Chlorella vs. Chlorophyll

keyur patel · Jun 23 2023

If you've been looking into natural plant-based health supplements for a while now, you've likely come across a lot of ingredients with complicated multi-syllabic names that you just can't make heads or tails of. 

With so many different plants and substances to keep track of, it can sometimes be difficult to know just what the difference is between two different ingredients, especially when their names sound so similar. 

One of these particularly difficult ingredient pairs are the plant-based substances chlorophyll and chlorella. With such similar names, you may have just glossed over them in the past and assumed they were the same thing. But in fact, they are distinct ingredients, each with their own unique benefits and attributes.

So what exactly do consumers need to know when it comes to chlorella vs. chlorophyll? Read on for an in-depth analysis of both of these common supplement ingredients and learn how they differ from one another.

What Is Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a natural substance found in most plants which causes their color to be vibrant and green. In addition to giving plants their signature appearance, this substance performs a vital role in keeping them alive. 

Chlorophyll is one of the main agents involved in photosynthesis, a critical process for plant life. This substance is what allows plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and convert it into food, helping them to grow and remain healthy. This process also helps to purify the air we breathe.

Plants also use chlorophyll to draw in vital nutrients from the soil. These nutrients help the plants grow strong and eventually pass on their health benefits to the humans and animals who eat the plants.

Due to problems with storage, chlorophyll is not often found in stores as a standalone supplement for human consumption. It is typically used as an ingredient in other supplements or converted into a different form, such as chlorophyllin.

What Are the Health Benefits of Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll isn't just vital for supporting plant life. It also has a range of applications for helping humans improve their health and well-being.


When consumed by humans, chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent cells in the body from becoming damaged by free radicals. It may also have potent detoxifying properties, helping to purge toxins from the body and encouraging the elimination of harmful waste. 

Most importantly of all are chlorophyll's potential applications for preventing cancer. Chlorophyll has been shown to target free radicals, molecules in the body that are known for causing cancer. Animal studies have show that chlorophyll is available to fight off these molecules, it may reduce the rate at which cancer develops. 

With all of these benefits considered, it seems like we could all afford to have a little more chlorophyll in our diets.

What Is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a type of algae that thrives in fresh water and is typically found in lakes, ponds and streams. This type of plant is extremely rich in chlorophyll, more so than any other plant in the known world. 

So when it comes to chlorella vs. chlorophyll, the difference is simple. Chlorophyll is a substance found in plants, while chlorella is a plant that contains large amounts of chlorophyll. 

Because chlorophyll alone isn't easy to produce as a supplement on its own, chlorella is typically recommended for those looking to increase chlorophyll intake. 

By taking a supplement that contains chlorella, humans can derive all of the many health benefits inherently present in chlorophyll, as well as a wide range of additional nutrients offered by the chlorella plant.

What Are the Health Benefits of Chlorella?

As mentioned above, chlorella provides all of the same benefits as chlorophyll. Consuming chlorella can help humans detoxify their bodies, eliminate waste, defend against free radicals and may slow the development of cancer cells

However, chlorella offers its own unique benefits that go beyond those found in chlorophyll. This plant is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for supporting the endocrine, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. It is also a good source of amino acids, and can provide generous amounts of protein, which is especially useful for those following a plant-based diet.

Additionally, this plant has a very rich and varied vitamin content which can be absorbed by the humans who consume it. It is a great source of iron, carotenoids, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. 

How Can I Get More Chlorella in My Diet?

Because chlorella is a plant that is found in nature, you may think the best way to derive its nutrients is to eat it like a vegetable. 

However, this is not the case. Due to the structure of its cell walls, chlorella's nutrients are not easily absorbed when consumed in its natural state.

Alternatively, it is recommended to consume chlorella in the form of a health supplement in which the cell walls are cracked or broken. These are typically found as powders or tablets. In this form, it is easier for the human body to digest it and benefit from its healthy properties. 

The best supplement available on the market today that contains chlorella is Nested Natural's Super Greens powder. This organic, vegan superfood has all of the nutrients you need to support immunity and gut health. Learn more about Super Greens here!

Additional Benefits of Super Greens

Besides detoxifying benefits from chlorophyll and the high vitamin content from chlorella, the Super Greens supplement can also support the body in a number of ways. This powder contains a wide variety of vital nutrients, and is used to promote comfortable digestion, support a healthy gut biome, and provide immune support.

Start Reaping the Benefits of Super Greens Today!

Now that you understand the situation regarding chlorella vs. chlorophyll, the next step is to make sure you have an adequate amount of these substances in your diet. 

Luckily, you can easily get your recommended chlorella intake as well as support your gut health and improve your nutrition by taking Nested Nature's Super Greens supplement daily. Place your first order and improve your overall wellness today!

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