Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have provided answers to some of your most common enquiries.
What is the difference between chlorella and spirulina?
In many areas, these two popular
microalgae are similar, although there is a number of important
scientific differences, as they belong to different microalgae classes.
Chlorella is a spherical single-celled plant micro-organism with a
nucleus, whereas spirulina is spiral multi-celled cyanobacteria,
one-hundred times bigger than the chlorella cell but with no true
nucleus. Chlorella grows in fresh waters and needs more sophisticated
equipment to harvest and process because of its size; spirulina grows
mainly in highly alkaline waters where few other organisms can flourish
and is easier to harvest and process.
The nutritional profiles are very
similar. In general, spirulina tends to have a slightly higher
percentage of protein and iron, plus a number of essential fatty acids,
potassium, zinc and calcium; it also contains many vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B-12)
vitamins C, D and E and phycocyanin. Chlorella likewise, includes many
of these nutrients and a more balance protein quantity, but the
difference is that chlorella also contains many antioxidants and its
vitamin B-12 is bio-available, which means that it can absorbed and
utilized by the body properly. It is also very high in vitamin K and
contains phosphorus, tryptophan and pantothenic acid, components not
found in spirulina. Spirulina has the highest volume of beta carotene
and chlorella features one of the highest forms of chlorophyll (4-5
times more than spirulina). Chlorella is a good source of lutein, one of
the most important carotenoids, whilst spirulina has none.
When people decide to add one of these
two to their list of daily supplements, they often try to decide which
is better. However, the best way is to take them together. However, in
as much as one does not eat the same meal every day, it is advisable to
mix the takings of these two foods, take them together, take them
alternately or vary the periods of consumption. Taking either chlorella
or spirulina will benefit you, but taking the two together will really
help to increase your overallwell-being and energy levels.
What is the difference between chlorella/spirulina and wheatgrass/barley grass?
Whilst these two groups of products are
different, they exhibit remarkable similarities in composition and usage
benefits. The first major distinction between the two groups is the
most obvious one: the first group is freshwater microalgae, the second
group is cereal grasses. A common characteristic inherent of all these
green plants is chlorophyll: these supercharged greens flood the blood
supply with oxygen which detoxifies it and neutralizes free radicals.
Whilst there is very little nutritional difference between wheat grass
and barley grass, these two super greens deliver concentrated nutrition
that has very similar effects to the ones offered by chlorella and
spirulina. In other words, their compositional analyses may be slightly
different, but their benefits are very similar. Another difference is
that chlorella and spirulina come in powder, tablet and capsule form,
whereas wheatgrass and barley grass only in powder form. Also the
certified-organic grasses originate from New Zealand, the
certified-organic microalgae are souced from South East Asia.
Tell me more about BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin
BioAstin is a human dietary supplement classified as
food and it comes in vegetarian softgel capsules (500mg). The main
ingredient of BioAstin is Natural Astaxanthin enhanced with Vitamin
E. Astaxanthin is derived from microalgae grown in clean water and
natural conditions in Hawaii; it is a carotenoid which is much more
potent as an antioxidant and has many more specific benefits for human
nutrition than beta carotene, lutein and lycopene. In fact, Natural
Astaxanthin is the strongest natural antioxidant that science has found
yet.
Natural Astaxanthin can:
- Help reduce aches and pains from arthritis, joint soreness and tendonitis
- Control deadly “silent inflammation”, a cause of heart disease,
stroke, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many other life-threatening
diseases
- Give energy, increase strength and improve endurance
- Work as an “internal sunscreen” and improve skin condition
- Strengthen the body’s immune system
- Protect the eyes and brain from damaging free radicals and oxidation
- Support cardiovascular health and normalise cholesterol levels
BioAstin Astaxanthin is a nutritional supplement and
not a drug; preclinical studies demonstrate that it is safe with no
known side effects. The normal recommended dosage is 1-2 softgel
capsules a day with meals or 1 hour before exercising.
Which products are certified organic?
When we decided to offer
organically-certified microalgae, we looked around the world for the
best possible products and we did not compromise during our selection
process. Our organic chlorella and spirulina (powder and tablets) are
organically grown on Hainan Island off the southern-most coast of China
in carefully monitored conditions in accordance with current strict
quality standards of EU and USA organic certification bodies (CERES,
Naturland and USDA) - see this page
for the organic certification standards. Vegetarian capsules are filled
with the same organic chlorella and spirulina powder. Barley grass and
wheatgrass originate from New Zealand and they additionally certified
organic by AsureQuality NZ. All our organic products contain no
artificial colourings, additives, fillers, binders flavourings or
preservatives and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. We are
certified organic product handlers by the OF&G Organisation with Certificate of Compliance GB-ORG-2.
Our "conventional" Yaeyama Chlorella and
Hawaiian Spirulina are 100% pure and natural microalgae products with
no synthetic artificial additives whatsoever. In that sense, they are as
“organic” as they can be, but they are not certified as such. The
organic certification is a very expensive process and our growers (who
have both been cultivating, harvesting and processing chlorella and
spirulina of the highest quality for over 30 years) believe that it is a
somewhat unnecessary process, specially considering that there are no
internationally agreed standards for green microalgae grown on water.
They also feel that any restrictions or processes imposed upon them may
have an adverse impact on the quality of the finished product and they
are not willing to jeopardise either the quality of the product or their
reputation as worldwide leaders in their respective fields.
How do organic green foods vary from non-organic?
We offer 2-3 types of chlorella and
spirulina, but basically the products are very very similar. The reason
for us doing so is to offer more choices to our customers when it comes
to buying either organically-certified products or conventional. There
are many types of chlorella in the market, and unfortunately a few “bad”
ones, as well. That's why we are so proud of the overall superb quality
of all our green foods supplements.
Our green whole food products are grown,
cultivated and processed in different countries by different companies
using different methods; therefore, you would expect there some
differences between our organically-certified chlorella and spirulina
and the conventional ones:
Differences:
• Tablet size (for chlorella: 500mg versus 250mg – all spirulina tablets are 500mg)
• Nutritional profile – check this page for nutritional content comparison of our chlorella products
• Taste and smell (for powder only): some people like one more than the other and vice versa
• Physical appearance: some powders have a deep dark green colour, others are lighter green
• Organic certification – this is an obvious one. Click here for organic certification process details
• Production in different countries and by different companies: another obvious one.
Similarities:
• Quality standards: all our products are produced to very high standards
• Efficacy: this is what you would expect by top quality chlorella and spirulina
• Testing procedures: strict testing procedures applied for any possible contamination
• 30+ years of production experience
• Produced by worldwide suppliers with international reputation
Our recommendation:
We would recommend Yaeyama Chlorella and
Hawaiian Spirulina because we know these exceptional products and the
companies better, but rest assured that whichever product you opt for,
whether it is organic or not, you have chosen the best.
How much should I take and when?
Whole green foods are basically
functional plant-based nutritional foods, therefore recommendations
about "dosage" are inappropriate. Each person's constitution, general
health, deficiencies, gender, imbalances and lifestyle are different,
hence the appropriate amount will vary from person to person. Whilst the
maintenance intake is 3-4 grams daily for a healthy individual, for
more energy this can increase to 10-20 grams per day; athletes can take
as much as 40g. It is important that you consume your green food supplements with plenty of water.
Algae may often have a strong cleansing
action when they are first taken, therefore, it is generally recommended
to introduce these whole foods gradually into your diet and build the
amount up to the normal "comfort" level - the body will adapt over a
period of 2-4 weeks allowing you to take more. Tablets can be chewed or
swallowed with cold water or non-acidic juices; powder can be mixed with
fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, etc. into a smoothie, stirred into food
(soups, dressings, dips, sauces and casserole dishes) after cooking or
sprinkled onto cereals, muesli, yoghurt, etc. Avoid heat as this may
reduce the nutritional value. One level teaspoon contains approximately
2-3 grams. Do not swallow powder on its own. Note that
the benefits of tablets and powder are the same: just whatever is more
convenient. Some people may find the powder taste a little unpleasant;
in this instance, capsules or tablets may be a better option.
If one takes the full daily amount in
one go, we recommend that this should be taken at breakfast.
Alternatively, it can be taken at several intervals throughout the day,
but best times are around meal times and preferably half hour to one
hour prior to any food. Always make sure that you drink plenty of water
when taking your green food supplements. Light sleepers may avoid taking
them too late in the evening due to their energising effects. Some
nutritionists suggest that their clients skip one day a week of taking
all supplements.
We have also put together some ideas for delicious and nutritious recipes and smoothies with chlorella.
Please refer to instructions
for more detailed information on daily taking directions. We recommend
that you consult your GP or health professional for further advice.
How long before I see any results?
Keep in mind that all our products are
whole foods and not drugs. Some people may experience a remarkable
upsurge in their health and energy levels within days of starting to
take supplements. Certain conditions also respond rapidly (constipation
and bad breath can often improve within 1 or 2 days). However, many of
the benefits of chlorella and spirulina are subtle and vary from person
to person, as each one of us has different homeostasis, imbalances,
deficiencies and lifestyle; usually you will experience a noticeable
improvement after 2-3 months of regular use.
Are your products good for children?
Our products are safe and beneficial for
children of all ages, in conjuction with a balanced diet. These super
green whole foods supplement the nutrients and vitamins the children
need, they stimulate cell growth, they strengthen their immune system
and they have a high omega oil content which is valuable for the
concentration and brain power of children, Normally children will be
given 1/4 or ½ of the adult daily allowance. Another rule of thumb is
250mg per year of their age: a 4-year old will take 1gr per day while a
10-year old 2-3 grams daily. Please check instructions
or refer to each individual product in our product information section
for recommended allowances. We suggest that you consult with a
paediatrician before making significant changes to your child's diet.
What about pets, fish and animals?
Every pet owner is concerned about
things like health and nutrition. Pets react to stressors the same as
humans and if their diet is insufficient, their health may be at risk.
One thing every pet owner can do is supplement their pet's diet with a
protein rich source of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.
Remember also that what is good for you, is also good for your pets. Our
products given to your pets will strengthen their immunity, increase
their vitality, improve the absorption of nutrients from other foods,
correct nutritional imbalances and mineral deficiencies, improve their
temperament and give them a shinier, silkier, softer coat.
Many people also feed our products to
koi carp, goldfish and to their exotic birds for natural colouration of
their feathers. Chlorella and spirulina are also used for feeding
animals by farmers, livestock breeders, trainers, kennels, stables,
studs, zoos, animal welfare homes, centres and shelters. Racehorse
owners report improved performance and more rapid recovery of their
horses, the same results human athletes report. The regular use of
chlorella and spirulina also has a positive effect on animal fertility.
Please note we are supplying human grade
natural green whole foods, not 'B' or 'C' grade - they contain no
fillers, binders, artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Pets
and animals love their wholesome flavour and you will love their good
health and visible appearance!
Dosages vary depending on the species.
Large dogs: 3gr a day, cats: 2gr a day, hamsters: 500mg a day. For best
results, tablets or powder should be given daily before the pet's meal
(when stomach is empty). Tablets may be crushed and added to milk or
feed for puppies. In most cases, your pet will love the taste of
chlorella and spirulina so you can use it as a treat - just hold a few
tablets in the palm of your hand and let it smell them and have them. Birds: sprinkle some powder or tablet crumbs on the dampened bird seed (1-3% of the quantity of seed). Aquarium fish: sprinkle some tablet crumbs in the water or mix them through their food. Horses: approx. 3 to 6 tablets (or 1 to 2 grams of powder) per 100 kg in body weight.
Are your products suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Yes, all our products are 100% vegan. Vegetarians commonly lack Vitamin B-12
(animal derived), iron (from red meat or spinach) and amino acids. Our
natural whole food products have a high protein and B-12 content,
Omega-3 fatty acids and a wide range of amino acids, including all 9 essentials - taken daily, they will fill these gaps.
Can I take green foods when pregnant or nursing?
Our products can be included in the
daily diet before, during and after pregnancy. While women are pregnant,
the baby in their body will rapidly absorb nutrients. Our natural whole
foods are an ideal foundational food providing a complete and balanced
nutrient profile including the micronutrients, like folic acid and
selenium and essential free fatty acids, like Gamma Linolenic Acid
(GLA), which are often taken as synthetic or formulated supplements.
Whole green foods are safe for a lactating mother who passes the unique
nutritional benefits of chlorella, spirulina, barley grass, wheatgrass
and Supreme Greens to her baby through her breast milk. However, it is
always advisable to check with your GP and your healthcare professional
before beginning any new supplementation or dietary programme.
Can I take green foods with other medication?
Our products are all 100% natural whole
foods and should not affect any medicines taken. They all are
nutritionally complete - genuine ‘whole foods' capable of supporting
human life - not only do they provide a rich nutritional foundation in
themselves, but also ensure the presence of a vast array of trace
elements which aid the assimilation of nutrients in other foods we eat.
If medication is taken for the following two condtions, green foods may
interact with their effectiveness:
• Green algae may increase the function
the immune system. By increasing the immune system, these algae might
decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to decrease the
immune system (immunosuppressants) or to control other autoimmune
diseases.
• Green algae are rich in Vitamin K.
Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is
used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, the algae might
reduce the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin).
We strongly advise to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Are there any possible reactions?
No toxic or negative side-effects have
been found in taking natural whole foods, but some of the following
initial reactions have been reported by individuals:
-
Intestinal gases (flatulence) may be
released due to the rejuvenation of the peristaltic action of the
intestines. This should subside in a few days once intestines cleanse
up.
-
Irregularity of bowel movement,
bloatiness, constipation or diarrhoea. Bowel movements may also become
greenish in colour. Again, this is an indication that the green
superfoods are actively working and the symptoms should disappear in a
few days.
-
Slight fever, nausea, vomiting,
headache, dizziness or thirst. This signifies that the body is trying to
absorb the extra nutrients. Drink plenty of fluids.
-
Allergy sufferers may sometimes break
out in pimples, rashes, boil or eczema, in some cases accompanied by
itching. This means that the body is actively working to expel toxins.
If any of the above occasional symptoms are severe, either lower the
dose, increase the amount of fluids taken or stop altogether and
consult a qualified professional. These reactions should not be taken
as side-effects but merely as an indication that the whole green foods
are working on the body.
Any problems after the tsunami of March 2011 and Fukushima accident in Japan?
We are pleased to confirm that no
effects or radioactivity whatsoever have ever been noticed at the
Ishigaki Island and the production facilities of Yaeyama Chlorella ever
since the Fukushima nuclear plant accident. Okinawa is located some 2,200 km
south from the troubled regions! Additional precautionary tests for
possible radiation contamination have been established and are now
carried out routinely with every production of chlorella by Japan Food
Laboratories, an independent lab recognised as a competent authority by
the EU, and by the Yaeyama company themselves. In addition to these
tests, the UK Port Authorities also conduct random tests to the imported
chlorella from Japan, as well as thoroughly checking all documentation,
before releasing the cargo. See all test results and declarations information or the full radiation report.
What guarantees does Chlorella Europe offer?
We endeavour to source the best possible
products from reputable suppliers worldwide and to offer a fair and
trustworthy description of these on our website. If you are not happy
with your purchase, we will replace or refund any products. If you also
wish to cancel your order, we will refund your payment.
What happens if products are out of stock?
Although we hold stock of all our
products, occasionally we may not be able to fulfil your order within
our preferred same-day policy. In this rare occasion, we will always
contact you to let you know that there will be a short delay. If there
are other items in your order, we will ask you whether you prefer these
to be dispatched as normal or wait for the complete order.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any further queries or questions.
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this site is for educational purposes only
and is intended for your general knowledge. It is not intended to
diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any specific health or medical
conditions nor is a substitute for professional medical advice. Our
products are generally used as food and sold to you as food; as a
consumer, you accept full responsibility for their use. Food supplements
must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a
healthy lifestyle. If you are unwell or pregnant or breastfeeding or
taking any medications, always seek the advice of a physician, GP,
doctor or other qualified health care provider or practitioner. Every
reasonable care has been taken to compile the contents of this site but
no warranty or guarantee is given as to the accuracy of this
information and, therefore, no liability for any errors or omissions or
product misuse can be accepted. See our full Terms & Conditions
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