Chlorella is an edible algae and a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. This superfood is considered “nature’s multivitamin” because of the numerous benefits it has for our health and well-being. It is loaded with vitamins (A, B and C), minerals, and other important nutrients, like magnesium and iron. Chlorella is also a great source of plant-based protein.
Adding chlorella to your cooking is a great way to benefit from its abundance of nutrients. It's well known as a detox agent and an immune system booster, with benefits for your heart and digestive health.
Chlorella can bind with heavy metals, synthetic chemicals and other toxins, making them easy to expel from the body. It can also promote a healthy balance of natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It may even help to soothe ulcers and other intestinal issues.
Since chlorella is a living food, it is also best eaten raw to avoid diminishing its precious nutritional value. You should not add it to hot drinks or anything that will be heated, cooked, or baked, as the life-giving nutrients may be reduced when exposed to high temperatures. Instead, add it to fresh homemade drinks, yogurt, smoothies, salad dressings, cereals or raw desserts.
If you're looking for a natural way to cleanse and detoxify, have healthier cells, improved digestion and real energy that no cup of coffee can compete with, adding a small amount of chlorella to your daily diet is an easy way to start.
Once you’ve gotten your chlorella powder, eventually the next question is “what am I supposed to do with it?” We understand it can be a little daunting when jumping into something new like taking chlorella, so we’ve compiled some exciting and delicious recipes to give you some ideas of how to integrate chlorella into your daily routine.
Are you ready? Here are our 5 favourite chlorella recipes:
This is a very simple and versatile recipe (from mynewroots.com) for you to try our awesome and wholesome Chlorella Powder. This chlorella cream can be easily added to your breakfast by pouring it on your porridge. You can also try it on toast with your favourite fruits.
Ingredients:
½ cup raw liquid honey
1-3 tsp. chlorella
2-4 Tbsp. raw tahini
Preparation:
- Place honey in a bowl and whisk in chlorella until thoroughly combined.
- Add the tahini, one tablespoon at a time and whisk. You can add as much tahini as you like, but I find the cream tends to become quite solid if I put in too much (plus it will depend on how runny your tahini is). I like to drizzle this stuff after all, not roll it into balls (but that could be another great snack…)
- Store chlorella cream in the fridge, either in a squeeze bottle for optimal drizzle action, or in a glass jar.
Smoothies are probably the most popular way of taking chlorella. Having a green smoothie in the morning not only helps alkalize your body but gives you the energy to start your day. Try this delicious pineapple chlorella smoothie (from healthy smoothiehq.com) that's loaded with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/3 small avocado
- 1/4 cup yogurt (preferably full-fat variety)
- 4-6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon chlorella
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
- 1 teaspoon maca
- 1 teaspoon bee pollen
- Squeeze of lemon juice, about 1 teaspoon (really important)
- A dash of Himalayan pink salt (substitute another high quality salt such as Celtic sea salt)
- A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
Preparation:
Place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth.
Chlorella + Cacao Crunch Popcorn
Who doesn’t like popcorn?
This is an easy, fun recipe (from sakara.com) to make using chlorella, and not just because making popcorn is lots of fun.
The best bit about it is that it can be made in a matter of minutes if you are getting ready for watching a movie in the comfort of your living room.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp chlorella powder
- 1 tsp himalayan salt
- 3 tsp melted coconut oil
- 3 TBSP raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 TBSP maple syrup
Preparation:
Once popcorn has popped and been transferred to a mixing bowl, combine chlorella powder, himalayan salt, and melted coconut oil. Coat popcorn with this mixture. Allow to cool and dry. All the meantime, make the cacao drizzle sauce by warming coconut oil in a sauce pan and slowly adding in cacao powder and maple syrup. Once all has combined, set in the fridge to cool. Immediately before serving, drizzle with cacao sauce.
Remember when we said that chlorella is perfect for fresh homemade drinks? Here’s a simple and delicious recipe (from rawfoodrecipes.com) for a chlorella morning drink. Whether you're sick of the same hot coffee every morning or just eager for a new way to start your day, this tonic can help you detox your body and strengthen your immune system. It’s great for your morning ritual.
Ingredients:
- 1 glass of filtered water water
- ½ teaspoon chlorella
- Splash of aloe water
- Squeeze of lemon
Preparation:
Stir all ingredients together and enjoy on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
Can’t control those afternoon cravings? Well we’ve got the solution for you.
These chlorella cacao balls (from besthealthmag.ca) are so tasty and make an amazing guilt free nibble. They are a healthy alternative to combat hunger between meals. You can also try them before your workout session.
Ingredients:
- 125 mL cacao powder
- 4 medjool dates
- 50 mL hemp seeds
- 25 mL coconut oil
- 15 mL raw honey
- 15 mL chlorella
- 15 mL chia seeds
- sea salt
- 2 mL vanilla extract
Preparation:
Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix until ingredients start to form a ball.
Take about 1½ tbsp (4 mL) of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used up. Place balls on a plate and set in the freezer.
Once solid, you can transfer them to a container. Keep them stored in your freezer and grab them when you need a fix. They will keep in the freezer for 2 or 3 weeks.
