What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is freshwater microalgae characterized by its high chlorophyll content (hence its name!). This single-celled microscopic organism has an actual “shell” intended to protect it from external climatic aggressions, which means that Chlorella is found in both hemispheres.
Chlorella reproduces by cell division every 20 hours, each mother cell being divided into 2 daughter cells. The particular structure of its outer wall and its incredible ability to reproduce have been essential to its survival for more than 2 billion years!
Although it remains less known than its cousin Spirulina, it is now found all over the world, mainly in the form of powder and capsules. The biggest fans of Chlorella are undoubtedly the Japanese, who consume more than a thousand tons per year. It’s not surprising that Chlorella has been declared a food of national interest by the Japanese government!
What is the composition of Chlorella?
Chlorella is made up of 50% protein, which is a source of 19 different amino acids, 8 of which are essential, making it a super-food of choice for vegetarian diets. It also has high chlorophyll content, as well as a second pigment, lutein.
It contains vitamins A, B, C and E, minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sulphur and manganese) as well as plant fibre. Finally, it has lipids such as alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, one of the better-known Omega 3s.
Chlorella is considered one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12. Both forms of B12 produced by Chlorella (methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin) are active in human metabolism.
What is the interest of Chlorella for nutrition?
Its very rich composition makes it an interesting food as a nutraceutical, especially to supplement vegan diets. In fact, vitamin B12, essential for proper functioning of the human body, is provided by a meat-based diet. Chlorella is one of the few known foods other than meat to provide this essential intake of vitamin B12.
Its richness in chlorophyll, this green pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants, promotes purification of the organism. Chlorophyll is like the equivalent for plants of haemoglobin, which provides the oxygen necessary for life. The high presence of chlorophyll in Chlorella makes it a natural cleansing agent that promotes detoxification of the body. Chlorophyll porphyrin rings can improve the production of glutathione, which plays an important role in detoxification of cadmium, dioxin and many other types of heavy metals, toxins and pesticides.
And Chlorella Nectar® in all this?
AlgoSource has developed the only liquid extract of Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) available for nutraceutical use. The indisputable advantages of this liquid form are its bioavailability and digestibility. In fact, dry forms of Chlorella are sometimes responsible for digestive disorders. Thanks to its exclusive cold-extraction process, without solvents or chemicals, AlgoSource is able to remove 80% of the cell wall, which is difficult for the body to assimilate, while preserving all the original properties of the microalgae. This guarantees its digestibility and the preservation of its essential nutrients, while contributing to better intestinal transit by releasing the natural fibre in Chlorella.
Chlorella Nectar® is the ally of all organisms:
- Plant source of vitamin B12;
- Naturally rich in chlorophyll;
- Liquid form for optimal bioassimilation
Our Chlorella Nectar® is produced under certified Organic Agriculture; a 100% natural formulation with a mild mint taste to improve the flavour of the extract.