What is Aloe?
Aloe Vera is a plant which grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.
There are over 240 different species of Aloe. This plant
has been revered for it's healing properties as far back at 1500BC.
For centuries, people have been taking advantage of this powerful anti-inflamatory,
antioxidizing, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune system enhancing plant.
It's only recently that we are beginning to understand some of the remarkable
abilities of the key ingredients found in the aloe vera plant.
People using the plant use it's fillet (commonly referred to as gel), refined
active ingredients (AMP), or the whole leaf. The plant is mostly water
(99%). The remaining 1% is made up of various amino acids, essential oils
and enzymes. Because of this makeup, Aloe is extremely useful in treating
skin conditions such as eczema, allergies, and cuts and burns. Aloe Vera
is also used in beauty products, especially moisturizers, soaps, and lotions for
various skin types and conditions.
What's in
it?
Aloe Vera contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the
human body. The human body requires 22 amino acids for good health.
Eight of these are called "essential" because the body cannot fabricate them.
Aloe Vera contains all of these eight essential amino acids, and 11 of the 14 other
amino acids. Aloe Vera has Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. Vitamins
cannot be manufactured within the body, and some cannot be stored by the body, so
it is necessary for the diet to sustain a continuous supply.
Aloe Vera also contains aloin (barbaloin). It is a harsh bitter tasting irritant contained
in the yellow sap of Aloe, which is usually removed during processing. Aloin has strong
laxative properties. It's important to look
for products that have this removed if you are looking to ingest Aloe for gastric
disorders.
Topical or Oral application?
Aloe vera can be taken internally as a drink or applied topically. The principle
ingredient of any product should be the stabilised aloe vera gel which is as near
to the inner gel of the natural plant as possible. It must not, therefore, be treated
with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process, as this destroys
or reduces the effect of certain essential compounds, such as the enzymes and polysaccharides.
This is the tricky part of selecting an aloe product (and the reason
for this site). Regrettably there are many products which contain virtually
no aloe and yet are marketed as though they do.
Gels, juices, capsules...
Aloe Vera gel is the mucilaginous gel produced from the centre
of the plant leaf (fillet). The gel portion of the plant is prepared by peeling the outer
portion of the skin away. This is what is often is referred to as "pure Aloe Vera gel".
This is the valuable part of the plant.
There are products that are juices, which can contain a variety of ingredients,
along with any quality and quantity of aloe. It is important to review the
ingredients carefully for any aloe product that you plan to ingest.
Another way of delivering the aloe ingredient is by powdered form. This extraction
is usually trying to isolate the "active ingredient" from the plant and deliver
a more concentrated dose. These products usually fall into the AMP category
(aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides). See the article on this site for more
information about these products.
Dosage and Medical usage
Since Aloe Vera is a food, there is no perscription necessary for it's
usage. However, as with any kind of medication it's best to have as much
information as possible, and consult with your physician if you are uncertain.
Here are some external links to more credible sites that offer medical advice regarding
Aloe Vera.
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