9 Benefits Of Chlorella. Chlorella is a type of single-celled algae that has been popularized as a potential food source due to its high protein content and photosynthetic efficiency. Chlorella is the name of a genus composed of green algae species that contain chloroplast and can multiply rapidly with very little stimulation. It first came to the world’s attention in the 1950s as a potential food source in the midst of a world hunger crisis. When it is dried, it provides a rich source of nutrie