Chlorella is a green freshwater microalga that contains more than 55 g of protein per 100 g and, naturally, chlorophyll. As part of a varied and balanced diet, it is consumed in small quantities, as a powder or in tablets, like spirulina.
Have you ever heard of chlorella ? A cousin of spirulina, chlorella is a green microalga that contains more than 55% protein.
Chlorella has been eaten for generations in Asia, notably in Japan. It fits easily into a varied and balanced diet, alongside spirulina. Let us go through all the details together.
Scientifically named Chlorella vulgaris, chlorella is a single-celled green microalga found in fresh water, discovered in 1890 by the Dutch biologist Martin Beyerinck. It contains chlorophyll, hence its green colour, and no iodine. The name Chlorella comes from the Greek word "chloros" (green) and the Latin suffix "ella" (small). It measures between 2 and 4 micrometres in diameter. Used in the East for generations, particularly in Japan, this product is very well known throughout the world. In Europe, however, this single-celled green alga is less well known or popular than its sister spirulina.
There are 30 distinct categories of chlorella. But the two most widely used species are Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella vulgaris. This microscopic alga has a tough cell wall, which is why our Biovie chlorella has been prepared with an opened cell wall.
What is the composition of chlorella?
Chlorella contains about 55 g of protein per 100 g. It also naturally contains pigments, such as chlorophyll and lutein.
The detailed nutritional composition of our chlorella is given on the product page.
How to choose your chlorella?
It is essential to choose an organic quality chlorella, from organic aquaculture, like the chlorella we offer. It is important to note that this microalga needs daylight to produce its chlorophyll and should therefore ideally be exposed to sunlight.
How to consume chlorella?
Chlorella powder can easily be worked into your daily diet through various preparations. You can swallow chlorella with a large glass of fruit juice or water (about 23 cl), in 1 to 3 servings per day without exceeding 5 g in total, or in tablet form for more convenience.
Chlorella powder blends perfectly into your dishes through various preparations. Just like spirulina, chlorella has a fairly strong taste that some people may find unpleasant. It is therefore recommended to add it to a yoghurt, a plant-based milk, or a smoothie to mask the taste. Each day, take 3 to 5 g of chlorella powder, i.e. 1 teaspoon, without exceeding 5 g per day. For a very simple smoothie recipe that works all year round: blend the powder with a banana and a few frozen red berries.
As with any new food, it is better to increase the quantity gradually, for example by starting with half a dose in the first week. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of 5 g. A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.
What is the difference between chlorella and spirulina?
Spirulina and chlorella are both freshwater microalgae, consumed in small quantities, as a powder or in tablets.
Chlorella is a single-celled green alga with a tough cell wall. As for spirulina, it does not have this rigid wall and contains 10% more protein than chlorella.
What are the contraindications and side effects?
Chlorella is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. If you have a kidney disease, or if you are undergoing medication, ask your doctor for advice before consuming it.
This microalga is contraindicated for people who are allergic to the Oocystaceae family. Moreover, chlorella may cause undesirable effects in individuals suffering from skin problems, fatigue, asthma and hypersensitivity to light.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chlorella is a green freshwater microalga, eaten for generations in Japan, which contains more than 55 g of protein per 100 g. It is consumed as a powder or in tablets, in a juice or a smoothie, without exceeding 5 g per day, as a complement to a varied and balanced diet.
Organic chlorella is a dark green freshwater microalga, with a profile that differs from that of spirulina. At Biovie, only chlorella with a lysed cell wall is offered: a processing step often overlooked by other brands. Food supplement: the recommended daily dose is 5 g, not to be exceeded. It combines perfectly well with spirulina in the same routine, the two microalgae having different profiles., 1
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A1: No health claim is currently authorised for chlorella in the European Union. It is the subject of research, but this work does not make it possible to attribute any effect to it. It is above all a microalga that contains more than 55 g of protein per 100 g, to be consumed in small quantities as part of a varied diet.
Q2: Is it necessary to consult a healthcare professional before consuming chlorella?
A2: It is advisable, especially in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, a health problem or ongoing medication. Medical advice makes it possible to make sure that chlorella is suitable for you. Q3: Does chlorella make you lose weight? A3: No. Chlorella is not the subject of any authorised slimming claim, and it is not a slimming product.
Q4: What is the daily dose of chlorella?
A4: 3 to 5 g of chlorella powder per day, i.e. one teaspoon, spread over 1 to 3 servings, without exceeding 5 g. For the gradual increase in dose, see the section "How to consume chlorella?" above.
Q5: Chlorelle or chlorella, what is the difference?
A5: No difference: "chlorella" is the scientific and international name of this microalga, and "chlorelle" is its usual French form. Both terms refer to exactly the same product.
