Chlorella: what are the uses, benefits and side effects?

We're all for anything green and natural that will help wash away the guilt of last night's greasy takeaway and large wine (bottle), but little did we know the trendy nutritional powerhouse that is Chlorella is far more miraculous than that; in fact, it's a downright life-changer with endless benefits.

If there was ever a time to remember that life lesson 'don't judge a book by its cover' it is now, so don't be fooled by that fact that Chlorella looks like a serving of sad, dried mushy peas (the takeaway was a chippy) and sounds like a Disney villain. So don't be put off by that nuclear, green exterior, because like the loveable Shrek, this green suspect is packed full of love and goodness that deserves a second look.

So what is Chlorella? What makes Chlorella so special? And what are the benefits of Chlorella? We're glad you stuck around to ask - your bod will thank you.

Chlorella is a plant protein rising in popularity. It is an ultimate super-green superfood, and yes, although it may look like toxic waste, it's essentially an ambrosia for your insides. Like algae and seaweed, Chlorella is a sea vegetable (a variation of green algae) that is both grown in freshwaters and is also made commercially. It looks the way it does (green) because it is high in Chloroform (hence the name), which explains its radioactive appearance, but also gives you an idea of the green goodness beaming from within.

The health benefits are endless (we will get into them), but to summarise, Chlorella a powerful, natural protein, that when dried, contains twice as much as much protein as spinach. We don't want to say miracle cure, but...

WATCH: What is Chlorella, and Why Should You Take it

What is Chlorella?

We put that exact question to 8Greens founder Dawn Russell. 8Greens is a new supplement (comprising of dehydrated real greens in an effervescent tablet) that contains the key ingredient of Chlorella. It is already used by the likes of the Obamas, Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman, and Kim Kardashian.

Dawn said, "Chlorella is a microalgae just like Spirulina. While both are fantastic for protein, antioxidants, omega oils, there is a continual debate over which has the nutritional advantage. Chlorella is 'generally' considered to have the advantage, however both are an algae grown in water that may contain metal and toxin. What I value most about Chlorella is that it must be grown in specific conditions making it less likely to have bacterial contamination."

Chlorella is typically found as a fine powder, tablets or capsules, or an extract. It is frequently consumed as a supplement, but Chlorella fans often add it to smoothies, desserts and salad dressings.

What is Chlorella used for?

Chlorella is used for all sorts, but it is generally used as a source of nutrition and as medicine. Nutritionally, it is jam-packed full of goodness as it is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.

When it comes to using Chlorella as a medicine, scientists generally agree that more research is required, but individuals have hailed Chlorella for helping them with specific ailments, mainly due to the fact that all the nutrients in Chlorella help boost the immune system (its nutritional stats read like a top-of-the-line multivitamin). Some believe Chlorella can help fight off colds, Crohn's disease, ulcers, constipation, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even help prevent cancer.

Chlorella vs Spirulina

Chlorella and Spirulina are both forms of algae that are soaring in popularity on the supplement market. Like Chlorella, Spirulina is jam-packed full of green goodness.

“Chlorella is higher in fat and calories when compared to spirulina, but spirulina may contain up to 10 percent more protein than chlorella,” explains Sarah Koszyk, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of 365 Snacks for Every Day of the Year.

Lindsay Allen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Back in Balance Nutrition & Fitness, adds, “Chlorella does appear to contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially selenium, vitamin D2, and B12."

WATCH: Spirulina VS Chlorella, Which One Should You Take?

Benefits of Chlorella

Health and beauty brand Dherbs summarises Chlorella seemingly limitless health benefits as follows: