In fact, sea vegetables have garnered some popularity in recent years for their vitamin and mineral content, but outside of some better-known varietals like algae and seaweed, these unique veggies don’t often get the spotlight. But that’s just the beginning. Chlorella is also loaded with B vitamins, which can often be difficult to get on a plant-based diet. “It also has high mineral content in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and low levels of copper and zinc,” adds Leah Johansen, M.D., staff physician at Lifeforce. “Chlorella is frequently promoted as a vegan source of protein, but it’s important to look at the quantity of protein you’ll receive from a supplement,” notes Stefanski. Keep in mind that you should be aiming for about 0.36 gram of protein per pound of body weight each day. Although more studies are needed to definitively state the full effectiveness of chlorella on immune health, one smaller study1 revealed that after an eight-week period of consuming just 5 grams of this vegetable, participants showed higher markers of immune activity.* That being said, it’s because chlorella binds to these heavy metals that the ingredient may have a more significant impact on the environment. “Chlorella’s ability to bind to heavy metals makes it a possible source of environmental contaminants, so it’s important to choose a reputable company which controls the sourcing of the algae and manufacturing process,” warns Stefanski. The organic variety of chlorella is also recommended to ensure a high-quality ingredient source. Thankfully, the powder variation of organic chlorella (as seen in mbg’s organic veggies+) is easy to mix into smoothies, pesto recipes, and even pancakes to enhance your cooking and array of nutritional inputs without affecting the flavor of your meals.
