The very plant that was called ‘The Plant of Immortality’ by the Egyptians is continually proving to be a vital addition to any nutritional regimen. It has been used medicinally by many cultures for over 5000 years and its healing properties are numerous, including anti-inflammatory, immune modulating and a potent agent against cancer. As it stands, Aloe vera also possesses antioxidant properties as researchers have found that Aloe extracts contain a phenolic antioxidant, seven varieties of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase enzymes (Langmead et al, 2004). These antioxidants are vital to our health, as they are instrumental in quenching free radicals before they can cause damage to our tissues.
Research has shown that Aloe Vera can increase the absorption of vitamins C and E, by a considerable margin. In a double blind, randomised controlled trial, individuals were grouped so that the controls received just vitamin C or vitamin E, with similar groups either having vitamin C or E, plus whole leaf extract or gel (Vinson et al, 2005). All of the groups that received Aloe vera, either as whole leaf extract or gel, had considerably greater absorption of these antioxidants. What was apparent was that not only did the Aloe slow down the absorption of these antioxidants but that the vitamins actually lasted longer in the blood plasma than in the control groups. It is also thought that perhaps the Aloe offers a protective effect on the vitamins in the gut, by preventing their degradation and binding to the vitamins, thereby slowing their absorption. It may be that these antioxidants are not the only nutrients that Aloe can boost. In another study, it was shown to enhance the absorption of vitamin B12 as well as vitamin C (Jung-Mi et al, 2010).
So, it appears that Aloe vera has the capacity to act as a completely natural ‘time-release’ agent for the anti-oxidants. This is good news for those looking to get the maximum benefits from these antioxidants, particularly since vitamin C is can be relatively poorly absorbed and readily excreted. In addition, there are problems maintaining high plasma levels of this precious and much needed antioxidant (Li and Schellhorn, 2007). These problems may have repercussions for the onset of degenerative conditions such as heart disease and cancer. It may be argued then, that taking Aloe vera means we can reduce the intake of these antioxidants. However, an antioxidant such as vitamin C has such wide ranging functions within the body, the addition of Aloe vera can only serve to increase the benefits that vitamin C can bring.
Other Interesting Reading
http://updates.nutrigold.co.uk/assets/pdf/newsletters/NG-Newsletter-VitaminC.pdf
http://updates.nutrigold.co.uk/assets/pdf/newsletters/Nutrigold_Newsletter_Oxycell.pdf
Aloe Vera and the Human Digestive System
Aloe Vera – great for the whole digestive system
Polysaccharides maybe important in supporting immune function
Aloe vera more effective for psoriasis than steroid cream
References
Jung-Mi Y, Singh S, Jialal R, Rockwood J, Jialal I, Devaraj S (2010). A Randomised Placebo-controlled crossover trial of Aloe Vera on Bioavailability of Vitamins C and B12, Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Healthy Human Subjects. J Dietary Supplements: 7 (2): 145-153. DOI: 10.3109/19390211003781693.
Langmead L, Makins, RJ, Rampton DS (2004). Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics; 19 (5): 521-527.
Li Y, Schellhorn H E (2007). New Developments and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives for Vitamin C. J Nutri. 137(10): 2717-2184.
Vinson J A, Al Kharrat, H, Andreoli L (2005). Effect of Aloe Vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine; 12: 760-765.
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