Aloe vera gel is a combination of powerful organic compounds, which is found inside the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. The gel is colorless and odorless with several natural beneficial substances. Today's consumers in the cosmetic, food, and beverage market are increasingly interested in healthy life-styles, a trend which has produced a sky-rocketing demand for health oriented products. The current world-wide popularity of aloe vera gel is an example of this trend.
The effectiveness of Aloe Vera gel as a cosmetic skin care and pharmaceutical product is indisputable. The voluminous research shows clearly that the gel reduces scarring in burns, skin ulcers and other lesions. It has also been shown to have an invigorating effect on skin when applied on a regular basis. Although most consumers today use aloe vera as a health-promoting cosmetic and pharmaceutical product, its undeniable healing properties have led medical researchers and food industry specialists to take a second look at this wondrous plant as an internal health-aide. The new research and growing health consciousness of today’s consumers have produced a brand new category of food products known as nutraceuticals or functional foods, which includes aloe vera, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and a growing number of other food ingredients. Aloe Vera Gel is produced in several different ways to fit the select needs of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers. Thus, manufacturers who prefer the gel in its natural form can order the pure gel, while others may require a liquid or powdered concentrate. Different stabilization systems are available to meet specific applications or governmental regulations.
Mature aloe vera leaves are harvested by hand. The inner gel in the leaf is removed by a hand fileting process. The gel filets are gently air dehydrated under controlled conditions. The dehydrated filets are then ground into a uniform, somewhat fluffy powder. Aloe vera gel can be used in a wide range of food products. It is presently used in health drinks, sports beverages, soft drinks, candies and chewing gum.
Should Aloe be considered as an addition to diet and lifestyle? Aloe can do so much more than soothe irritated skin. Taken internally, it can be used as a laxative and to destroy certain bacteria or parasites in the intestines. Unsubstantiated claims include that it can help heal ulcers and settle a queasy stomach. There are a dozen uses for Aloe that have been integrated into modern alternative medicine, and scientists have been able to study some of these claims.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore's research on Aloe and dental health at the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) describes gel from the plant as having the ability to heal, control the accumulation of fluids, and reduce pain. He has also found that in denture patients, aloe can reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by fungi and bacteria. Other uses include post periodontal surgery and on cracks and lesions found inside and outside the mouth.
In a study performed by the Department of Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, lab rats were given a 10% greater life span by ingesting Aloe. The animals showed lowered occurrences of various diseases including arterial thrombosis and leukemia. In addition, no adverse side effects were found in the rats on a diet that included Aloe.
Recently I went on a trip to Jamaica and I was fascinated by what the locals had to say about the Aloe plant. They use it to cure different ailments such as constipation and inflammation. I was told that if I wanted to try some that I should get our guide to add some aloe gel to my juice because if I did it on my own I may take too much and it could cause cramps and things like that. The plants grow wild all over the side of the road. I cracked one open and put some of the gel in my ears as I suffer from eczema. My ear did clear up but I have to say the inside of the plant did stink. I know our plants that we buy in the stores here in Canada do not smell the same way.
I decided to give this gel a try after I returned home. I looked for a company online that sold 100% dried aloe...no fillers, no preservatives. I purchased mine from goodcausewellness.com. I promise I do not make any money from promoting these people. I purchase a bottle of pure aloe vera gel flakes and that small bottle cost me a little over $30 but it will make 60 servings. I just mix mine with water and you can't even tell that there is anything in your water. You mix 1/16 of a teaspoon into 10 ounces of water. I usually just mix 1/8 teaspoon into the 20 ounces and drink that. I am told that the longer you drink it, the more benefits it has.
I would urge anyone to do their own research on the aloe gel before deciding if it is something that you would like to try. There may be stores here in Canada that sell the pure gel but I am not aware of which stores do. I am also sure that there are plenty more besides www.goodcausewellness.com that sell the gel as well. I was simply looking for a place that had the gel that was 100% pure. I also found that the man who responds to the emails if you have questions was very helpful. I emailed him regarding the types of plants that we have shipped into Canada and he informed me that not knowing exactly how these plants were cultivated would make it very dangerous to ingest any gel that the plant produces. It is safe to use the gel inside to rub on a burn or scrape, but not to ingest.
Using aloe vera gel flakes is easy. Here's what to do:
• Blend them into any smoothie or superfood drink.
• Add to your water bottle, shake it up, and enjoy!
• Stir in with your other favorite beverages: tea, sports drinks, etc. (it's not so good with coffee, however).
• To use it topically, just add a teaspoon of water to a pinch of aloe vera flakes, then wait for it to reconstitute into a gel. Once it has partially solidified, you can spread it on a cut, scrape, burn or other minor wound for an instant healing effect (for serious wounds, of course, go visit the emergency room). Just remember: A little goes a long way.
In my opinion the aloe vera gel is a great product and I find it helpful. Anyone thinking about trying it should of course research it and also make sure that it would not interfere with any medications that they are currently taking. What works for one person does not necessarily have the same effect on someone else.
I only post recipes, ideas etc on this blog that I personally find helpful. Please feel free to email me at any time regarding any of the posts or any questions that you may have. I will do my best to answer them and if I dont' know or can't find the answer, I will give you an honest reply. Please feel free to email me at mommy_lori@hotmail.com
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