Organic algae: Chlorella

Organic Chlorella

The microalga chlorella is approximately the same size as a red blood cell, although it is itself bright green. This is due to its unusually high chlorophyll content. Its origins are estimated to date back 2.5 billion years. This makes it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. However, it was not discovered until the 19th century by the Dutch microbiologist M.W. Beijerinck. This single-celled, spherical aquatic plant takes its name from the Greek words “chloros = green” and “ella = small.” In Asia, chlorella algae are a traditional dietary supplement because of their impressive nutrient content and nutritional properties. Because it is so remarkably interesting and continually reveals surprising ingredients and characteristics, it is considered one of the most extensively studied plants of all. At BERTRAND, we also rely on this special microalga for several reasons.

How is chlorella algae powder made?

Microalgae, freshwater algae, green algae: These are the terms that repeatedly appear in connection with chlorella. They are all accurate. This tiny organism can reach a diameter of 4 to 10 µm. That makes it a “microalga.” Its habitat is freshwater, whether still or flowing. Hence the term “freshwater alga.” When you see many of them together, you can recognize their bright green color—hence “green alga.” One special characteristic of chlorella is that it has a cell nucleus, which means that botanically speaking, it is a plant.
Chlorella is a food, but as a pure food it is inedible, difficult to digest in its natural state, and therefore unsuitable for raw consumption. It is therefore offered as a dietary supplement in the form of loose powder, capsules, tablets, or compressed tablets. We use Chlorella in powder form for our drinkable meals. And this is how it is made:

1. CULTIVATION

   The algae used in BERTRAND products are cultivated in a tube system.
   First, the algae are cultivated in the laboratory in small quantities ranging from about 100 milliliters to 1 liter. This quantity of algae, known as the “starter culture,” is then introduced into a food-grade plastic tube in the “greenhouse.” There, it can grow until it is large enough to be distributed among several tubes. After some time, the tube structure known as the horizontal system or V-module is full of green water, and several hundred liters can eventually be extracted. This is the “starter culture.”

   WE NEED A FEW STARTERS

2. HARVESTING

   Once the starter culture has been introduced into the large tanks, the algae continue to grow rapidly. As soon as the target OD level (optical density) has been reached, they must be harvested continuously from then on. This happens after about two months. This is the most difficult and, of course, the most important part of algae cultivation. What is harvested is a kind of semi-solid algae paste. It is rinsed with clean water. Finally, most of the water is removed from the mass by filtering and centrifuging.

   WE TURN PASTE INTO POWDER

3. DRYING AND GRINDING

   The algae mass, which is still moist, is then gently dried. The spray-drying process is generally chosen for this purpose, as it ensures that practically all of the plant’s valuable ingredients are preserved. During spray drying, the Chlorella droplets are sprayed into a chamber with a stream of hot gas, causing the remaining water to evaporate immediately. The temperature is constantly monitored.
   Alternatively, freeze-drying or cold inert-gas drying can be used.
   During the subsequent grinding into a fine powder, the outer cell layers of the small algae are broken open to make the bioactive substances more readily available to the human body.

   WE WANT THE FLOUR

Why Chlorella?

Chlorella algae have meanwhile earned a reputation as a “superfood” because they are rich in synergistically active ingredients. This means that the overall effect of the ingredients in the body is stronger than that of the individual components because they complement and enhance one another. Their diverse, unique nutrient composition is worth examining more closely.

Arsenic and mercury?

There are repeated reports, however, that algae from China are sometimes significantly contaminated with pollutants. They are often cultivated there in polluted waters, and because of their binding properties, they accumulate heavy metals. EU production in organic quality can, however, rule out contamination with arsenic, mercury, or other undesirable substances. That is why we specifically source our pollutant-free organic products from countries in the European Union.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll, the pigment known as the green pigment of leaves, is produced through photosynthesis. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of hemoglobin, the red pigment in human blood. Chlorophyll is therefore also referred to as the plant’s “green blood.” Chlorella contains an exceptionally high amount of chlorophyll, ranging from 2.4 to 5.0 grams per 100 grams of dry matter. Like hemoglobin, the plant pigment is said to improve iron utilization and oxygen supply in human blood. Chlorophyll is also believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial, immune-boosting, and cell-protective properties. Together with dietary fiber, chlorophyll has toxin-binding and detoxifying properties that are used in dentistry to remove amalgam. Orthomolecular medicine and phytotherapy also make use of these detoxifying properties.

Proteins

As much as 60 percent protein is found in these tiny algae. That is more than, for example, in powdered milk, chicken, or fish. They contain all eight essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce itself and must obtain from food. Chlorella algae are therefore a very good source of protein for athletes, vegetarians, and vegans.

Vitamins and minerals

The microalgae contain vitamins A, C, E, D, and K, as well as the B-complex vitamins. It is said to be one of the few plants that even contain vitamin B12 in a bioavailable form. This makes it particularly interesting for vegans. The minerals and trace elements present include, in particular, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, sodium, selenium, and zinc. Many of these minerals have an alkalizing effect, so the algae may also help regulate the acid-base balance.

Fiber

The green algae also have a fairly high fiber content. This is important because of its detoxifying effect in combination with chlorophyll. Above all, however, fiber is good for intestinal health. According to the DGE (German Nutrition Society), dietary fiber intake is often insufficient in today’s diet. Chlorella can help increase fiber intake.

Secondary plant compounds

The freshwater algae also contain an interesting mix of secondary plant compounds, hidden behind names such as CGF (Controlled Growth Factor), protectins, de-noxilipidnin, sporopollenin, glutathione, and glycoprotein. Secondary plant compounds perform numerous functions in the human body.
In addition, there are around thirty different fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated). Fatty acids are needed for many metabolic processes.

The role of iodine in chlorella