Taking different supplements can do wonders for your health. Given so many, it can be difficult to decide what supplement is best for you, especially if you want to focus on a particular part of your health. Today, chlorella vs. spirulina is taking the world by storm. They are some of the best algae supplements for you.
They help lower your risk of heart disease and improve your blood sugar. But what's the better choice between the two of them? They both have unique benefits that help you improve specific parts of your health. In fact, it's recommended that you take both of them to get the superfood you need.
However, this guide is perfect if you want to know what's in either of them. You'll learn the full health comparison between them, the nutrients of each one, and the antioxidants that are part of each supplement. You'll have a fuller and better understanding of why these two supplements optimize your health.
What Is Chlorella?
Chlorella was discovered in 1890 by a microbiologist. However, this specific algae has existed for centuries. Today, it's one of the most common supplements at your local grocery store or health food store.
One of the best benefits of taking chlorella every day is that you get these nutrients:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- provitamin A
- riboflavin
- magnesium
- iron
- zinc
Each of these play a vital role in your health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to your heart health and brain function. Provitamin A has antioxidants. Riboflavin also has antioxidants and helps the growth of your red blood cells. Magnesium helps support your muscle and nerve development.
Other studies have shown that chlorella supports blood sugar management and helps with insulin sensitivity.
What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina was discovered in 1519, much further back than chlorella. It's also one of the most popular kinds of health supplements to take to optimize your health.
This is because of the tremendous benefits you get from it. Spirulina contains a high amount of:
- Riboflavin
- Thiamine
- Iron
- Copper
One of the benefits of thiamine is that it plays a role in the growth of cells. Iron is good for you because it makes hemoglobin. Copper also benefits your health because it helps grow connective tissue and gives you energy.
Which Is Healthier?
If you're wondering which is healthier, the winner is chlorella because it contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, which is something spirulina doesn't contain. Additionally, chlorella has more antioxidants and unsaturated fats.
Where they equal is in protein. They both have similar amounts of protein that are good for the body. However, everyone's body is different. Talking to your doctor about what is best for your nutritional needs is important.
You also have the option to take both to maximize your health. The best thing about either supplement is that they can be taken in various ways. You can take them in tablets or capsules. You can also take them as drinks or shakes by mixing in chlorella or spirulina powder. However, follow instructions on how much powder to add to your smoothies or shakes.
The Best Recipes That Have Chlorella and Spirulina
While you can enjoy chlorella and spirulina through tablets and capsules and not have second thoughts about them, you can mix them into different recipes. This allows you to avoid swallowing pills or a less-than-tasty smoothie.
Here are some recipe ideas that allow you to mix chlorella and spirulina into your food:
- Guacamole dip with chlorella or spirulina
- Chlorella or spirulina vinegerette
- Soup mixed with chlorella and spirulina
These are just some recipes to consider with chlorella and spirulina. You can also get creative and try them with different dips or foods. You can also add them to other salads. There's no limit to what you can try if you want to add these supplements to your diet, especially regarding tasty recipes.
Chlorella vs. Spirulina: What's the Better Choice?
There's no wrong choice between chlorella and spirulina. They are both exceptional health supplements that boost your overall immunity. They are great for improving your heart and brain function and other health benefits. While chlorella has more to offer, you can also take both to maximize your health benefits.
Overall, there are different ways to take these health supplements that make it easy to consume and a part of your daily diet. You'll find that they both offer exceptional benefits that will give you the energy and the daily nutrients your body needs.
Tropical Spirulina Smoothie
- Yield: 1–2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup baby kale leaves
- 1 small Persian cucumber
- 1 tablespoon spirulina powder
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 cup coconut water
- Coconut flakes
- Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the frozen banana, mango chunks, and baby kale leaves.
- Add the sliced cucumber and the spirulina powder.
- Toss in the ground flaxseeds and grated ginger.
- Pour in the coconut water, which brings a touch of tropical sweetness and helps to blend everything smoothly.
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract.
- If you like your smoothie frosty, feel free to add a handful of ice cubes.
- Blend on high until velvety and evenly mixed.
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and garnish with a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Alexandra Anschiz/Shutterstock.com.