What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a green microalgae that is considered a superfood for its high nutritional value and health-beneficial properties. It is a single-celled organism that reproduces rapidly and can capture solar energy through photosynthesis. This microalgae is grown in freshwater ponds and harvested when it reaches its maximum density, then dried and processed into different forms of consumption, such as powder, capsules or tablets.
It is a source of high-quality protein, containing all essential amino acids, and also provides B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and other minerals. In addition, it has a high chlorophyll content, which helps purify the blood and eliminate toxins.
This single-celled algae can improve your immune system, digestion, energy and skin. You can consume it in powder, capsules or tablets, and add it to your smoothies, juices, salads or soups. It is a natural food that offers you complete and balanced nutrition.
Many people believe that chlorella is the same as spirulina but it is not, Both are microalgae but with some differences between them:
- Nutritional composition : Both algae are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants . However, Spirulina contains a higher amount of protein and less fat, while chlorella has more fiber and less salt . Chlorella is richer in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), iron and zinc4. Spirulina contains more vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin K1, more copper and, depending on the strain, can contain up to 10% more protein.
- Origin and cultivation : Chlorella is a freshwater algae, while Spirulina is a saltwater algae . Spirulina is grown in warm water with low oxygen levels, while Chlorella is grown in cold water with plenty of oxygen.
- Taste : Spirulina has a salty taste and chlorella has an earthy taste.
- Pigments : Chlorella is richer in chlorophyll than Spirulina1. On the other hand, Spirulina contains phycocyanin, a blue pigment with a powerful antioxidant effect.
Benefits of Chlorella and what it is used for
As we have said, it is a natural food that can provide many benefits to health and well-being. Some of these benefits are:
- Increase energy and physical and intellectual performance
- Reduce stress and improve mood
- Prevent and combat anemia and iron deficiency
- Regulate cholesterol and blood pressure
- Balance blood sugar and prevent diabetes
- Protect your skin and hair from the effects of the sun and pollution
- Boost the immune system and prevent infections
- Promote digestion and intestinal health
- Help lose weight and control appetite
Benefits of Chlorella for the skin
Thanks to its chlorophyll content and vitamins such as E and beta-carotene, it is believed to have moisturizing, nourishing and antioxidant properties and stands out for its ability to protect skin from stress and pollution. It is suitable for oily skin, as it helps regulate sebum secretion, is astringent and anti-inflammatory, and also improves circulation, including cutaneous circulation.
Contraindications
We have already told you about some of the benefits of this seaweed, but be careful, it also has contraindications that we have to take into account.
- If you are allergic or sensitive to chlorella or other algae, you should avoid it, as it may cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or asthma.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, You should consult with your doctor before taking it, as there is not enough evidence about its safety and effects on the fetus or baby.
- If you have thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, you should be cautious with chlorella, as it contains iodine, a mineral that can alter the functioning of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone levels.
- If you take blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, you should avoid chlorella, as it has a blood-thinning effect and may increase the risk of bleeding or hemorrhage.
- If you have a weak immune system or suffer from any autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, you should consult with your doctor before taking chlorella, as it may stimulate the immune system and worsen your condition.
Some side effects
- It may cause digestive discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating or abdominal pain, especially if taken in high doses or without enough water.
- It may cause fatigue, drowsiness, headache, dizziness or fever, due to the release of toxins from the body or the body's adaptation to the supplement.
- It can cause acne, rashes or changes in skin color, due to the removal of impurities or increased sensitivity to the sun.
As we have said before, to minimize the possible side effects of chlorella it is advisable to take small doses and gradually increase them.
How to consume Chlorella?
Chlorella can be consumed in powder, tablet or capsule form and can be taken at any time of the day, preferably with water or an acidic liquid, such as lemon or orange juice, to facilitate its absorption. It is a safe and easy food to consume, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until reaching the desired amount.
The recommended daily dose varies depending on each person's weight, age and health status, but is usually between 3 and 10 grams.
It is also a food compatible with any type of diet, whether vegetarian, vegan, paleo, keto or gluten-free.
5 recipes to include chlorella in your diet
Chlorella can be consumed in a number of different ways , depending on personal preferences and health goals. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to allow the body to adapt.
Green detox smoothie
This smoothie is ideal to start the day with energy and cleanse the body of toxins. You need the following ingredients
- 1 liter of isotonic sea water (three parts spring water and two parts sea water)
- 50g of Electrofuel
- 3 g of chlorella powder
- 4 lemons
- 1 celery branch
- 15 g of wheatgrass juice powder
- 2 g of sucralose
Extract the juice from the lemons and wheatgrass. Then, mix all the ingredients in a glass, blend with a mixer until you get a homogeneous mixture and that's it.
Grapefruit, carrot and ginger juice
Refreshing and rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants. You need the following ingredients:
- 1 glass of natural grapefruit juice
- 3 carrots
- 1 tip of fresh ginger
- 3 g of chlorella powder
- 2 g of sucralose
Take the blender and put the ingredients in the glass. It is not necessary to peel the carrots, the skin has fantastic properties, but wash them very well. Blend everything until it is smooth. You can also add a little crushed ice to make a refreshing slush.
Banana, red berries and tiger nut smoothie
This smoothie is creamy and sweet, perfect for a snack or breakfast.
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 handful of frozen red berries
- 200 ml of tiger nut vegetable drink
- 3 g of chlorella powder
- 20 g of natural walnuts
- 5 g of honey
Add all the ingredients into a glass, blend everything until smooth and that's it.
Green smoothie with chlorella
The smoothie is very refreshing and nutritious, ideal for breakfast or as a snack.
- 200 g of melon
- 200 g of mango
- The juice of a lime
- 1/4 cucumber
- A handful of spinach
- 1 teaspoon of chlorella algae powder
- 200 ml of coconut water
Cut the melon and mango into small pieces and put them in the blender jar. Add the lime juice, cucumber, spinach, chlorella and coconut water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and enjoy.
Tortilla sandwich with onion paté and chlorella algae
This sandwich is a delicious and different option for lunch or dinner.
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of chlorella algae powder
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1/2 ripe tomato, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Onion pate
- 1 bread roll
Beat the egg with the chlorella and a pinch of salt. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and add the garlic and tomato. Fry for a few minutes and then pour in the egg mixture. Set the omelette on both sides and set aside. Cut the bread roll in half and spread one side with the onion paté. Place the omelette on top and close the sandwich. Ready to eat!
Conclusion
Incorporating Chlorella into your diet can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. If you are interested in trying this superfood, visit our online store to discover our products.
We look forward to seeing you at Frisafran, your trusted store for natural and healthy products!