Chlorella vs. Spirulina: What’s the Difference?

Chlorella and spirulina are microscopic blue-green alga that grows in fresh and salt water, respectively.

Both are one of the most nutritional superfoods on the planet, which are high in protein, B-vitamins, and chlorophyll.

These blue-green algae can contain up to 60 to 70 percent vegetable protein and provide all the essential amino acids in a form that is incredibly easy for the body to digest.

They help decrease the spread of certain tumors, lower cholesterol levels, and eliminate certain forms of toxicity including dioxin.

Because both chlorella and spirulina are types of algae, they share a lot of nutritional properties.

1. Both are high in protein (with spirulina being the highest source), and both are two of the highest sources of pure chlorophyll.
2. Chlorella and spirulina contain about the same amount of:
   • Carbohydrates (7 grams per ounce)
   • Protein (16 grams per ounce)
   • Folate (7 percent of the DV)
3. Chlorella and spirulina are high in:
   • Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
   • Thiamine (vitamin B1)
   • Iron
4. Both are rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The mutual benefits of chlorella and spirulina are:

1. Helps detox
   • Chlorella and spirulina act as natural detoxification agents (by working on liver cell repair). They help remove heavy metals from the body and cleanse and optimize the oxygenation of the blood.
2. Treat certain diseases 
   • Consuming these seaweeds can help lose weight loss and treat colds, Crohn’s disease, constipation, bad breath, ulcers, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, stress, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome.
3. A high-quality source of protein
   • Both these algae contain all essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
   • Protein is an incredibly important macronutrient for several reasons, including its ability to help:
     • Build and maintain muscles
     • The immune system
     • Supporting the development and repair of cells of the body
4. Rich in antioxidants
   • The blue-green color of chlorella and spirulina is indicative of their antioxidant-rich profiles.
   • Antioxidants help fight free radicals to protect against oxidative damage in the body. 
   • Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene.
   • Spirulina is rich in phycocyanin, an antioxidant that provides its potent blue-green color and has anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, and immune-enhancing properties.
5. May improve the heart
   • Several studies report that chlorella and spirulina have the potential to improve heart health by positively affecting blood lipid composition and blood pressure levels.
6. May help regulate blood sugar levels
   • Numerous studies report that both chlorella and spirulina may help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, a measure of cell response to the hormone insulin.

Both forms of algae contain high amounts of nutrients, but chlorella is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Though both are great choices, chlorella has a slight nutritional advantage over spirulina because of the high levels of polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and other vitamins present in it.

Though they are safe for most people, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking these supplements, especially in high doses.

This is particularly important for people:

• Who are taking blood thinners
• With certain autoimmune conditions
• Who are pregnant or breastfeeding