Chlorella
Chlorella is a blue-green algae like its cousin spirulina. It is native to Taiwan and Japan.
It is one of the ingredients in a product I use in a lot of Mila’s food – The Real Thing Green Power.
Allergen: yes – Chlorella and Spirulina can be allergens.
Introduction: 8 months
Selection:
Chlorella’s tough exterior cellular walls are difficult to digest. The substance in these walls is believed to be what surrounds heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins and helps to remove them from the human body. So when choosing a chlorella product make sure to buy “cracked cell wall chlorella” because then it is completely absorbable.
When purchasing a green powder it is important to choose an organic brand which was processed with protection from UV light, heat, and moisture (which ensures that the chlorophyll and nutrient content is maintained). You should also avoid brands that have ‘fillers’ such as lecithin, fibres, whole grasses, pectin, rice bran or flax.
Storage:
Store Chlorella / Green Powder in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. Follow the expiration date on the packaging.
Preparation/Use:
Add to juices, smoothies, fruit leather, muesli, yoghurt and raw desserts.
Nutritional Value:
Chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world.
Rich in phytonutrients, including amino acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium and the B-complex vitamins.
Chlorella is an EXCELLENT source of: protein, vitamins A, B2 & B3, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Chlorella is a GOOD source of: vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.
(Chlorella is a nutrient-dense food, so a little goes a long way… especially in little bodies! I would suggest using not more than a ¼ teaspoon per day for the little ones.)