Microalgae are single-celled algal species found in aquatic environments (freshwater and saltwater). These buoyant, fast-growing microorganisms are often called “aquatic plants” due to their many similarities with terrestrial plants. Notable similarities include an abundance of accessory pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids, the presence of cellulose in their cell walls, a tendency to store carbohydrates as starch, and the ability to produce their own food and nutrients through photosynthesis. [1]
Among the thousands of known microalgae, two species have proven to be the most beneficial in terms of nutrition: the unicellular freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris and the blue-green microalga (cyanobacterium) Arthrospira platensis. Both have a long history of use as sources of nutrition and bioactive compounds that positively impact human health.
First produced commercially in Japan in the early 1950s, chlorella was introduced to the public as an alternative food source during a food crisis. Thanks to chlorella’s impressively high nutritional value, its popularity quickly spread throughout Asia, and soaring demand led to large-scale cultivation of different Chlorella species. Today, C. vulgaris and C. pyrenoidosa are widely used as commercial sources for dietary supplements. [2]
Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as spirulina, is another potent source of nutrition whose dietary impact can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Historical records show that the Aztecs regularly harvested spirulina for food from Lake Texcoco, a natural saline lake in Mexico. The species A. platensis has also been used by indigenous peoples living near Lake Chad in Africa as a nutritional supplement for centuries. [3]
Chlorella and Spirulina as powerful superfoods*
The consumption of chlorella and spirulina throughout history as nutritive foods is supported by science. In fact, studies clearly show that incorporating these nutrient-dense microalgae into your diet provides several benefits. Here’s what science has to say about chlorella and spirulina:
They are complete sources of plant-based protein
Chlorella and spirulina are perfect meat protein substitutes for vegans and vegetarians, as they are among the most abundant sources of non-animal protein. According to nutritional analyses, the chlorella species C. vulgaris contains 51–58% total protein by dry weight—higher than that of soybeans (33%). It also has a high protein quality score, meaning that aside from delivering all nine essential amino acids—something not all plant-based protein sources can do—chlorella protein is also easily digested by the body.
Similarly, spirulina boasts an impressively high total protein content (60–70%), 47% of which consists of essential amino acids, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. It also has a high protein quality score, making spirulina another complete protein source that can rival traditional animal sources. [4]
They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats
Chlorella and spirulina are often marketed as “nutrient-dense,” and studies have confirmed this to be true. Both microalgae owe their nutrient density to their ability to produce compounds essential to human health during photosynthesis. According to research, microalgae can convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into useful bioproducts such as proteins, polysaccharides, fats, antioxidant pigments, and bioactive metabolites, some of which serve as precursors to human vitamins. [5]
For example, both chlorella and spirulina are known to contain high amounts of carotenoids such as beta-carotene. [6][7] Beta-carotene is converted by the human body into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for your eyes, cells, and immune system. Recent studies have also shown that when grown under certain conditions, both chlorella and spirulina can produce high amounts of active vitamin B12, a nutrient primarily sourced from animal products. [8][9] This shows chlorella and spirulina’s potential to help address nutritional deficiencies that may accompany restrictive diets.
A 100-gram (g) serving of organic broken cell wall chlorella powder provides the following nutrients, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food database: [10]
· Protein, 60 g
· Carbohydrates, 40 g
· Calcium, 333 milligrams (mg)
· Iron, 240 mg
· Vitamin C, 20 mg
· Vitamin B12, 300 micrograms (mcg)
· Vitamin A, 58,300 International Units (IU)
Supplementing with chlorella can also contribute to your daily intake of copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, E, and K.
A 100 g serving of dried spirulina provides the following nutrients, according to the USDA’s food database: [11]
· Protein, 57.5 g
· Carbohydrates, 23.9 g
· Calcium, 120 mg
· Iron, 28.5 mg
· Magnesium, 195 mg
· Phosphorus, 118 mg
· Potassium, 1360 mg
· Copper, 6.1 mg
· Selenium, 7.2 mcg
· Vitamin C, 10.1 mg
· Vitamin B3, 12.8 mg
· Vitamin B9, 94 mcg
· Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), 5 mg
· Vitamin K, (phylloquinone), 25.5 mcg
Aside from vitamins and minerals, chlorella and spirulina are excellent sources of healthy fats, particularly omega-3s and omega-6s. This is good news for vegans and vegetarians, who often struggle to consume enough omega-3s due to dietary restrictions. Some forms of omega-3s, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—important structural components of cell membranes—can only be obtained from fatty fish and other types of meat. [12]
Fortunately, chlorella and spirulina contain not only alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based form of omega-3 that the body converts—albeit inefficiently—into DHA and EPA, but also DHA and EPA themselves. [13] They also contain the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, and other omega fatty acids such as oleic acid (omega-9), which support good health.
They are abundant sources of potent antioxidants
One of the things chlorella is known for is its high chlorophyll content. In fact, this microalga contains one of the highest concentrations of chlorophyll—even higher than that of any known plant. [14] Chlorophyll is a green plant pigment that helps plants produce food during photosynthesis. It is also a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, protecting healthy cells from oxidative stress. [15]
Like chlorella, spirulina also contains an accessory pigment that doubles as a potent antioxidant. Phycocyanin, the pigment-protein complex that gives spirulina its blue-green color, contains a light-absorbing molecule called phycocyanobilin. According to a study published in the Journal of Immunology Research, phycocyanobilin is a powerful free radical scavenger that protects against oxidative damage. [16]
Other antioxidants found in chlorella and spirulina include carotenoids such as astaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and alpha- and beta-carotene. A. platensis, in particular, naturally produces astaxanthin, a reddish-orange carotenoid often referred to as the “king of antioxidants.” [17] Astaxanthin’s antioxidant activity surpasses that of other known antioxidants such as vitamins A and E and lycopene. [18]
They are loaded with health-supporting phytonutrients
Aside from antioxidants, chlorella and spirulina contain a wealth of phytonutrients shown to support optimal health and wellness. These include bioactive polysaccharides like SP90-1 and polyphenols like piperidine and pyrrolidine in spirulina, and dodecanoic acid (a medium-chain saturated fatty acid), phytol (a diterpene), and loliolide (a lactone) in chlorella. These compounds have all displayed a wide range of biological properties beneficial to human health. [19][20]
They support the body's natural ability to remove toxic elements
Studies show that chlorophyll’s chemical structure allows it to bind and form stable complexes with various reactive elements, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream and making it easier for the body to eliminate unwanted substances. [21][22] The presence of large amounts of chlorophyll in chlorella enables this superfood to support your body’s natural waste removal processes.
Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences suggests that spirulina contains active components that support the elimination of harmful substances. [23]
They support healthy skin and hair
The abundance of protective antioxidants in chlorella and spirulina, along with important skin nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, make them two of the best superfoods for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. [24] Meanwhile, chlorella and spirulina’s high protein content allows them to support strong and healthy hair, as hair strands and follicles are primarily composed of protein. [25]
Where to get clean, lab-verified Chlorella and Spirulina
Chlorella and spirulina are nutrient powerhouses that provide a wide range of health benefits. As two of the best superfoods for supporting optimal health, nutrition, and wellness, they deserve to be part of your daily diet. That’s why the Health Ranger Store offers a range of clean, lab-verified Organic Chlorella and Spirulina products to help you experience the full benefits of these potent superfoods.
Organic Clean Chlorella™ Powder and Tablets are made using highly bioavailable, “broken cell wall” Chlorella vulgaris microalga grown indoors under tightly controlled conditions. Best suited for supporting your body’s natural elimination of toxic substances, our premium Clean Chlorella™ supplements provide a well-balanced ratio of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support optimal health. Both powder and tablet forms are also available in long-term storable #10 cans.
Health Ranger Select Spirulina Powder and Tablets provide a zero-hassle way to boost your spirulina intake. Packed with essential nutrients and potent phytonutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants, our lab-verified spirulina supplements allow you to experience the full health-supporting goodness of clean spirulina in compact, easy-to-take forms. Both powder and tablet forms are also available in long-term storable #10 cans.
Health Ranger Select Hawaiian Spirulina Cold Pressed 500mg Tablets contain Hawaiian spirulina cultivated in open ponds using a combination of 100% fresh potable water from Hawaiian aquifers and ultra-pure, deep ocean water containing all 94 trace minerals and elements. It is then gently dried using our patented Ocean Chill Drying technology and cold-pressed to ensure maximum nutrient levels.
For your convenience, the Health Ranger Store also offers a powerful superfood formula that combines these nutritious microalgae in two convenient formats. Health Ranger Select Pure Microalgae Superfood Blend Powder and Groovy Bee® Spirulina and Chlorella Capsules are specially formulated to provide superior nutrition. These premium supplements are packed with a wide array of highly bioavailable nutrients to support overall health and well-being.
Extensive laboratory testing has confirmed that our chlorella and spirulina products are among the cleanest commercially grown microalgae on the planet. You can trust that our collection of clean, lab-verified Chlorella and Spirulina Powders, Tablets and Capsules are vegan, non-GMO, non-China, and certified Kosher. They are also thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[5] https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[12] https://www.cmaj.ca
[13] https://www.fisheriesjournal.com
[14] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[15] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[16] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[17] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[18] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[19] https://www.mdpi.com
[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[21] https://www.mdpi.com
[24] https://www.mdpi.com
[25] https://www.healthline.com
