The tender portion of the fresh aloe leaf has been eaten as a healthy, nourishing food for centuries. In 1981, RBC Life Sciences'founder, Clinton Howard, initiated the first serious research project to discover and evaluate the chemical and biological properties of aloe. Over the next 10 years, this study led to the isolation of aloe’s components and revealed to the world its numerous healthful properties. The benefits of TRUAloe™ include:
- Powerful support for the immune system*
- Helps protect your body from invading organisms*
- Naturally enhance digestion*
- Helps balance the intestinal flora*
- Pure, organic aloe that is gently processed
Health Benefits of Natural Aloe Gel
Many people are familiar with aloe as a topical treatment for minor burns, sores, bites and other skin irritations. Aloe vera is all that and more. A great deal of current research demonstrates that the Aloe vera plant holds a variety of immune supporting properties in its leaves.1 Studies show that consuming aloe juice may help support the body’s natural defenses against foreign cells and organisms. The active ingredients are the gel polysaccharides, particularly the acetylated mannans. Reports continue to reveal the healthful properties of these plant compounds. 2*
Aloe Barbadensis (known as Aloe vera) gel has been shown to decrease oxidative DNA damage. This study revealed an important contribution of aloe to natural healthcare. The aloe extract also significantly inhibited superoxide anion formation. This is one type of free radical that can have dangerous effects on the fragile DNA in our cells.3*
Animal studies have shown that aloe may help enhance natural resistance to bacteria, parasites, and fungus including candida albicans.4*
Aloe Vera Improves Digestion
Aloe juice has been used for centuries to soothe the stomach and related gastrointestinal upset. Clinical research has now validated the benefits of Aloe vera for these traditional uses. Ten subjects drank two ounces of Aloe vera juice with each of three meals daily for one week. Results indicated improved gastrointestinal flora (friendly bacteria), reduced yeast, decreased bacterial putrefaction in the colon and improved elimination. Aloe vera juice may also act as a naturally mild antacid and improve protein digestion when taken with meals. Clinical improvements in intestinal function during this study included reduced bloating after meals and reduced flatulence, indicating that the function of colonic bacteria had improved.5*
Why TRUAloe™ Is Superior
Once the biological properties of the gel were revealed, commercial methods of aloe preparation were shown to actually reduce or damage the natural make-up of Aloe vera gel. The damaging techniques used by other companies to produce Aloe vera drinks include:
Large pulp filtration: Removes a large portion of the aloe juices and its natural ingredients.
High temperature concentration: Removes water along with water soluble ingredients. Such products are often labeled as "concentrate."
"Whole" leaf process: Weakens the aloe by filtering twice. Often falsely labeled as "mucopolysaccharide enhanced," "polysaccharide enhanced" or "cold process," even though the gel has been heated.
Decolorized: Filters with charcoal, or other materials, removing the natural organic and beneficial components of aloe.
Enzymes added: Cellulase is added to reduce pulp, which breaks down the long chain polymers. Irish moss is added to artificially reproduce the thickness of aloe gel.
Our scientists sought to eliminate these damaging methods and greatly improved the processing of Aloe vera gel. We begin with prime grade, freshly harvested, certified organic aloe leaves. We remove the skin and sap, mill to a liquid state, and process the gel with proprietary methods, which block the enzymatic breakdown of aloe without the use of sulfites. Because we remove the sap, TRUAloe™ is a safe drink for pregnant women who should not consume this harsh laxative component found in some aloe products. To ensure the safety of TRUAloe™, we implement a process called Flash Pasteurization. This heats the product for a short time to eliminate any possibly harmful bacteria without denaturing the polysaccharides. Then it quickly cools down to retain all of the aloe’s nutritional quality. The exclusive methods in place at RBC Life Sciences are designed to retain the integrity of the rich aloe gel. The result is TRUAloe™, one of the few aloe juices on the market approved by the International Aloe Science Counsel, the organization that sets the standards for the Aloe vera industry.
References:
1. Ralamboranto, L et al. Study of antitumoral properties and contribution to the chemical nature and active principle. Arch Inst Pasteur Madagascar, 1982, 50:1, 227-56.
2. Reynolds, T et al. Aloe Vera Leaf Gel: A Review Update. J Ethnopharmacol, Dec 1999, 68:1-3, 3-37.
3. Kim, HS et al. In vitro chemoprotective effects of plant polysaccharides. Carcinogenesis, Aug 1999, 20:8, 1637-40.
4. Brossat, JY et al. Protection in mice by fraction F1 against infections by Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia pestis, Candida albicans and Plasmodium berghei. Arch Inst Pasteur Madagascar, 1981, 48:1, 11-34.
5. Bland, Jeffrey. Effect of orally consumed Aloe vera juice on gastrointestinal function in normal humans. Preventative Medicine. March/April, 1985.