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Inside Aloe Vera  Studies have found that there are 75 ingredients contained in the Aloe leaf.These ingredients have a variety of medical benefits. They are divided into the following categories: • Ligin This cellulose substance is found in the gel has no known medical properties except it posses the property of penetrating the human skin. • Saponins These form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water. They have been used in detergents, foaming agents and contain antiseptic properties. • Anthraquinones There are 12 of these contained in the sap of Aloe Vera: Aloin, Isobarbaloin, Anthracene, Emodin, Ester of Cinnamonic acid, Chrysophanic acid, Barbaloin, Anthranol, Aloetic acid, Aloe Emodin, Ethereal oil and Resistannol. These act as natural laxatives, painkillers and analgesics, and they contain powerful antibacterial, antifungal and virucidal properties. • Minerals Aloe Vera contains the following minerals: - Calcium (essential for proper bone and teeth density) - Manganese (a component of enzymes necessary for the activation of other enzymes) - Sodium (ensures that the body fluids do not become too acidic or too alkaline) - Copper (enables iron to work as oxygen carriers in the red blood cells) - Magnesium (used by nerves and muscle membranes to help conduct electrical impulses) - Potassium (regulates the acidic or alkaline levels of body fluid) - Zinc (contributes to the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats) - Chromium (necessary for the proper function of insulin, which in turn controls the sugar levels in the blood) - Iron (controls the transportation of oxygen around the body via the red blood cells) • Vitamins Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins: - Vitamins A, C, & E (crucial antioxidants that combat dangerous free radicals in the body) - Vitamin B & Choline (concerned with the production of energy, amino acid metabolism and developing muscle mass) - Vitamin B12 (responsible for the production of red blood cells) - Folic acid (helps develop new blood cells) • Amino Acids Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, which manufacture and repair muscle tissue. The human body requires 22 amino acids and needs 8 essential ones. Aloe Vera provides 20 of 22 required amino acids and 7 of 8 essential ones. • Enzymes Some of the most important enzymes in Aloe Vera are: Peroxidase, Aliiase, Catalase, Lipase, Cellulase, Carboxypeptidase, Amylase and Alkaline Phosphatase. Enzymes help to break down food and assist in digestion. Some enzymes help break down fats while others break down starches and sugars. • Sugars Aloe Vera contains both monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the most important types of sugars. They aid in proper digestion, maintain cholesterol levels, improve liver functions and promote the strengthening of bones. • Sterols Sterols are important anti-inflammatory agents. The ones found in Aloe Vera are: Cholesterol, Sitosterol, Campesterol and Lupeol. These sterols contain antiseptic and analgesic properties. They also have pain killing properties similar to aspirin. Atherton, P. (1997). The essential Aloe vera. Newport pagnell: Mill Enterprises. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases. You should consult your family physician if you are experiencing a medical problem. |