The differences between chlorella and spirulina
A bit of botany…
Chlorella has the scientific name Chlorella vulgaris and appeared on Earth 2.5 billion years ago. It belongs to the family Chlorellaceae, which includes many species of green algae rich in chlorophyll.
Chlorella is a single-celled alga with a single nucleus. Spherical in shape, it measures barely 5 microns (µm), or 0.005 millimeters. It naturally grows in freshwater and seawater in many temperate regions.
Spirulina, on the other hand, is called Arthrospira platensis. At 3.5 billion years old, it belongs to the phylum of cyanobacteria, so it is not an alga but microorganisms capable of photosynthesis.
Présente dans les régions tropicales, ce sont des bactéries qui se rassemblent en colonies, uniquement dans les eaux douces et alcalines. La spiruline contient de la chlorophylle mais aussi des pigments bleu et rouge.
Lire aussi l Les critères à prendre en compte avant d’acheter de la spiruline
A different nutritional composition
From a nutritional point of view, spirulina and chlorella are exceptional. Essential fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants… are all beneficial components that they contain.
Both contain 18 amino acids, including the 8 essential ones for the human body.
They are also rich in antioxidant pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids), in vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
But some nutrients are not present in the same quantities in spirulina as in chlorella. This explains their differences in properties and health benefits.
Chlorella, for example, contains twice as much calcium as spirulina but also more magnesium, zinc, chlorophyll and manganese. It is also richer in vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Spirulina, on the other hand, contains a greater amount of potassium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Some nutrients are also present in chlorella while they are absent in spirulina, and vice versa. Thus, unlike spirulina, chlorella contains lutein, vitamin K1, copper and even omega-9s.
Elle est aussi l’un des rares super aliments à contenir des formes actives et biodisponibles de vitamine B12. La composition de la spiruline se distingue par la présence de nombreuses vitamines du groupe B (B1, B2, B3, B5 et B7), de phosphore, de chrome et de sodium.
The summary table below will help you see more clearly:
+++ contains the most
✔ contains
X does not contain it
| Chlorella | Spirulina | |
| Calcium | +++ | |
| Magnesium | +++ | |
| Zinc | +++ | |
| Manganese | +++ | |
| Iron | +++ | |
| Potassium | +++ | |
| Phosphorus | +++ | |
| Chromium | +++ | |
| Sodium | +++ | |
| Copper | +++ | |
| Chlorophyll | +++ | |
| Vitamin A | +++ | |
| Vitamine B1 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B2 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B3 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B5 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B6 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B7 | +++ | |
| Vitamin B12 | ✔ | X |
| Vitamin C | +++ | |
| Vitamin E | +++ | |
| Vitamin K1 | ✔ | X |
| Lutein | ✔ | X |
| Omega-3 | +++ | |
| Omega-6 | +++ | |
| Omega-9 | ✔ | X |
What are the benefits of chlorella ?
Chlorella is above all known for its detoxifying action because it contains sporopollenin. But other components of this microalga give it properties to stimulate the body, prevent diseases and even improve mental well-being.
Detoxifies and stimulates the body
Also present in pollen grains, la sporopolléine is a natural polymer and a component of chlorella. Its main advantage : it has the ability to bind directly to toxins (heavy metals, pollutants, pesticides…). La sporopolléine continues its work until their elimination, thereby contributing to the body’s detoxification as shown by this study.
At the same time, chlorella stimulates the immune system and promotes cell regeneration. This property is due to the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a collection of substances present in the nucleus of the microalga. These notably include vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and other active components that have a beneficial effect on natural defenses.
Antioxidant and protects against disease
Chlorella is also rich in antioxidant compounds. It contains vitamin C, which prevents the formation of free radicals, vitamin E, which acts against cellular aging, carotenoids, and chlorophyll.
Carotenoids protect cells against attacks by free radicals. Chlorophyll, which gives chlorella its characteristic color, also plays a protective role while stimulating the production of new immune cells.
Thanks to its antioxidant action, chlorella helps prevent diseases and infections promoted by free radicals.
Reduces stress and relieves depression
Chlorella is also an interesting microalga for improving mental well-being, reducing stress and fatigue, and relieving mild depression. Like the chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) or the cacao beans (Theobroma cacao), chlorella contains tryptophan.
Le tryptophane est un acide aminé essentiel qui joue un rôle important au niveau du système nerveux. Et pour cause : c’est un précurseur de la sérotonine qui n’est rien d’autre que l’hormone du bonheur !
By contributing to its production, tryptophan improves mood, increases feelings of well-being, and helps fight depression, as shown by this study.
Tryptophan also contributes to the production of vitamin B3 (or niacin), which is involved in the regulation of stress-related hormones.
What are the benefits of spirulina ?
Some benefits of spirulina are similar to those of chlorella. Thus, it strengthens the immune system, reduces fatigue, fights free radicals, detoxifies… But spirulina has many other health benefits!
Ideal for female athletes and male athletes
Thanks to its antioxidant action, spirulina contributes to the proper functioning of the body and helps prevent many issues in physically active people.
Indeed, free radicals are responsible for muscle weakness, increase the risk of injuries, and make recovery after exercise more difficult. As shown by this study, spirulina improves resistance to fatigue and reduces carbohydrate oxidation.
The content of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements also has beneficial effects on athletes’ bodies. B vitamins, for example, are involved in energy metabolism.
La vitamine E a une action anti-inflammatoire tandis que le fer intervient dans le transport de l’oxygène.
Reduces cholesterol
Spirulina has a hypocholesterolemic effect, meaning it reduces blood cholesterol levels. Its action is due to the beta-carotene (or provitamin A) it contains.
In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, this pigment reduces the level of LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol). To do this, it works in concert with vitamin E, which promotes vasodilation. Spirulina thus limits the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries, which is responsible for atherosclerosis.
Helps with weight loss
Spirulina is an interesting food for maintaining a slim figure or losing weight. Rich in proteins and filling, it also has an appetite-suppressing effect. It is therefore ideal for limiting snacking between meals.
Spirulina is also rich in phenylalanine, an amino acid that helps control weight and provides the body with a feeling of fullness.
Chlorella or spirulina : which should you choose ?
While the effects of chlorella and spirulina perfectly complement each other, it is of course possible to take them separately. To decide which one to choose, you should consider your needs.
When to use chlorella?
Chlorella is more focused on the body’s detoxification and on preventing winter illnesses by boosting immunity.
Its tryptophan content also makes it more appealing than spirulina for improving mental well-being and easing sleep problems. Finally, choose chlorella if you want to lose weight.
When to use spirulina?
Richer in iron and vitamin C than chlorella, spirulina is preferable for improving athletic performance. It is also recommended to combat free radicals and oxidative stress.
Because of its beta-carotene content, spirulina is also ideal for reducing levels of bad cholesterol.
Two complementary foods
A synergistic effect
The effects of chlorella and spirulina on the body (detoxification, stimulation, protection..) are multiplied when they are consumed simultaneously. Together, chlorella and spirulina form a beneficial cocktail of nutrients.
The chlorella/spirulina combination is particularly interesting for preventing dietary deficiencies, especially in vitamins and iron. It is recommended for people on a diet, vegetarians or vegans.
All the more so because chlorella and spirulina effectively replace animal proteins.
How to consume them ?
To optimize the effects of each, it’s ideal to consume chlorella and spirulina together or alternately.
In the form of a 2- to 3-month course, the chlorella/spirulina combination helps restore tone and vitality, strengthen immune defenses, and prevent winter illnesses and infections.
You can also do a seasonal detox course in spring, taking a break every 3 weeks.
Il est aussi possible de consommer la chlorella et la spiruline de façon alternée. Réalisez alors une cure de 3 semaines de chlorella puis une cure de 3 semaines de spiruline, espacée chacune d’une semaine de pause.
In general, we recommend that you start with small doses. Then gradually increase them to the desired dose, depending on how your body reacts.
