Aloe Vera as a Supplement for Bodybuilders and Athletes

Most bodybuilders and other semi or professional athletes know their body very well and are very particular as to what they consume.

I have noticed that several bodybuilding forums are either unsure or ridicule the intake of Aloe Vera. Of course it doesn't taste fantastic, some protein shakes taste disgusting too...but, if you buy natural, organic high percentage Aloe Vera or make your own gel, the benefits are second to none.

Before you judge or question the intake check these facts and then decide for yourself:

1) Aloe Vera is high in Amino and fatty Acids  

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The body needs about 22 different amino acids, 8 of these are essential. Aloe Vera contains approximately 18 different amino acids including all essential ones. It also has a large range of fatty acids and contains three sterols, i.e. HCL cholesterol (lowers fats in the blood) campesterol and B-sisterol, all of which aid to reduce allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids includ oleic, linoleic, myristic, caprylic, palmetic and stearic fatty acids.

2) Aloe Vera has a High Vitamin and Mineral Content

It contains vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 and is one of the few plants that contain vitamin B12.  In addition, it contains around 20 minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, copper, iron, potassium and manganese to name but but a few.

3) Aloe Vera helps with Digestion

A well functioning digestive system is the foundation of health. Aloe soothes and cleans the digestive system and improves digestion. Its adaptogenic properties help with constipation as well as diarrhea and regulate digestion. It is known to reduce symptoms like acid reflux and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Although the US FDA has stated that the Aloin (which is contained in Aloe Vera Juice but not in the gel) is unsafe, recent European studies have contradicted the US FDA's decision! (You would have to drink vast amounts of the juice in order for it to be unsafe) Aloe Vera also maintains a healthy intestinal flora and acts as a vermifuge, i.e. it alleviates intestinal worms.

4) Aloe Vera helps to Detox the Body

Aloe Vera absorbs toxins in the digestive tract and eliminates toxins in the stool. 
   
5) Aloe Vera boosts the Immune System

Aloe Vera is an adaptogen, i.e. it boosts the body's immune system and stimulates the body's defense and adaptive mechanism, which in turn increases the body's potential to deal with physical, emotional and environmental stress. The polysaccharides stimulate macrophages, i.e. white blood cells that combat viruses.  

6) Aloe Vera  is an Anti Oxidant

The plant has a high level of anti-oxidants that help to combat free radicals that contribute to the aging process. 

7) Aloe Vera Alkalizes the Body

Most people eat too much acidic foods. The rule for a healthy body is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. As an alkaline forming plant, Aloe alkalizes the body and thus balances overly acidic dietary eating habits.

8) Aloe Vera maintains Cardiovascular Health

Beta sitosterol helps to reduce cholesterol levels and therefore lowers the risk of heart disease by regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol levels and making the blood less sticky. 

9) Aloe Vera Reduces Inflammation and promotes Joint Flexibility

Aloe Vera is a well known anti-inflammatory and is absorbed 7 times deeper into the skin than other agent. It reduces pain, helps with stiffness and improves joint flexibility

10) Aloe Vera has Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Antifungal, Antibiotic and Analgesic properties

It prevents growth of microorganisms that cause disease, and fights internal and external bacterial infections as well as controlling fungal and viral infections and reduces pain.

11) Aloe Vera is Excellent for Skin and Hair

It is used as a primary compound within the cosmetic industry due to its large variety of properties. It is great for burns, abrasions, psoriasis, acne, for moisturizing, to prevent itching and soothe the skin/scalp and is absorbed 7 deeper into the epidermis than other compounds, which means that nutrients are absorbed and penetrate much faster than any other known compound. 

12) Aloe Vera has a secondary effect on Weight Loss and Improves Energy

Aloe Vera has a secondary effect on promoting weight loss as it improves your digestion and acts as a detox agent. A healthy digestive system eliminates more efficiently and boosts energy.

13) Natural, organic Aloe Vera is not on the Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances List (NOPS) 

Natural organic Aloe Vera that contains no synthetic or pharmaceutical compounds does not seem to infringe doping laws, however, if you are in doubt, please check!  

CONCLUSION

All the above reasons speak strongly FOR taking Aloe Vera as a supplement for athletes, however, Aloe Vera does not equal Aloe Vera....

• There are various strengths of Aloe Vera, an important fact given that the plant consist of 95% water, so when you shop for Aloe Vera only use reputable, organic and natural sources of Aloe Vera.
• Only buy natural, organic Aloe Vera and if necessary ask where it comes from
• Make sure that gel is hand-harvested as this eliminates the occurrence of Aloin in Aloe Vera Gel, machine harvested Aloe Vera gel cannot guarantee that it is Aloin free. 
• In contrast to the gel, Aloe Vera juice Does contain Aloin, so make sure the levels of Aloin are small.
• Capsules seem like an easy option, especially if you don't like the taste! Most doctors agree that taking supplements in capsule form is not as effective as taking the natural product! 

Last but not least, do NOT exceed the dosage, too much of a good thing doesn't mean that a lot is more beneficial! 
Although Aloe Vera is not defined as toxic (only the Aloin, the yellow/brownish sap that is contained in the outer leaf - toxicity only applies to consuming large quantities of Aloin!) if you are in any doubt, feel free to check with your GP or Nutritionist. 

There are countless studies that certify the health benefits of Aloe Vera, compared to just a few who claim uncertainty... 
There are millions of people who report their own successes of using Aloe Vera for thousands of years... 
Aloe Vera is widely used in cosmetics, food, medicine, veterinary medicine, homeopathic medicine, the list goes on and on....  

Please note that Aloe Vera is not Aloe Vera....

Always select organic supplements from a well known and trusted source, such as Aloeride or Aloe Vera. 

Still have any doubts about using Aloe Vera as a supplement? Feel free to contact us and let us know what you think!

PS All the statements above are FACTS not fiction and can be backed up scientifically!