The Small Superfood
with 5 Big Health Benefits
Green superfoods may not immediately come to mind when you need a protein boost, but it’s time to think again. And time to introduce Chlorella: chlorella. This ancient green algae has grown in the world for 540 million years and is a good source of vitamins A, D, B12 and iron. Not only that, but chlorella contains nucleic acids, amino acids, enzymes and other nutritional substances.
If you haven’t heard of chlorella you may know of spirulina, but these two algae are definitely not the same.
Chlorella vs Spirulina – How they differ
Although they may appear similar in size and nutritional power, these superfoods do differ.
Chlorella’s power is centered in its nucleus, where it contains chlorella growth factor (CGF). Chlorella growth factor may help support the body’s normal cellular repair process due to its high concentration of nucleic acids, RNA and DNA. Spirulina has no nucleus and although it contains some nucleic acids, chlorella is a far richer source.
CGF allows chlorella to multiply at an incredible rate of four times every 20 to 24 hours. This makes it a sustainable food source.
It also has something that many vegans and vegetarians may struggle to get—active vitamin B12.
Most plant foods contain inactive vitamin B12, which is hard for the body to digest. Inactive vitamin B12 may even prevent your body from absorbing active vitamin B12.
Studies differ on whether spirulina’s vitamin B12 is active or not, but the USDA does not list spirulina’s vitamin B12 in its nutrient list. Chlorella on the other hand contains active vitamin B12, which is easily digestible.
In addition to that, here are five health benefits to this amazing little food.
Immune System Support
A small clinical trial suggests that 5g of chlorella may help support the immune system by stimulating our body’s natural defenses.
Overall Health and Vitality
As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down which can make us feel tired and sluggish. Chlorella can help here by allowing oxygen to flow better in our bloodstream.
Chlorella’s powerful nucleus is packed with chlorella growth factor and those nucleic acids may help rejuvenate our body’s cells.
In addition chlorella contains chlorophyll which is a great antioxidant that may help protect cells against free-radical damage and help you feel healthy and energized.
Supports the Body to Detox and Cleanse
Chlorella supports your body’s normal cleansing process as it moves through your digestive system. Chlorella’s cell wall does that by aiding your body’s natural detoxification process, getting rid of toxins.
Aid Digestive health
Chlorella’s cell wall is tough; it can prevent our body digesting chlorella unless it’s processed in the right way. The best way to ensure you receive chlorella’s nutritional benefits is to choose a supplement such as Sun Chlorella whose unique pulverization of the cell wall enables high concentrations of nutrients to be available to the body.
Chlorella is also helpful in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and blood pressure, all concerns as we age.
Healthy for Vegetarians
Often those on plant-based diets struggle to find sources of protein beyond beans, nuts and pulses. Protein is not the only dietary concern for vegetarians and vegans, as finding an absorbable source of vitamin B12 is difficult, as animal products are the most common form of active vitamin B12.
Sun Chlorella contains active vitamin B12. In order for your body to utilize vitamin B12 it needs to be in an active form.