Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe vera

By Dr. Dee Mason

The succulent plant, Barbadensis or Curacao, may be the oldest historical remedy for soothing your skin and mucous membranes.  You know it better as Aloe vera.

The United States National Institutes of Health clinical trial database has many ongoing studies, with a major emphasis in the clinical use of Aloe vera for its anti-inflammatory benefits. In this area and others, it has proven clinically to be beneficial for health.
Traditionally, Aloe vera has had applications in regards to soothing burns and irritated skin, leading to it’s becoming known as “The Burn Plant”.  This is a well-known fact, but in more recent times it’s been discovered that Aloe can also be used topically to treat dermal dryness and outbreaks on the skin’s surface.

Internally, Aloe has even wider applications. Clinically, aloe is used around the world for varied applications—being widely employed, for example, as a legitimate treatment for asthma in India. In the U.S. it has proven to be beneficial for multiple health issues such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, moderating a range of gastrointestinal complaints and urinary tract infections, and has even shown potential for cancer treatment.

One of the primary factors in Aloes exceptional healing potential is in five naturally occurring saccharides—referred to as glucomannans—that make up a large part of the plant.  Of these, one glucomannan of particular interest is acemannan.

Acemannan has been found to activate the ability of immune cells to identify, destroy and remove pathogens, recruit immune regulating cells and promote immune functions. Notably, acemannan has been shown to increase the body’s ability to kill viruses, bacteria and even tumor cells. It also assists in regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukens; both factors play a significant role in the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Clearly Aloe has health benefits to offer—the next step is to choose wisely among the available options. Considering the variation in preparations and the industry, certification is definitely one factor to look for in choosing a healthful aloe preparation. The International Aloe Science Council (IASC), a trade association of internationally based aloe producers and marketers, requires adherence to certain specifications for the product to be certified.

One way that companies can responsibly produce a quality product is to make use of the MAP method, which consistently produces Modified Aloe barbadensis Polysaccharide with Immunoregulatory Activity. This type of processing retains and enhances the biological activity of native aloe, and is highly recommended for use in quality control of commercial products. A quality Aloe product should contain at least 95 percent pure Aloe vera gel.

In conclusion, the health applications for Aloe vera are multidimensional, and the use of Aloe vera gel and its components for the treatment of a variety of conditions is becoming increasingly supported in scientific literature. The full clinical potential of Aloe vera has yet to be realized, but the reputation of this traditional remedy is almost certain to grow in the future.

Because the typical diet consist of many foods unintended for digestion, maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important to the overall health of the body. Ultimate Aloe contains over 200 nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, including 13 of the 17 essential minerals needed for good nutrition. Studies have shown that aloe consumed orally promotes normal digestion and supports a healthy immune system.*  

Ultimate Aloe has the IASC (International Aloe Science Council) seal that certifies the Aloe content and purity. The aloe vera in Ultimate Aloe is harvested and processed according to sanitary manufacturing practices that use specific time and temperature guidelines. This preserves the natural properties of the aloe vera plant so you receive the maximum benefits of the product. Ultimate Aloe is virtually free of undesirable components such as aloin and other anthraquinones (aloin: 1 ppm or less) confirmed by an independent university laboratory. Ultimate Aloe’s quality is analyzed for chemical and physical characteristics and in-vitro assays for monitoring biological activity. Our manufacturer is the only supplier with a full range of biological, chemical and medicinal R&D capabilities. Ultimate Aloe contains three times more polymers than aloe gel and 50 percent more active components than is required to achieve maximum benefits by being consumed orally. Ultimate Aloe delivers superior results which our customers can depend on time after time.  

Optimizing Eye Health Through Nutrition

 by Dr. Robert Blair

Whatever the current condition of your eyes, it is important to take the best possible care of them–as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  One of the most important things you can do for your vision is provide your eyes with the nutrition they need to keep them in optimal health.  While we often don’t think about it, there are a number of nutrients that can help maintain good eye health and reduce eye strain.

Vitamins (A, C & E) & Minerals (Zinc & Copper).  Numerous studies have reported that vitamins A, C, and E are found in high concentrations in the eye and work together in a complex manner to maintain eye health.  Studies have reported that consumption of vitamins A, C, and E each reduce the risk of cataract formation.  Additionally, it has been reported that supplementation with vitamin E and zinc reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.  Results of the large Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicate that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper reduces the risk of AMD progression by 25%.

Lutein & Zeaxanthin.  Both lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with antioxidant benefits.  These antioxidants are found naturally in the retina of the eye as part of the macular pigment.  Numerous research studies have demonstrated that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye from blue light and help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration [5].  In one study, supplementation with lutein for 12 weeks helped support visual performance in volunteers exposed to long-term computer monitor light exposure [6].

Astaxanthin.  Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that has been reported to have multiple health benefits.  In regards to eye health multiple studies have reported that consumed at a dose of 6 mg/day, astaxanthin helps to relieve eye fatigue in persons using computers and enhanced visual sharpness.

Omega-3 fatty acids.  A large population-based study in Australia, called the Blue Mountain Eye Study, recently reported that individuals consuming the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids showed a 24% reduction in risk for age-related macular degeneration.  This benefit was greatest (50% reduction in risk) in individuals who typically consumed low quantities of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.  A more recent study reported that consumption of a dietary supplement containing EPA, DHA, and flaxseed oil alleviated dry eye in 70% of study volunteers, apparently via enhanced tear production.

Bilberry.  Bilberry is a relative to the blueberry and like the blueberry is rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that scavenge damaging free radicals.  Research into the benefits of bilberry for eye health is still in the relatively early stages with mixed results being reported.  However, some studies demonstrate that bilberry extracts can have anti-inflammatory benefits in the eye and support healthy cellular function in the eye.

L-Taurine.  Taurine is an amino acid that is found naturally in high concentrations in the eye.  Deficiencies in taurine have been linked to vision difficulties, which can be reversed by taurine supplementation.

Lycopene.  Responsible for the red color of tomatoes, lycopene is a carotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant ability.  Recent population-based studies suggest that higher levels of lycopene are associated with lower risks for poor eye health.

In today’s technologically advanced society, we often find ourselves sitting in front of television screens, computer monitors, e-book readers, and smart phones.  The amount of time we spend engaged in these activities can put a real strain on our eye comfort and vision.  Long-term nutritional supplementation through foods and supplements is one way to combat the stress we place upon on our eyes.  If you are feeling the effects of eye fatigue, it might be time to make sure your diet includes foods and ingredients to optimize your eye health.