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. As Aloe Vera is comprised of
approximately 99% water, all of these chemicals are contained in the remaining
1% of the plant. Although this may seem like a small percentage to contain so
many ingredients, its helpfulness has been proven to be significant.Aloe Vera
can also reduce inflammation to injured tissue. Inflammation occurs when
healthy tissue is injured and blood begins to clot around the tissue to repair
the injured tissue. Aloe Vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that is much more
delicate on the human body. The benefits of Aloe Vera have long been tested
throughout history. It is only in recent years that studies have scientifically
proven many of the medicinal benefits of Aloe Vera. Perhaps the longer that
scientist and botanists study the benefits of Aloe Vera, the more improvements
it will create to human health and well-being.
