Chlorella is a unique microalga that is esteemed for its high content of chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But with so many products on the market, how do you judge which is superior?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between two key methods of rendering chlorella more digestible: cracking the cell wall or pulverising it.
Both pulverized and broken cell wall Chlorella have unique benefits and drawbacks, as we'll compare below.
We’ll conclude by offering our thoughts on which is the very best chlorella product on the market today, and why.
The answer may not be what you think!
Pulverized Chlorella
The pulverization process for Chlorella involves grinding the microalgae into a fine powder using something like a powerful blender or coffee grinder. This process is done to make the Chlorella more easily consumed and to increase its bioavailability.
Pulverization also removes the indigestible cell wall, with the goal of increasing the nutritional value.
Pros of pulverized Chlorella include:
- Increased bioavailability, making it more easily absorbed by the body
- Removal of the indigestible cell wall, increasing the nutritional value
- Convenience and easy consumption, as it can be added to smoothies, juices, or other foods and drinks
- Reduced taste and smell, which can be an issue for some people when consuming Chlorella in its whole form
Cons of pulverized Chlorella include:
- Removal of the cell wall, which can also remove some beneficial compounds such as fibres
- Lower overall nutrient content compared to broken cell wall Chlorella
- Greater susceptibility to oxidation, which can decrease the effectiveness of the product
- Can be more expensive than broken cell wall Chlorella due to the processing methods
Broken Cell Wall Chlorella
Broken Cell Wall Chlorella, on the other hand, is made by breaking the microalgae's cell walls using a high-pressure homogenization process.
This process uses high pressure and shear forces to break the cell walls while preserving the nutritional value of the microalgae. This makes it more easily digestible while retaining its cell wall, which is rich in fibres and other beneficial compounds.
Pros of broken cell wall Chlorella include:
- Retention of the cell wall, which is rich in fibres and other beneficial compounds
- High nutrient content compared to pulverized Chlorella
- Increased digestibility
- More economical than pulverized Chlorella
Cons of broken cell wall Chlorella include:
- It may have a slightly stronger taste and smell
- Not as easily consumed as pulverized Chlorella, as it can be difficult to mix into food or drinks
- Less bioavailable than pulverized Chlorella
Comparing Pulverized and Broken Cell Wall Chlorella
When comparing pulverized and broken cell wall Chlorella, there are key differences around bioavailability and effectiveness.
Nutritional differences:
- Broken cell wall Chlorella has a higher overall nutrient content than pulverized Chlorella. This is because the cell wall-breaking process preserves the nutritional value of the microalgae while still making it more easily digestible. Pulverized Chlorella, on the other hand, removes the indigestible cell wall, which can also remove some beneficial compounds such as fibres.
- Pulverized Chlorella has a higher bioavailability than broken cell wall Chlorella. The pulverization process increases the surface area of the Chlorella, making it more easily absorbed by the body. Broken cell wall Chlorella, however, is less bioavailable because the cell walls are not completely broken down.
- Both pulverized and broken cell wall Chlorella have similar effectiveness, but their choice will depend on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Pulverized Chlorella may be more effective for those who have trouble digesting the cell walls, while broken cell wall Chlorella may be more effective for those who want to retain the beneficial compounds found in the cell wall.
Conclusion: Which Chlorella is the Best?
As producers of what we feel is the world's most carefully produced, premium chlorella we looked very deeply into the potential benefits of pulverisation versus broken cell-wall and we decided that neither is the best!
Overall, the benefits of a careful fermentation process seem to outweigh anything offered by either of these methods.
In particular, fermented chlorella increases bioavailability without rupturing the fragile cell wall that prevents the lipids from oxidising.