The Superfood Battle: Chlorella Vs Chlorophyll
Chlorella vs chlorophyll is two of the most confusing superfoods. Well, these two are related. But there are also key differences.
Chlorella is an alga with a lot of phytonutrients. It has the highest amount of chlorophyll, a green compound in plants used for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, as you’ve seen, is the green compound in plants that, together with the sun, helps the plant make its own food.
Chlorophyll is something you probably learned in elementary. These two compounds are quite important as superfoods provide numerous health benefits.
So, which one is better? Or is chlorella the same as chlorophyll? Join me as I discuss the two compounds in detail.
Basic Information About Chlorella
Chlorella is a unicellular (single cell) algae that grow in freshwater bodies. It’s a superfood with a high concentration of iron, vitamin C, carotenoids and vitamin B complex.
The algae comprise 50% to 60% protein and all nine essential amino acids. It also produces polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy oils. Chlorella also has a high percentage of chlorophyll, giving a green color.
This is a superfood widely used to treat various health conditions. It also contains phosphorus, magnesium, folate, and Violaxanthin, an antioxidant.
Chlorella can cleanse the blood, stimulate the production of white blood cells, and boost the immune system.
What is Chlorophyll?
On the other hand, chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment used in plant food production. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and converts it to carbohydrates in a process we call photosynthesis.
This is the pigment that gives plants their green color. Plants have chlorophyll A, which is used in photosynthesis and chlorophyll B, which does not take photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll has anti-mutagenic properties that can help fight the early stages of cancer. It has also improved blood sugar management and lowered heart disease.
Health Benefits of Chlorophyll Vs Chlorella
So, should I take chlorella or chlorophyll? The two superfoods do share some health benefits. But they also have key differences.
Chlorella can help improve your immunity and deliver a more youthful skin. It also helps with weight loss and detox. Chlorella also helps with anemia, inflammation regulation and cancer-fighting.
Chlorophyll does have some anti-mutagenic properties that have been shown to prevent cancer in animals. However, there is not enough modern research to support any health claims of fighting cancer in humans.
Chlorella features a lot of phytonutrients, with chlorophyll being one of them. Let’s look closely at some of the benefits of chlorella and chlorophyll.
Improves Immune System
There are some mentions of chlorella improving the immune system. However, there is no concrete research to support the claims. However, people with a deficiency in certain nutrients can benefit from either supplement.
Aids in Recovering from Nerve Tissue Damage
The higher protein concentration in chlorella with all 9 essential amino acids can help tissue repair. It’s worth noting that 50-60 percent of chlorella is protein.
Maintains Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Chlorophyll has been shown to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It also helps lower the risks of heart disease.
Additional Source of Protein and Fiber
Chlorella has also been shown to be a great source of protein and fiber. Chlorella is super-rich in protein content and fiber. It’s a great boost as a supplement, helping you fill fuller without many calories.
Who Should Not Take Chlorella and Chlorophyll?
You’re probably wondering which one to take. What does chlorophyll water taste like?
Breastfeeding mothers should not take chlorella and chlorophyll for safety reasons. Well, there isn’t much information on safe breastfeeding use. Stay on the safe side and avoid consumption.
People sensitive to iodine and moulds should also avoid chlorella since it makes the skin more sensitive to light.
To summarize, chlorophyll and chlorella are great supplements to consider consuming. However, chlorella seems a much better option with a lot of phytonutrients.
For chlorophyll, there are a few things to consider. Can humans digest chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is digestible, but there is little information on human bioavailability and metabolism. But taking chlorophyll at night is more beneficial, especially after drinking. It helps a lot with hydration.
| Chlorella | Chlorophyll | |
| What Is It? | Alga | Pigment found in algae, phytoplankton, and plants |
| Taste | Strong, bitter and earthy taste | Minty taste |
| Nutritional Value | 50%-60% protein, 9 essential amino acids, vitamin B12, Vitamin C, iron and magnesium | Great antioxidant properties, vitamin C and E |
| Best For | Heart diseases, diabetes, cell repair, cognitive diseases, immune boost and source of protein | Fighting illness, boosting energy and improving overall health |
| Not Recommended For | Persons allergic to mold | Breastfeeding mothers |
Other Algae Can Replace Chlorella
The obvious supplement on the market that can replace chlorella is spirulina. You’ve probably have seen the spirulina vs chlorophyll comparison online.
You can also try dried seaweed algae which contain vitamins A and C. It’s a popular supplement choice in Japan. However, spirulina is much better and packed with many nutrients.
Spirulina
Spirulina is another blue-green algae found in saltwater and fresh waters. It has a high protein level and is widely distributed in the food industry.
In addition, chlorella has omega-3 fatty acids and increases the number of good cholesterol levels. It’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which offer multiple health benefits.
Chlorella vs Chlorophyll FAQs
Does Chlorella Have Chlorophyll?
Chlorella contains chlorophyll, among other ingredients and antioxidants. Chlorophyll is present in huge amounts and is what gives chlorella its green color.
Is Chlorella the Same as Chlorophyll?
Chlorella and chlorophyll share similarities but are not the same. Chlorella is an alga, while chlorophyll is the photosynthesis pigmentation found in plants.
Conclusion
There you go! Now you know the key differences between chlorella and chlorophyll. These two are superfoods with a lot of nutritional value. Chlorella is a green alga that grows in fresh water.
Chlorophyll, on the other hand, is a green pigmentation compound found in plants and used in the food-making process.
Chlorella does contain chlorophyll giving it a green color. In the superfood battle, chlorella does have an edge due to its higher nutritional value.
Get our Sunlit Chlorella Tablet a superfood high in chlorophyll. It boosts the immune, aids in cell repair, maintains healthy blood and much more. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber.
