you can virtually have them together to gain more health benefits. Generally, they are the same in protein, carbohydrate, and fat levels. The difference starts when listing down other nutrients present in their makeup, with chlorella having more omega 3, magnesium, iron, zinc, and Vitamin A while spirulina boasts of its Vitamin B, iron, copper, and thiamin levels.

A big difference lies also in the antioxidants they hold. Chlorella has more chlorophyll, the stuff that makes plants green and reduces brain cell damage. On the other hand, spirulina has a surplus of phycocyanin which reduces inflammation and regulates your immunity.

Now before you rush to the stores to buy these two, let’s slow down a bit and learn more about the amazing things they can do.

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’re in luck! Chlorella has a high concentration of iron, which is especially handy for non-meat eaters and their higher chances of developing anemia. Other causes of the condition include nutrient deficiency, environmental factors,     and poor diet—all of which can be addressed with chlorella and spirulina intake.

Do you think you have iron deficiency? Don’t be too hasty! Self-medication pales in comparison to getting a proper anemia diagnosis, so it’ll be best to ask your doctor’s or nutritionist’s recommendations first!

Looking to add more fiber to your diet? You get that plus a plethora of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in both chlorella and spirulina. This combination prevents high glucose levels flowing in your bloodstream, preventing the effects or onset of diabetes.

These microalgae also have magnesium, helping diabetics decrease insulin resistance. Your liver and muscles will also be able to control insulin sensitivity.

There are two things to remember before you jump into this microalgae movement: consult a professional to know if this supplementation would benefit your health and always back everything up with prop