How and Why Does It Work?
The contents and properties of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera Gel naturally contains over 75 known active ingredients (and probably many
more) which can be divided into the following groups:
Vitamins
Aloe contains a wide range, but the most important ones are the antioxidant vitamins
C and E and beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A. It is also one of the few plant
sources in the world of vitamin B12 albeit in a very small amount.
Minerals
These include magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, calcium, sodium and
potassium, essential elements in the chemistry and processes of a healthy body.
Amino Acids
The human body requires 20 amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and Aloe
Vera Gel provides 19 of them. More importantly, it provides seven of the eight
essential amino acids that cannot be manufactured by the body and which have to be
consumed as food.
Polysaccharides
These include the important natural sugars which act on the immune system.
Digestive Enzymes
Lipases and proteases break down food and aid digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Enzymes
These reduce inflammation.
Plant Sterols
The three main types act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Helps lower cholesterol.
Lignin
This gives topical Aloe Vera its penetrative ability, to reach deep into the skin
Saponins
These are soapy substances that exert a powerful anti-microbial effect against bacteria,
viruses, fungi and yeasts such as candida or `thrush'.
Anthraquinones
The most important ones being aloin and emodin, but although present in only minute
amounts they are strong painkillers, and are acknowledged to possess antibacterial and
virucidal activity.
Why does it work?
It works by providing a rich cocktail of micro-nutritional elements whose combined
action and balance produce a more powerful effect together than would be expected
from the addition of the individual components. This is because they work as a team,
enhancing each other's effect - known as synergism. It also has adaptogenic properties
which means that different individuals take from it what they need, therefore the
benefits vary from person to person.
Where does it work?
Aloe Vera, because of its nutritional and immunomodulating properties, helps firstly to
prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes healing.
Antioxidants fight the destructive `free radicals', the unstable compounds produced by
our metabolism and found in environmental pollutants. Free radicals are thought to
cause various ailments, including some cancers, as well as contributing towards the
ageing process. Polysaccharides in Aloe Vera act on the immune system to help
regulate and balance its activity.
An epithelium is an anatomical term defined as follows: `a layer of cells that covers the
body or lines a cavity that connects with it'.
Our largest epithelium is our skin but also included is the lining of the gut, the
bronchial tubes and the genital tract. No wonder Aloe works just as well on damaged
skin as it does, say, on an inflamed bowel or in asthma.
How does Aloe work? - properties and activities
Its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, combined within its
nutritional constituents, promote healthy cell growth, and therefore healing. However,
it is not only helpful for people with problems; most people taking it report a greater
sense of wellbeing - they just feel `better' or they report feeling calmer and less anxious.
This could be due to Aloe's effect on their immune system which, you may say, becomes
balanced or fine-tuned, and therefore, more efficient at defending the body
from attack. Promotes better absorption of vitamins and boosts energy.
For further information please see `The Essential Aloe Vera' by Dr Peter Atherton
(FLP Advisory Board Member) please contact us if you would like to buy a copy.
Stabilised Aloe Vera Gel (when taken as a drink or applied externally to the skin and
hair) has the following benefits:
It is a natural cleanser due to the presence of saponins.
It penetrates tissue due to its lignin content.
It anaesthetises the tissue in the area to which it is applied, relieving pain deep
beneath the surface, including pain associated with joints and sore muscles.
It is bactericidal when held in high concentration for several hours in direct
contact with bacteria, whereas antibiotics kill bacteria when highly diluted.
It is viruscidal and fungicidal when in direct contact in high concentration for a
long period of time.
It is anti-inflammatory. It acts like a steroid, but with no side effects.
It is antipruritic - reducing itching and burning.
It is a natural moisturiser, taking moisture to all layers of the skin.
It stimulates cell replication.
The proteolytic enzymes break down dead tissue - cleansing a wound
(topical products).
It helps to increase blood flow in the skin by capillary dilation.
It is health giving to the skin and body by providing a wide range of vitamins,
minerals, sugars, enzymes and amino acids, essential and secondary.
Safety - each of the above benefits can be achieved with one or more drugs.
Usually these are expensive and have numerous side effects. Aloe Vera can
produce benefits in high concentration with virtually no side effects.
Aloe Vera is not a panacea for all ills and there is no magic about it. It works only in the
two areas mentioned previously - epithelial tissue and the immune system. This is
largely backed up by anecdotal evidence, as many thousands of people over the
centuries have reported benefit for various skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis,
ulcers, burns, acne, even stings and bites.
They have found relief for bowel disorders such as diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome. Other conditions resulting from a disordered immune system such as
arthritis, asthma and ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus) have improved
after a regular ingestion of Aloe Vera Gel.
Aloe Vera therefore has a complementary role to play in the management of various
conditions. It is very important, however, that people should always seek the advice of
their doctor, when diagnosis is in doubt, or where a condition does not improve. Self
diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic simpler
ones.
Ingredients of Forever Living Products Aloe Vera Gel
Forever Living Products' Aloe Vera Gel has been declared by the Food and Drug
Research Laboratories, Inc. of New York to be ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL to that
found in a fresh leaf. In order to preserve the nutritional potency of raw Aloe Vera Gel,
it must be stabilised, and this process inevitably involves the addition of small
quantities of other ingredients. In response to many questions received about these,
here's some further information:
Ascorbic Acid (otherwise known as vitamin C) is essential for the formation of
intercellular collagen as well as the maintenance of tooth structures, matrix of bones
and capillary walls. It is also necessary for wound healing, facilitates the absorption of
iron and is widely used to help prevent colds. Vitamin C is found in all living plant and
animal cells.
Citric Acid Produced from sugar solutions and citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and
oranges. It is widely used in the food industry and can be used as a pH adjuster and
antioxidant. It can also retard metallic reactions. It is involved in the Krebs energy cycle
which occurs in all cells of the body. It has been used to dissolve urinary bladder
calculi and it acts as a mild astringent.
Potassium Sorbate The potassium salt of sorbic acid (found naturally in fresh berries
of Mountain Ash) is a natural buffering and flavouring agent which helps protect the
freshness of the Aloe.
Sodium Benzoate Naturally occurring flavouring, derived from fruits such as
blackberries and other mountain berries. It helps stabilise and prevent bacterial growth
during product usage. In the Gel, it is used in quantities of less than 0.1% to prevent
spoilage after the bottle has been opened.
Sorbitol This is an excellent conditioning agent which aids in the absorption of
vitamins and minerals. It is naturally occurring in several fruits and has slight
sweetening properties, which can help improve taste. Sorbitol is often used as a
sweetener in diabetic products. There are two forms of sorbitol used: sorbitol crystals
which are in solid form and contain no water, and aqueous sorbitol which is in liquid
form and is derived from specially processed maize. It is acceptable to people with
coeliac disease (gluten sensitive).
Tocopherol (vitamin E) An essential vitamin for man, it is well known for its health
related properties. It is a natural antioxidant, derived from wheat germ oil, rice kernel
and other vegetable oils.
Xanthan Gum Derived from plants such as kelp, it is a natural stabilising and
emulsifying agent