Why Aloe Vera, and How?

Aloe vera is a popular category, well known for its topical applications but more recently gaining popularity as a beverage, with brands of aloe vera drinks popping up in grocery and convenience stores throughout the country. Mainstream consumers may be vaguely aware of the health benefits of drinking aloe vera, intrigued by its presence beside their favorite organic iced teas, but the keen natural shopper understands the beverage does not necessarily provide the same benefits as its dietary supplement counterpart.

However, even as a dietary supplement, the aloe vera question is not so cut and dry. Juice, gel or capsule? Inner fillet or whole leaf? These options can confuse potential customers. Here are some things to keep in mind when helping consumers choose the right aloe vera product. We’ll also review the evidence for its applications so that customers can understand why they should be taking aloe vera.

Format
Gel. When someone types in “aloe vera gel” into Google, this will likely refer them to topical gels used to soothe sunburns and moisturize dry skin. Clearly, formulas designed for topical use should not be ingested; however, some manufacturers sell aloe vera gel that is good for both dietary and cosmetic purposes. These are often made from the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant separated from the outer rind and the latex; a yellow substance between the rind and inner leaf which contains aloin, the laxative component of aloe vera. Once separated, it is cold-pressed to make it drinkable. Some may contain the pulp of the original plant, while others will use thickening agents.

Juice. Most aloe vera juices are made from the whole leaf — inner filet, aloe latex and all. Rinds and excess aloin found in the aloe latex is filtered out, reducing the aloin content, a powerful laxative, to its safe level of one part per million. Juices have a thinner consistency to gels, but they also differ functionally. The aloin content of the juices made from the whole leaf makes it more beneficial to those seeking to support digestive health. Juices and gels made only from the inner fillet will have nutrients that support health in different ways but their lack of aloin won’t do as much to support regularity.

Capsules. You likely also stock your shelves with aloe vera capsules, which is another viable way to supplement with aloe. Some may simply not like the taste of aloe juice or gel, which are naturally bitter. While it is often recommended to mix the suggested dosage with another liquid, many may find capsules to be a simpler solution. The aloe vera extract in the capsule may also be accompanied by another valuable nutrient or herb, adding extra support.

Digestive Health
As mentioned earlier, aloe vera’s aloin content can support digestive regularity due to its laxative effect, which is mild and safe when filtered down to one part per million. It is, however, unwise for anyone to consume aloin at high doses, directly from the plant, for example, as the laxative effect will be powerful and dangerous, with painful cramps (1). While this makes aloe vera a tool for cleansing, its effects on digestive health go beyond this. Studies have shown that supplementing one’s diet with aloe vera can positively affect the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract by not only supporting the proliferation of good bacteria but inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

One in vitro study found that at a certain concentration, aloe vera juice promoted the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum and L. casei, made evident by a fall in pH and an increase in acidity (2). However, at much higher concentrations, growth was discouraged. Researchers concluded “Aloe vera juice or gel at a particular concentration could possibly be used in combination with probiotic Lactobacillus strain(s) as a combinational therapy for gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular diseases” (2).

A different short term study investigated the antibacterial effect of aloe vera gel extract on Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus mutans. Results showed that aloe vera significantly reduced the number of Lactobacillus spp. but not Streptococcus mutans (3). A similar effect was observed in an in vitro study on the antibacterial activity of aloe vera on a bacterial strain of Helicobacter pylori, which is isolated to the Abruzzo region in Italy. Results of that study showed that inhibitory concentrations of aloe vera were comparable to those of bactericides, with 50% of detected strains inhibited in their growth (4).

Considering the trending category of probiotics, aloe vera can be an excellent complement for shoppers of probiotic products in the way it may facilitate the growth of good bacteria and protect against harmful bacteria.

Immune Health
Aloe vera’s active components include glycoproteins and polysaccharides. When people use aloe vera to sooth sunburn, glycoprotein speeds the healing process by easing pain and inflammation, while the polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair. When consumed orally, these components stimulate the immune system (1). For example, an animal study observed how polysaccharides from aloe vera would affect stress-induced immunosuppression in mice. Results showed that the polysaccharides ameliorated the chronic stress-induced immunosuppression in a variety of ways, including reducing body weight loss and restoring the activities of lymphocytes, T cell proliferation and antibody production (5). Considering how chronic stress is not uncommon in our daily lives, affecting our immune system and making us more susceptible to illness, aloe vera may be one way for your customers to reinforce their defenses.

Much of its immunomodulatory effect is likely accomplished by controlling inflammation. Aloe vera gel for example downregulates lipopolysaccharides-induced inflammatory cytokine production (6). Antioxidants also play an important role in our health, scavenging free radicals that cause oxidation. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, including alpha-tocopherol, carotenoids, vitamin C, flavenoids and tannins (6). It should be noted that the whole leaf will provide the greatest concentration of antioxidants as the leaf’s skin has exhibited in vitro the most antioxidant activity.

Blood Sugar
While using aloe vera does not cure or treat disease, prediabetics and diabetics in some studies have exhibited positive results from supplementation. In one randomized controlled trial, for example, aloe vera gel reduced body weights, body fat mass and insulin resistance in obese prediabetics and early untreated diabetics (6). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials studying the plant’s effect on prediabetics and untreated diabetics reported that aloe vera was superior to placebo in reducing fasting blood glucose levels, though saw no significant changes in insulin concentration (7). The same meta-analysis also found that aloe vera was superior to placebo in reducing serum triglycerides as well as reducing LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) while increasing serum HDL (good cholesterol) (7).

It should be noted that not all studies are conclusive on the benefits of supplementing with aloe vera and the plant deserves and requires more, and better designed, randomized controlled trials to truly understand its potential. However, considering the research that does exist, and its traditional usage, aloe vera can be an excellent product for many customers if they understand what they are buying. 

YOU can find aloe vera and probiotics supplements at IHERB.COM

References

1. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/aloe
2. R. Nagpal et al. “Effect of Aloe vera juice on growth and activities of Lactobacilli in-vitro.” Act Biomed. 83(3): 183-188. 2012.
3. T. Prueksrisakul et al. “Effect of daily drinking of Aloe vera gel extract on plasma total antioxidant capacity and oral pathogenic bacteria in healthy volunteer: a short-term study.” J Compliment Integr Med. 12(2): 159-164. 2015.
4. L. Cellini et al. “In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against Helicobacter pylori strains.” Lett Appl Microbiol.59(1): 43-48. 2014.
5. Y. Lee et al. “Modified Aloe Polysaccharide Restores Chronic Stress-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice.”Int J Mol Sci. 17(10). 2016.
6. R.H. Maharjan and L.P. Nampoothiri. ” Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review.” J Tradit Complement Med. 5(1). 2015.
7. Y. Zhang et al. “Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Nutrients. 8(7): 388. 2016.

The King of Carotenoids

Recently, Astaxanthin, a naturally-occurring carotenoid, has become a popular supplement for its unique benefits, particularly its protection against cellular damage, especially in the brain and vascular system. However, what many shoppers may not know or focus on is the vital role Astaxanthin can also play in helping to relieve pain and inflammation, support eye health and even help reduce damage from the sun.

Where Does Astaxanthin Come From?
Astaxanthin is produced by the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, when its water supply dries up, forcing it to protect itself from a lack of nutrition and ultraviolet radiation by using astaxanthin as a “force field” (1). Although astaxanthin is produced in algae, it can also be found in marine animals such as salmon, shrimp and lobster, which consume the algae and in turn gives these animals its pink flesh color and even aids in salmon’s strength and endurance to swim up-river and through waterfalls (1). Unfortunately these sources contain only trace amounts of astaxanthin and since humans cannot synthesize the carotenoid, this potent antioxidant must be consumed via a dietary supplement to acheive sufficient benefits (2).

What Are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?
Because astaxanthin is an antioxidant, it naturally neutralizes free radicals, that can harm our cells. However, unlike most antioxidant vitamins and minerals that lose their antioxidant function once a free radical has been disarmed, astaxanthin remains active and can disarm several free radicals at one time, making it a more efficient antioxidant (3).

Skin Health. Radiant, vibrant, and healthy looking skin has long been associated with good health, but while most try and improve the appearance of their skin from the outside alone, the real key to healthy skin is building it from the inside out (2). Shoppers tend to believe one reason — besides normal aging — skin wrinkles and age spots appear is a result of exposure to the elements such as the sun, wind and pollution. However, another factor may be oxidative damage. As we absorb toxins into our bloodstream, from pollution in the air, from pesticides in the food we eat, or any other factor, in cellular oxidation is the result. Cellular oxidation can damage cell membranes and other structures such as the collagen in our skin, which can then become thinner, lose the ability to hold its shape and become less elastic eventually forming wrinkles. Besides trying to avoid toxins to prevent the signs of premature aging, astaxanthin may be able to significantly reduce the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation (4). In a study published in Acta Biochimica Polonica in 2012, two human clinical trials were performed.  In the open-label non-controlled study, which for eight weeks involved 30 healthy female subjects, a combination of 6 mg of oral supplementation and 2 ml of a topical application of astaxanthin per day, lead to an improvement of the patient’s skin texture by week four and improvements in age-spot size, moisture content, elasticity and skin wrinkles by week eight. In the second trial, which was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study that involved 36 healthy males, researchers found that after six weeks of taking 6 mg of an oral astaxanthin daily, patients had an improvement in crow’s feet wrinkles, elasticity and transepidermal water loss.

Eye and Brain Support. To help combat free radicals from enacting oxidative damage in the retina, two carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein, are concentrated in the macula of the retina. However as one ages, the body begins to lose the ability to produce high levels of the antioxidants it needs to fight off toxins that are targeting one’s organs and even fight off light damaging exposure such as high-energy light rays called blue light, which can reach deep into the eye, causing damage to the retina and has even be theorized in the development of age-related macular degeneration. While shoppers may believe the simple solution is to head for a supplement containing zeaxanthin and lutein, new research suggests grabbing an astaxanthin supplement  in combination with or even alone. This is due to its ability, unlike other carotenoids, to cross the blood-brain barriers and the blood-retinal barrier to bring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to stop retinal destruction.

In a four-week double-blind study, published in the Journal of Traditional Medicines, researchers found supplementation with 5 mg of astaxanthin resulted in a 46% reduction of eyestrain or fatigue and a higher accommodation amplitude (the adjustment in the lens that allows it to focus) in patients who used visual display terminals (2,5).

Beyond eye health, researchers have also been able to see a vast improvement in brain health. In one study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2011, researchers found patients taking 6 or 12 mg of astaxanthin per day for 12 weeks to have a reduction in levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH), which accumulates abnormally in the red blood cells of people with dementia.

Cardiovascular Health. Cardiovascular disease causes more than 17 million deaths worldwide each year and is also responsible for half of all deaths in the United States (6). Any health problem directly affecting the heart or the blood vessel and arteries can be classified as a cardiovascular disease, such as, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, abnormal heart arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. In a recent study involving obese adults, astaxanthin has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, ApoB and oxidative stress biomarkers (7). Another study with participants taking 6 mg of astaxanthin per day for 10 days showed an improvement in blood circulation, which may also help those with hypertension, a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is elevated requiring the heart to pump harder to circulate blood (8).

Inflammation & Pain. Inflammation is the body’s response to fighting infection and repairing tissues. When one sprains their ankle, a muscle or tears a ligament, the body’s inflammatory response kicks in causing inflammation to form around the affected area and the stages of healing begin. But when inflammation lingers, it can cause tissue damage and inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and more. Astaxanthin’s ability to travel throughout the body allows it to target a number of high-stress inflammatory areas such as the joints, the heart, the brain, the eyes, and the skin (2). Unfortunately, research is still ongoing as to how astaxanthin blocks inflammatory COX2 enzymes, while at the same time suppressing serum levels of nitric oxide, interleukin 1B, prostaglandin E2, C Reactive Protein (CRP), and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) (9).

If shoppers are worried about the potential for toxicity, astaxanthin, unlike most antioxidants lacks the ability to turn into a pro-oxidant, even at high levels due to its molecular structure (10). Of course shoppers should always consult with a physician before adding astaxanthin to their diets.

YOU can find Astaxanthin supplements at IHERB.COM

References
1. Joseph Mercola. “Astaxanthin: The Most Important Carotenoid for Healthy Eyes (No, it’s Not Carrots),” May 14, 2011, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/14/astaxanthin-the-worlds-strongest-antioxidant.aspx, accessed January 5, 2017.
2. Michael T. Murray. “The Whole Body benefits of Natural Astaxanthin,” November 23, 2016, http://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/
?i=360127#{“issue_id”:360127,”page”:0}, accessed January 5, 2017.
3. Brandi Black. “What is Astaxanthin?” https://www.sunchlorellausa.com
/astaxanthin-benefits-a/436.htm, accessed January 5, 2017.
4. Nutrex Hawaii. “Astaxanthin Explained,” http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/astaxanthin-explained, accessed January 5, 2017.
5. Nagaki, Y., Hayasaka, et al. (2002). “Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers.” Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5): 170-173
6. Texas Heart Institute, “Heart Disease Risk Factors,” www.texasheart.
org/HIC/Topics/HSmart/riskfact.cfm, accessed Aug. 25, 2016.
7. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. “Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects,” Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2011 Nov;66(4):363-9.
8. Miyawaki, H., et al. (2008). “Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology,” Journal of Clinical Biochemistry Nutrition. 43(2): 9–74.
9. Nutrex Hawaii. “Benefits of Astaxanthin,” http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/benefits-of-astaxanthin, accessed January 5, 2017.
10. Joseph Mercola. “Astaxanthin – Nature’s Most Powerful Antioxidant,” February 10, 2013, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/
2013/02/10/cysewki-discloses-astaxanthin-benefits.aspx, accessed January 5, 2017.

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Make Mom Your “Galentine” for Valentine’s Day With Natural Beauty Products From iHerb

This post is in collaboration with iHerb. All opinions are my own, and do not reflect those of iHerb. 

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is all about couples — but honestly — I think you can celebrate any love of your life. For a lot of people, that’s Mom! I recently shopped on iHerb (it doesn’t mean what you might think!) for my “Galentine” this year, and I really hope she’s not reading this. Mom, look away!

I chose several products by Andalou Naturals to gift to her, which I found on sale on iHerb’s online storefront. Immediately I thought of roses and hearts — maybe a little cliche, but for some reason that’s what popped in my head. I wanted to make Mom a basket this year, so after I easily placed my order, I gathered all the supplies and got busy.

First up, the Andalou Naturals Sensitive Skin 1000 Roses Get Started Kit! I chose this because her skin is sensitized right now due to chilly weather. It contains five facial care products for gentle hydration and improved skin resilience. I’ve been a fan of this line for a bit, so I wanted her to experience it for herself.

The 1000 Roses Floral Toner is one of my favorite Andalou products, I find it pretty soothing and softening. (And its natural rose fragrance is divine!) I also really like the 1000 Roses Heavenly Night Cream for dry winter skin. It’s nice and rich — but absorbed entirely.

In the 1000 Roses lineup, they actually have several products to choose from — so I wanted to keep with that theme. I selected the 1000 Roses Rosewater Face Mask, and the 1000 Roses Color + Correct CC Cream. Sometimes, I’ll use this mask when my skin is red. It helps to call down the inflammation when my skin is irritated.

With a line as yummy smelling as 1000 Roses is, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pamper her with the scent for bath and body as well. They also carry the matching shower gel and body butter. And guys — the body butter is DIVINE. No kidding when it says velvety soft!

I found shopping on iHerb super easy, and they have an impressive assortment of over 35,000 items to choose from. They’ve been shipping natural health and beauty products all over the world since 1996, and I’m really impressed by the fast shipping — I had my order within 2 days.