Frequently mentioned superfoods
You suddenly see them everywhere, the green powders and pills chlorella and spirulina. These natural superfoods seem to be very well absorbed by the body. But what exactly are they? And do they really have healing powers?
Spirulina and chlorella are algae. The blue-green spirulina algae is a saltwater algae. Chlorella comes from fresh water and is a greenish alga. Both have been very popular in Japan and other eastern countries for years. They are also slowly becoming better known in the Netherlands.
Both chlorella and spirulina are available as powder and supplement. You can easily add the powders to a smoothie, for example. Spirulina is generally milder than chlorella. Because the proteins in spirulina are a lot smaller, it is also easier to digest. The algae are not a substitute for vegetables or fruit.
Origin
There are two types of algae used to make a spirulina supplement: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. In the past, these algae species were called spirulina, in the supplement world this name is still used. Native spirulina grows in mineral-rich lakes. Today, the alga is cultivated, especially in North America and Asia.
Chlorella literally means ‘little green leaf’ and was discovered in 1890 by the Dutch microbiologist MJ Beijerinck. There are different types of chlorella, but the supplements mainly use Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella vulgaris.
superfood
The positive powers attributed to the algae are due to the amount chlorophyll. This is the green color that has been converted under the influence of sunlight (photosynthesis). In addition, chlorella and spirulina are full of essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
A frequently mentioned power of chlorella in particular is its detoxifying effect. You could especially cleanse the blood and intestines with the help of chlorella. Spirulina is also used as a detoxifier, but this algae is much milder than chlorella.
Furthermore, chlorella is said to stimulate the production of T lymphocytes, which immune system benefits. Some people use the algae as probiotics. They are also seen as support for weight loss and good skin, hair and nail care. And there are many more possible applications.
Substantiation
To the ‘superfoodschlorella and spirulina are therefore attributed many beneficial powers. However, there are no approved health claims from the European Food Safety Organization EFSA for this. There is no scientific basis for any of these health-promoting properties.
Effects
Taking chlorella or spirulina should give you more energy, but using too much can also lead to fatigue or headaches. You can also experience these complaints at the beginning of an algae treatment. The release of toxins is then a frequently mentioned explanation.
Build up the dose slowly and drink plenty of water when you use the algae. Also try not to use more than 10 grams per day, spread over the day. Pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant should stay away from the detoxifying algae.
A healthy diet should always be the basis, even if you add chlorella or spirulina to your diet.
