Move over kale — there’s a new powerhouse plant in town.
It’s been dubbed “the new spirulina” — after another blue-green algae that’s been hailed as a superfood by the wellness community.
Its name — which is somewhat unfortunate — is Chlorella vulgaris and its backstory — which is also unappetizing — is that it’s a freshwater algae that’s used to clean up wastewater.
Now it has been rebranded, so to speak, and the same microscopic plant that’s been used to scrub up sewage might be scrubbing up your skin as well.
“Chlorella is nutrient-packed food, specifically a green algae, with potential to be called the next big ‘superfood,’” dietitian Roxana Ehsani told Fortune.
It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals such as B12, B6, C, D, folate, vitamin K, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium and magnesium, according to a 2020 study.
“Proponents claim it may prevent and/or treat a multitude of health issues, including cancer, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the common cold, asthma, lead toxicity, aging, premenstrual syndrome, metabolic syndrome, peptic ulcers, and cardiovascular risk factors,” dietitian Toby Amidor wrote in Today’s Dietitian.
Research has shown that the microalgae’s antioxidant properties can also have detoxifying effects, boost immunity and lower cholesterol — and some studies have found it can even fight depression.
Already popular in Japan and South Korea, where it’s used in supplements and smoothies, it can be found in health food stores in the US in the form of dark green powder or tablets.
But don’t expect it to taste like a delicious seaweed salad — early adopters have described it as having an “earthy,” “bitter” or “fishy” flavor.
As such, Ehsani recommends mixing it into a juice, cooking batter or smoothie to mask the taste.
So, will America trade its avocado toast for algae lattes? Time will tell.
Amidor cautioned that Chlorella might not be for everyone — as it can cause tummy troubles and sensitivity to sunlight — and should be avoided by anyone on blood thinners.
Talk to your health care provider before taking Chlorella.
