Aloe Vera is an important ingredient in any anti wrinkle cream, stretch mark cream or anti aging cream. Aloe Vera oil has well recognized healing and restorative properties, and is usually contained in top of the range lotions, creams and gel products. It is widely used to treat a huge range of skin conditions burns and even frostbite. Aloe Vera is also a fantastic moisturiser that keeps the skin supple and has the benefit of bringing oxygen to the skin cells - this increases both the synthesis and strength of skin tissue.
Aloe Vera Plant
Although Aloe Vera is by far the best known, there are in fact over 300 types of aloe. However, only a few are used for medicinal purposes. Aloe perryi (found in north-eastern Africa) and aloe ferox (found in South Africa) are a couple of the more popular varieties. But, as the most popular, the industry size for Aloe Vera is estimated to be about $125 million dollars. The volume of the industry for finished products (which include wrinkle creams, anti aging creams and scar removal creams) using Aloe Vera is estimated to be around $110 billion dollars.
Aloe Vera Uses
Humans have been known to use aloe even as far back as ancient Egypt. Cleopatra used aloe vera as part of her beauty regime and the Egyptians also used it as one of the ingredients in the production of embalming fluid. Fast forward a thousand years and the Europeans began using it as an important ingredient in their herbal based medicines. By the 16th Century, aloe vera had arrived in the West Indies: It is still to this day grown and harvested there.
Anti Aging Skin Cream
One of the main reasons Aloe Vera has become so popular in anti aging skin care creams among consumers is that it possesses incredible moisturising properties. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.
Dr. Ivan E. Danhof is widely considered to be the foremost and leading authority on the Aloe Vera plant. His studies have suggested that the gel found within the plant increase production of human fibroblast cells six to eight times faster than normal cell reproduction.
Fibroblast cells are found in the dermis (middle) layer of the skin. These are the cells which are responsible for fabricating collagen which in turn is the skin's support protein. The Aging process as well as sun exposure, means that fibroblasts slow their collagen production. As aging continues, the quality of collagen is lessened and wrinkling becomes deeper. Studies have found that not only does aloe improve the cell integrity of fibroblast, it also speeds up the collagen formation process.
Longevity
Aloe Vera has great properties which give multiple benefits to the user. It occurs naturally and contains no human manufactured ingredients. Whether it is used on its own, or as an ingredient within a cream or oil, Aloe Vera remains a treatment which has stood the test of time.
The Aloe Vera plant has been known for centuries as the healing plant. Recently, it has been rediscovered and much research has been done on it. Countless examples have indeed shown that it does have the ability to help wounds heal. However, as scientists have done more research on the Aloe Vera plant, it has been revealed that there are even more benefits to this 'miracle' plant than was previously supposed.
The parts from the Aloe Vera that are used are the gel from its succulent leaves. This is applied to burns and open wounds with varying results. The seeds are also edible.
It also has the ability to help our immune systems and digestive tract. Analysis of the aloe Vera plant has shown that one of the reasons for its healing power is that it contains a glyconutrient, in the form of Mannose.
Acemannan is a derivative of Mannose. It is known as a second-generation glyconutrient agent. It is in fact a polysaccharide made from monosaccharides from the Aloe Vera plant. It can be used in the following forms; powdered saccharide supplements, topical gels, and juice. It contains no fats or proteins. Acemannan is in fact the main ingredient of Aloe Vera.
Because Acemannan is not digestible in the small intestines, it passes straight through to the large intestine. Here it is fermented and broken down by microorganisms. Acemannan helps to stimulate the immune system. It has been found to increase resistance to fungal infections and some flu virus. Tests done in 1997, proved Acemannan to be helpful in fighting infections. Tests have also been done to see if Acemannan is effective against some cancers and as a tumor inhibitor.
These tests have been successful with cats and dogs, showing some shrinkage of tumors, but more research work is needed to bring a positive conclusion. The experiments have not been done on human subjects, as yet.
Aloe Vera is now found in many cosmetics and is touted as a substance that is good for your skin. It is especially popular in hand and face cream for treatment of dry and cracking skin. It has also found its way into shampoos and soaps. However, the best way to really use this substance is to obtain it directly from the plant. These plants are easy to grow and maintain. They are actually desert succulents; so should not be over watered or exposed to freezing temperatures.
Acemannan itself is available as a diet supplement. As always, with any diet supplement, you should consult your doctor before you start taking it. By in large, there are little or no side effects, but it is always good to be safe.
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