Why You Should Eat Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera derives from the Arabic word Alloeh meaning shining bitter substance and Vera in Latin meaning true.
We all know and love aloe as the sun burnt skin nourishing plant. I only learned a few years ago that you could actually eat it.
Aloe is abundant in bioactive compounds, different amino acids, enzymes, minerals and vitamins. The mucilage-like properties support the gut while it has also been shown to have positive effects on collagen production, tumor activity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
My favourite use for aloe vera is that it's high in potassium and antioxidants. Potassium is needed to sensitize cells to thyroid hormone and has an insulin like effect as it helps move glucose into the cell. Were are bombarded with inflammatory triggers on a daily basis and aloe is a gentle and nourishing way to help combat its negative effects.
Too much of a good thing is also true real. Always be mindful of how something resonates with you. For example, aloe contains 12 different kinds of anthraquinones, a compound known as laxatives as.aloe is commonly used as a laxative.
Over consumption of aloe and long term use of anthraquinones can result in intestinal inflammation, impair absorption of nutrients and can have strong laxative and toxic effects.
Benefits of Aloe Vera (just to name a few):
Bioactive Compounds
Flavonoids: (act like anti oxidants). Antioxidant activity shown in aloe vera leaf skin and gel
A 2015 study showed that raspberries treated with aloe vera gel during storage periods maintained higher levels of antioxidants and enzymes
Enzymes: lipase, amylase, protease, creatine, superoxide dismutase
Minerals: potassium, copper, magnesium, selenium (GREAT source of potassium)
Vitamins: B vitamins, Beta carotene, Vit C, Vit E
Amino Acids: glycine, arginine, proline (contains 7 of 8 essential amino acids)
Mucopolysaccharides
What is it?
A long chain sugar molecule often found in mucus and fluid around the joints
This can have protective effects in the stomach and walls of the small intestine by activating protective barrier of mucus secretion to reduce irritations
Positively influences blood and lymph flow
Helps bind moisture to the skin
Skin Support
When applied externally it has been found to accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin, burnt skin and frostbitten skin
A 2009 study gave 30 females over the age of 45 aloe vera supplementation for 90 days. A baseline was established at the beginning of the study and then again at the end of facial wrinkles and facial elasticity. The study concluded after the gel intake, facial wrinkles and elasticity improved significantly.
A 1998 study analyzed the use of aloe vera on collagen in the healing of wounds on rats. They found collagen content increased in granulation tissue.
Aloe contains gibberellin which interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast which stimulates proliferation which can increase collagen synthesis
Protection to UV and Gamma Radiation: after applying aloe vera on sun exposed skin, metallothionein is generated, an antioxidant protein which goes after radicals and prevents the suppression of anti oxidants in the skin
Anti Tumor Activity
Aloe vera appears to have a vital effect of tumor development by modulating genetic pathways
A 2010 study done on mice to investigate the anti tumor activity of aloe vera against stage 2 skin cancer. The incidence of tumors decreased by 40% - 60% in groups that used aloe vera gel and aloe vera extract
A 2011 study showed aloe vera had anti tumor effects due to its ability to decrease lipid peroxidation
A 2010 study reviewed aloe vera’s potential of anticancer properties. Aloe vera active principles exhibited significant inhibition on ehlich cancer cells and resulted in significant increase of antioxidant enzyme activity. Leukemic cells were created with aloe vera active principles which resulted in DNA fragmentation of the cancer cells enabling the cells to go through apoptosis (programmed cell death)
