ALOE VERA GEL

ALOE VERA GEL
The Miraculous aloe leaf contains 200 compounds, including 20 miners, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins. A product of our patented aloe stabilization process, our gel is preferred by those looking to maintain a healthy digestive system and a healthy energy level. Taken daily, it is one of the best nutritional juices available... 1 Ltr., 927.35 , .090

Aloe Vera - A Brief History
"Four vegetables are indispensable for the well being of man:
Wheat, the grape, the olive and aloe.
The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit,
The third brings him harmony, and the fourth cures him"
Christopher Columbus (1451-1506)
"You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. Well, it was my unshakeable faith in God, my simple and frugal lifestyle, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the nineteenth century".
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
There are in fact over 200 varieties of Aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or "true aloe") plant which has been of most use to mankind because of the medicinal properties it displays. Ancient records show that the benefits of this plant have been known for centuries, with its therapeutic advantages and healing properties surviving for more than 5000 years.
Its antiquity was first discovered in 1862 in an Egyptian papyrus dated 1500 BC. It was used to great effect by Greek and Roman physicians. Researchers have found that both the ancient Chinese and Indian used Aloe Vera. Egyptian Queens associated its use with their physical beauty, while in the Phillipines it is used with milk for kidney infections. Legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies of Aloes to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers.
Aloe Vera remained a prominent herbal remedy but as the Northern European countries expanded their colonisation of the globe, it starts to fall from grace. It is not clear why this was so, but a possible explanation is the difference between the use of Aloe Vera in tropical climes, compared with the temperate north. In tropical countries where the plants grew naturally, there was an abundance of fresh Aloe. However, Aloe Vera had to be imported to the temperate north, but inevitably degraded in transit. Physicians in Europe therefore never got to experience the true benefits, and scorned reports of the wonders that it could do for health. In consequence it never really took hold; in the knowledge of European Physicians, and the alleged remarkable healing powers; were felt to be more myth than fact. As science developed Aloe Vera became discarded along with many stalwart herbal remedies of an earlier age.
Aloe Vera Fights Back
Aloe Vera remained popular in tropical areas, and after the end of World War II interest was refreshed in it and the main obstacle to it being used outside tropical areas was the need to prevent the inner gel deteriorating. Many attempts were made, but failed as excessive heat destroys the essence of Aloe Vera, and higher than acceptable contents of Aloin remained which is a potent laxative. Indeed it was the laxative powers of the unpure gel that helped Aloe Vera maintain a toehold in Western medical science.
;Interest in Aloe Vera in the USA remained strong and by the 1920's there were over 25 popular preparations, but it was not until 1935 that the healing powers were firmly established. The big breakthrough came in the 1970's when American Scientists found an effective way of separating the Aloin and stabilising the inner leaf gel with natural ingredients and cold processing.


The Present Day
Although modern medicines and drugs are undoubtably effective in treating ailments, long term use often brings with it undesirable side effects. In consequence more consumers and scientists are turning back to look at traditional, and often natural, therapies which have been neglected for so long. As a result Aloe Vera is once again attracting attention as it can provide many benefits to our nutritionally deficient lifestyle.
What is Aloe Vera?
Although there are many Aloes the term Aloe Vera refers specifically to the Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Fully grown the plant stands 60 to 90 cm high, and a mature leaf is 7 to 10 cm across at the base weighing 1.5 to 2 kg.
The Aloe leaf structure is made up of four layers:
Rind - the outer protective layer;
Sap - a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals;
Mucilage
Gel - the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel.
There is much confusion over the terms Gel and Juice, and it is often assumed incorrectly that they are the same thing, which they are not. Gel refers to the inner part of the leaf only. The term Juice refers to the bitter sap or Latex that resides just under the skin of the leaf, this contains Aloin a potent laxative, and unless this property is desired the juice should not be used for human purposes.
Aloe Vera (inner gel) contains:
The 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture. There are 20 "critical" Amino Acids in human metabolism, but the body can only make 12, the other 8 have to be obtained from food. These are: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Valine, and Tryptophan;
Enzymes - Amylase, Bradykinase,Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Oxidase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Proteolytiase, Creatine Phosphokinase, Carboxypeptidase. Most of these are beneficial to human metabolism;
Lignin -gives Aloe Vera its penetrating powers, but is not considered to have any other benefit;
Minerals - Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorous, Sodium, and Zinc. We do not need to be told how the western diet is mineral deficient mainly due to intensive farming on mineral depleted soils. Many bodily functions depend on minerals to work properly;
Mono- and Poly-Saccharides - The mono-saccharides are the familiar glucose, and fructose that we know as sugars. The more complex long-chain sugars are the poly-saccharides which are thought to give Aloe Vera its unique healing and immuno-stimulating properties;
Salicylic Acid - a substance similar to aspirin that can help reduce fever and inflammation;
Saponins - natural soapy substances that have both cleansing and antiseptic properties;
Sterols - naturally occurring plant steroids with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Vitamins - these include A (beta-carotene and retinol), B1 (thiamine), B2 ( riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol) and Folic Acid.
Ensuring you take true Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has a bitter taste which can be unpleasant in the raw state. Many preparations are available that purport to provide Aloe Vera in tablet or capsule form. It is unlikely that many of the beneficial components will have survived the drying process, and these products often contain so little Aloe Vera as to be of dubious benefit. Indeed the market is so clouded with conflicting claims, producers in for a quick buck, and shysters that it is no wonder that many health professionals remain skeptical of the benefits.
Leading authorities on Aloe Vera maintain that only Inner Leaf Gel as fresh as preservation allows has any remarkable properties.
It is possible to get used to the taste of plain Aloe Vera gel, but if you can't the addition of some fruit juice helps to make it more palatable.
Whole Leaf vs Inner Gel
Another argument that rages on is the difference of opinion between those promoting so-called 'whole leaf' Aloe Vera and those like Forever Living Products who only use the filleted inner gel. It is well established that the inner gel contains most of the beneficial parts of the plant and little of the less beneficial. Those who promote products based on the inner gel alone maintain that their product is as close to 'straight from the plant' as the preservation process allows.
The promoters of 'whole leaf' Aloe Vera maintain that as they use all the leaf, their product must be more abundant in the good properties. However, the components most likely to destroy the poly-saccharides, thought to give Aloe Vera its renowned properties, during processing (cellulose and bacteria), are present in the leaves either just under the rind or on the surface of the leaf. Certainly 'whole leaf' manufacturers use carbon filtration or other techniques to filter out the impurities in the liquidised whole leaf and these are thought to also filter out many of the beneficial constituents. If whole leaf is better why would the largest grower and processor of Aloe Vera in the world take the trouble to fillet by hand the inner leaf gel and use only that, and provide a 60 day 'money back' guarantee to back it up?
Maintaining Quality
With so many shysters in the market, maintaining the quality of Aloe Vera is key to retaining Consumer confidence. There are four key tests of Quality:
The Official IASC (International Aloe Science Council) seal on the package or product container;
That Stabilised Gel is listed as the FIRST ingredient on the contents list, and beware of products that state 'aqua' (Water) as the first ingredient as this almost certainly means that the contents is re-constituted powder;
That the gel is sold in a sealed container that preserves the integrity of the contents;
That the product is supported by at least a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee, but ideally a 60 day guarantee as offered by the leading grower and producer of Aloe Vera.

What Is In Aloe Vera Gel?
The constituents of Aloe Vera Gel can be divided into the following groups. The term 'Gel' is used in the manner set out by the International Aloe Science Council to mean a product containing a minimum of 85% Aloe Vera Gel.
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 22 amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and Aloe Vera Gel provides twenty 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.
Sugars
These include the important polysaccharides 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.
Lignin This alcohol 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 anti-bacterial and viruscidal 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 immune modulating properties, helps firstly to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes healing. Anttoxidants fight the destructive 'free radicals', the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism and found in environmental pollutants. They are thought to cause various ailments, including some cancers, as well as contributing towards the ageing process. A long chain sugar in aloe vera acts on the immune system to help regulate 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 are 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 it work?
Its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action, combined within its nutritional constituents, promote cell growth, and therefore healing. However, it is not only helpful for people with problems; most people taking it report a greater sense of well being - 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.
For further information please see 'The Essential Aloe Vera' by Dr Peter Atherton.
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 anti-pruritic - 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. lt 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 diverticulosis 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 more simple ones.
What is in Forever Living 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 involved the addition of small quantities of other ingredients.
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. Sorbitol is the raw material for the production of Ascorbic Acid.
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).
Tocophero - (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.