Energized Eating’s Blog

Many individuals previously resigned to pain and discomfort from a host of
maladies are now crying “Aloe-Lujah!” and gaining re“leaf” from this remarkable desert plant. Native to West Africa, aloe is also known as “lily of the desert”, the “plant of immortality”, and the “medicine plant”, and has been used for medicinal purposes by mankind for over 6000 years. With extensive research showing aloe vera to have immune stimulant, powerful anti- inflammatory, analgesic and cell regeneration promoting properties, as well as direct anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-amoeba effects, it becomes evident why it is finding applications in a wide variety of conditions.

In Ayurvedic medicine it has been given the rare status of a tri-doshic remedy,
making it balancing for all constitutional types, and is considered one of the
most important remedies for the liver, regulating digestion and the female
reproductive system. It is used to combat PMS, menopausal symptoms, tinnitus,
headaches and eye problems.

Aloe contains over 75 recognized nutrients, 200 active compounds, 20 minerals,
12 vitamins, including vitamins E, C, B1, B2, B3, and B6, 18 amino acids and
essential fatty acids. Recently, it has been discovered that aloe vera is one
of nature’s richest and most stable sources of Methyl Sulfonyl Methane
(MSM), the natural anti-inflammatory compound being hailed as vitally important
for optimal health and rejuvenation. Aloe vera is also one of nature’s
richest sources of Mucilaginous-Poly-Saccharides (MPS). Whereas vitamins and
minerals function outside cells MPS are very effective intracellular
antioxidants and free radical scavengers. A newly discovered compound in aloe,
acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the
body’s natural resistance, with findings that it boosts T-lymphocyte
cells that aid immune function. Applications for AIDS, chronic fatigue
syndrome, chronic infections, including those caused by antibiotic resistant
organisms, multiple chemical exposure detoxification, cancer, heart disease,
auto-immune diseases and many other immune system disorders are being explored.

Repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells is a function at which aloe vera
has been shown to excel. Brimming with healing enzymes which improve digestive
capabilities and normalise elimination of wastes throughout the body, aloe
relieves painful symptoms and disperses damaged tissue in a gentle
detoxification process. These properties make it perfect for upgrading the
function of the digestive tract and are proving to be a winning combination in
combatting inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions such as arthritis.
Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that assist in
normalising stomach, small intestine and colon function and naturally alkalize
digestive juices to prevent hyperacidity, a common cause of indigestion and
gastric reflux.

When applied topically, aloe’s rejuvenating properties are attributed to its
ability to increase oxygen availability to the skin, and promote synthesis and
strength of new skin cells through fibroblast activity, making aloe is
indispensable in the treatment of minor burns, including sun damage. It keeps
skin supple by attracting and retaining moisture in seven layers of dermal
tissue and is often used in acne and eczema treatments, to relieve itching due
to insect bites, allergies and fungal infections.

Look for an organic Aloe Vera Juice, certified by the International Aloe Vera
Science Council. It should be grown, harvested and processed to ensure the highest
levels of mucilaginous-poly-saccharides, aloepolysaccarides, vitamins, minerals
and enzymes. For soothing applications look for a juice using the latest
technology to remove the bitter constituents aloin and emodin, leaving the
healing inner leaf gel. It is prefereable to obtain a juice bottled in amber
glass containers to protect valuable nutrients. It has a sharp, refreshing
taste. It is also possible to obtain a whole leaf juice which contains all the
propertied of the while leaf. Aloe vera capsules containing the whole
leaf gel, including the aloin and emodin as well as capsules containing only
the inner leaf are also available.

Copyright 2006 Ilanit Tof. All rights reserved

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