Known for its richness in chlorophyll and the presence of vitamin B12, chlorella also stands out for other exceptional properties.
Discover the nutritional composition of chlorella in detail:
The proteins
Chlorella algae is rich in plant proteins (50% of its weight) which are easily assimilated when the chlorella membrane is open. It contains the 8 essential amino acids for adults.
Lipids
Present at 10% in chlorella, fatty acids are mainly present in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3s represent 35% of the lipids in chlorella.
Fibers
The fibers of the chlorella membrane represent 15% of its weight, they are not digestible and need to be broken to allow the assimilation of the components of the micro-algae.
Vitamins
The vitamins in chlorella are numerous and provide some of its capabilities. They are present naturally in chlorella, particularly in the form of vitamin B1, 2, 6, 9, 12, C, K, E. Vitamin B12 is absent from all common plants. Chlorella therefore constitutes an interesting contribution for vegetarians and vegans[1].
The minerals
Large amounts of minerals are present in chlorella (10% of its composition).
Pigments
The chlorophyll in chlorella gives it its green color. It is the plant richest in this pigment with 2 to 4% of its weight.
Sources
[1] Merchant RE. & al. : Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa Lowers Serum Methylmalonic Acid in Vegans and Vegetarians with a Suspected Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1357-62. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0056.
