Q1: What are the differences between Spirulina and Chlorella? Which is more suitable for me?
A: The basic nutrient level such as proteins, carbohydrates, fat are similar, but they vary by the composition of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and phytochemicals.
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|
Chlorella |
Spirulina |
|
Cell Shape |
spherical |
spring-like spiral |
|
pigment |
Chlorophyll |
Phycocyanin, chlorophyll |
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Exterior appearance |
Green |
Dark Green |
|
Provided nutrients |
Dietary fiber, iron, calcium, chlorophyll, and lutein |
GLA, folic acid, protein, β-carotene-based |
|
Special nutrients |
Chlorophyll, Chlorella Growth Factor (C.G.F) |
Phycocyanin, Spirulina Growth Factor (S.G.F) |
Chlorella can be used for detoxing heavy metals or to remove excess water in the body. Spirulina can be used as an anti-oxidant or a supplement to replenish proteins and gamma-linolenic acid for better immune support from damages. The best method would be to take both for a full spectrum of nutrition needed by our bodies.
Q2: What do I buy organic microalgae?
A: FEBICO Organic Chlorella and Spirulina have been certified by German Naturland organization every year since 2001 (13 consecutive years!), along with USDA Organic Certification, Taiwan & China Organic Certification to guarantee there are no synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, herbicides, pesticide used or contaminated during the production & packaging process.
FEBICO organic products are under the most stringent environmental and production examination and guaranteed its organic property, responsible for our mother nature. Organic culturing requires much more time and manpower, in return for natural nutrients that accumulated within the algae.
Taking chlorella as an example, it easily uptakes its surrounding particles and if any herbicide or unnatural substances are used, you maybe consume those unsafe chlorella and cause chronic damage to your health. Therefore, you should buy brands with organic certifications or from manufacturer like FEBICO that have quality reassured by numerous organization routinely.
Q3: Why does Chlorella need to undergo broken cell wall process?
A: Chlorella has a very thick and strong cell wall, when the cell wall is not cracked, it is very difficult to be digested. FEBICO's very own uniquely patented “Low-Pressure Flash Expansion Technique” explodes the cell walls under certain pressures, which increases the digestive rate to more than 80%, twice amount compared to other chlorella brands in the market. This technique has also obtained a Taiwanese patent (Patent number 183428).
Q4: How do I consume Spirulina & Chlorella at the same time, and what is the recommended dosage for different tablet sizes?
A:Spirulina has its unique immune-stimulatory substances like GLA, phycocyanin and sulfuric-carbohydrate to protect you from bacteria and virus during day time. Its rich nutrient profile gives you better energy at work. On the other hand, chlorella has rich dietary fiber and it can promote bowel movement at night during sleep, so you can go to bathroom easily in the next morning. Besides, its GABA amino acids can stabilize your nervous system and aids you with sleep.
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Tablet size |
Timing |
Total Amount |
|
Spirulina |
500mg x 3 tab |
In the morning |
~1.5 g |
|
or 200mg x 8tab |
|||
|
Chlorella |
500mg x 3 tab |
Before dinner |
~1.5 g |
|
Or 200mgx 8 tab |
The above recommended is for a daily dosage, and can be taken partially before meals with 1800~2000cc of water per day. Children below age of 12 are suggested to take half dosage.
Q5: Are there any side affects to taking Chlorella or Spirulina?
A: Chlorella and Spirulina are not drugs but natural whole food, taking them will not create any side effects.
Q6: Is there any difference if you take the Chlorella or Spirulina all at once or partially?
A: The recommended dosage is 3g, if taken partially, the absorption of the nutrients will be better.
Q7: Do you have to chew the tablets? Will there be a difference when its chewed or swallowed?
A: There are no differences in terms of nutrient utilization weather the tablets are chewed or swallowed. Some people like the natural seaweed taste of chlorella so they chew it, and some people just swallow it.
Q8: How old must children be for them to use Chlorella or Spirulina, and how do they take it?
A: Children over the age of 1 can take Spirulina and Chlorella, grinding the tablets into powder form is a suggested method of feeding. Children between ages 4 and 12 can take them normally, in half dosages. 1.5 g/day is the recommended dosage.
Q9: How does one consume Chlorella and Spirulina with other nutritional supplements? Do we have to take it with water?
A: Spirulina contains Spirulina Growth Factor(S.G.F) and Chlorella contains Chlorella Growth Factor (C.G.F), these can help with the absorption of nutrients. Therefore, Chlorella and Spirulina can be taken with other nutritional supplements. Multivitamins are recommended to be taken once every three days.
Coffee or tea are not recommended to be taken at the same time as they are considered pungent foods. To avoid damaging of the nutrients, we recommend taking Chlorella and Spirulina with water.
Q10: Can Spirulina and Chlorella be taken together with drugs? How long should the time gaps be?
A: Spirulina and Chlorella are considered food and not drugs. If you're sick and taking medicine already then it can be taken together, otherwise we recommend a time gap of 30 minutes.
Q11: Can pregnant or lactating women take Chlorella and Spirulina? What is the recommended dosage?
A: Pregnant women mostly lack of folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B group and other nutrients. The nutrients of Chlorella and Spirulina are the perfect whole food to supplement them with those insufficient nutrition. Chlorella growth factor found in Chlorella is perfect for children and pregnant women, which makes chlorella an affordable and useful product. The recommended dosage per day is 3 grams, and can be taken partially.
Q12: Is Chlorella and Spirulina the same as the seaweed and kelp we eat normally?
A: Seaweed, kelp, and agar are all types of algae, they are different in size and shape and can be seen by the naked eye and therefore are considered macroalgae or large algae. Large algae can often be found along the coastline but are different to Chlorella and Spirulina. Chlorella and Spirulina need a clean environment with sufficient sunlight and clean water to grow. Apart from the difference in shape and growing environment, Chlorella and Spirulina also contain large amounts of nutrition of which cannot be matched by larger algae. Unlike larger algae, Chlorella and Spirulina do not contain iodine, therefore hyperthyroidism sufferers can also consume Chlorella and Spirulina at recommended dosages.
Q13: Can sufferers of hyperthyroidism and kidney diseases also use Chlorella and Spirulina?
A: Unlike algae cultivated from seawater, Chlorella and Spirulina contain no iodine, therefore it is safe for patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. Patients that are suffering from major diseases are recommended to see and follow a doctor's directions for recommended dosage.
Q14: Can patients with high blood pressure and diabetes consume Chlorella or Spirulina?
A: Chlorella and Spirulina are categorized as food but not drugs and is safe to consume. Animal studies have shown its efficacy in stabilizing blood pressure and lower blood glucose level. If you are suffering from metabolic disorders such high glucose, high blood pressure, or high blood triglyceride, you can increase the dosage of chlorella to 9g/day. Patients that are suffering from other major diseases are recommended to see and follow a doctor's suggestion for recommended dosage.
Q15: Can patients suffering from gout take Chlorella and Spirulina?
A: Gout sufferers should not consume substances that contain high levels of purine, and Chlorella and Spirulina are categorized as food that does not contain a high level of purine. The daily recommended value is only 3g, which will not create high uric acid of patients, therefore Chlorella and Spirulina are safe to use.
Q16: Why may constipation occur when taking chlorella?
A: Constipation normally occurs when there is insufficient liquids in the body. Chlorella is rich in dietary fibers and our bodies cannot digest and absorb these materials. It has the function of softening intestinal materials, promote intestinal peristalsis and other functions, but must be used together with sufficient amounts of water to maximize its effect. Therefore, we recommend drinking at least 2000C.C of water throughout a day.
Q17: What reaction will occur when taking Chlorella or Spirulina?
A: Chlorella and Spirulina contain chlorophyll, fiber, growth factors and other fine ingredients, Initial consumption of these products may create small amounts of diarrhea, dry mouth, acne, bloating, and other physical reactions. These are all normal responses reflecting improvement of the body, and will maintain this reaction for 2 to 4 weeks. Users are suggested to reduce dosage if uncomfortable, and dosage can be increased to 3 g/day once your body is adapted to the product.
Q18: Why does the color of my feces turn green after I consume chlorella/spirulina?
A: Both chlorella and spirulina contain high amount of chlorophyll, and these will make the color of your feces greenish , this is a normal reaction.
Q19: What is acidic body type? How do chlorella and spirulina help?
A: Normally, the body types of everyone during their baby ages are all alkaline body types. But as people grow old, get sick, bad eating habits and insufficient intakes of vegetables and fruits, their body types will slowly change into an easily sickened acidic body type. Both Chlorella and spirulina are alkaline food and they can help you balance the heavy meat diet that causes your blood pH acidic.
Q20: For how long should we take Spirulina and Chlorella for us to improve our body type?
A: This may vary as everyone's body condition may be different. Because the body's physiological period is 3 months, therefore, we suggest continuous usage of up to 3 months for maximum effect.
Q21: How do I know your chlorella/spirulina is free of heavy metals? How does FEBICO's chlorella/spirulina different from other brands in the market?
A: FEBICO’s cultivation plant is located in Ping Tung, utilizing the sufficient sunlight from South of Taiwan and the natural spring water from Da-Wu mountain, combining it with the fresh clean air of the area to cultivate natural, non-toxic, easy to absorb microalgae. The production plant is ISO 22000 and HACCP certified, National quality certified, USDA certified organic, and have been certified organic by the stringent Naturland organization for 11 consecutive years. FEBICO is also the first producer in Taiwan to achieve Taiwan’s organic certification under microalgae health food products. To ensure the quality and safety of FEBICO’s products, FEBICO has also proven that their products do not contain any microcystin through the National Taiwan University’s testing results.
SGS Heavy Metal test report
| Comparisons | High quality chlorella | Bad quality chlorella |
|---|---|---|
| Additives and Excipients | None, 100% pure chlorella or spirulina | Appear in some Chinese manufacturers |
| Total Pheophorbide Level | Within allowable level according to Sanitary standard of Japanese Health Department. <80mg/100g | Exceed allowable level, no testing standards |
| Taste | Tasty, fresh | Off odor, pungent |
| Smell | Fresh pleasant smell | Burnt, unpleasant smell |
| Color | Dark green | Brownish green |
| Soaking | Color of water will be dark green and clear | Color of water will be light green and the time of dissolving will take longer. |
| Cultivation Method | Outdoor organic natural cultivation with sunlight | Sealed cultivation with no sunlight, non-organic |
| After Taste | Pleasant, fresh | Unpleasant, foul, fishy |
| Purity | Clean, hygienic | Microcystin contamination |
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