The Benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella (ENERGYbits Giveaway)

How I Discovered Chlorella

In October, I wrote about my experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. As I mentioned in that article, I live in Chicago. My hometown is 594 feet above sea level and flat as a pancake. So I knew going into this adventure that altitude would be an issue.

I asked my dentist, who has made multiple Kilimanjaro ascents, for some advice. She recommended I consume chlorella during the climb because it oxygenates the blood. That’s not exactly true—chlorella is rich in iron (138 milligrams of iron per 100 grams of chlorella, far more than is found in supposedly iron-rich foods like beef liver and mollusks), and iron is necessary for hemoglobin to bind and transport oxygen in the blood. So while chlorella does not provide a direct infusion of oxygen, it does assist the blood in transporting oxygen throughout the body.

The Benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella

I knew of chlorella from my research on the best sustainable protein sources. Along with spirulina, it’s the most protein-dense food I’m aware of. Both have twice as much protein per weight as seafood or meat. And they are both types of algae, so they grow readily and take carbon dioxide out of the air to produce energy instead of releasing carbon. They’re also incredibly nutrient-dense. Chlorella has more vitamin A per weight than carrots, more vitamin K than kale, more calcium than milk, more magnesium than spinach and more potassium than bananas.

Figuring I would be fed rice and beans during the entire climb, I decided I could use a handy source of protein and micronutrients. So I stuffed a bag of chlorella RECOVERYbits into my pack. At the very least, I would be able to get some vital nutrition. If the RECOVERYbits helped me deal with lack of oxygen at higher elevations, so much the better. 

I can’t say for certain whether or not my RECOVERYbits made the difference in summitting Mount Kilimanjaro. But I do know I experienced very minimal symptoms of altitude sickness (minor light-headedness that went away after the first couple days of the climb). And I woke up every morning ready for the next hike without feeling fatigued or excessively sore.

ENERGYbits Giveaway

That’s why I’m so excited to partner with ENERGYbits to offer this giveaway for their spirulina and chlorella tabs (brand names ENERGYbits and RECOVERYbits). As I mentioned earlier, spirulina is just as protein-dense and nutrient-rich as chlorella. And as the names suggest, ENERGYbits offers their algae bits as a one-two punch. Spirulina ENERGYbits provide a morning boost or some quick fuel on the go. Chlorella RECOVERYbits help improve immunity, detox your body and even get rid of a hangover. If you were intrigued by seeing chlorella and spirulina at the top of my sustainable protein list, you’re prepping for an expedition of your own, or you’re just looking for a quick and convenient whole food supplement, then here’s the perfect opportunity to give algae a shot.

One word of warning, however: spirulina and chlorella are extremely green. You’ll get algae dust on your hands when you hold the tabs (though it easily wipes off). The tabs taste like you put your entire garden in a blender and drained out the liquid (ENERGYbits recommends swallowing them whole). And your first trip to the toilet will make you wonder if you’ve permanently stained the insides of your intestines. None of this greenness is harmful, just something to be aware of.

And given the nutritional and sustainability benefits of spirulina and chlorella, they are definitely worth a try!