Aloe Vera and Weight Loss

Trying to find the perfect natural weight loss supplement is like searching for the Holy Grail... There are literally thousands of products on the market, which claim to help you shed pounds quickly and easily and even though these supplements will assist to lose weight faster… that is providing you also change your life style, always remember that there is no miracle cure!

The only effective and safe way to lose weight is to change your life style by eating a healthy diet and exercise... All supplements can do, regardless of whether they are natural, organic or chemical, is give you an additional boost in combination with a healthy diet and exercising. 

There are various weight loss products on the market, including FDA approved pills like Yacon, Phen375, Capsiplex, Meratol, UniqueHoodia, Pure Acaiberry, Adiphene, and Teatoneplus, fat binders like Proactol, or weight loss patches, as well as various organic teas and extracts such as Koutea, green coffee, raspberry ketones with green coffee bean extract, and so on. 

The fact that the benefits of Aloe Vera have secondary effects on losing weight is no secret. There are numerous scientific claims on the efficacy of Aloe Vera, for example, Aloe Vera juice (also available as organic capsules, like Organic Aloe Vera) is said to ‘reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells’ and a daily dose is like ‘doing multiple workouts throughout the week’ according to the American Chronicle website. It speeds up the metabolism in two ways, first by containing a protein that requires a significant amount of energy to break down and secondly by detoxifying the body with its amino acids (methionine, serine, theronine and molybdenum).

According to scientific research it also helps to lower and regulate blood glucose levels and because Aloe Vera is rich in collagen, which is required to repair and build muscle tissue, it assists in converting fats into muscle when exercising and expends calories from fatty tissue and supplies the energy to the muscle tissue.

Aloe Vera also enhances blood circulation by maintaining a healthy function of arteries and veins by reducing and excreting fat deposits in the capillaries and therefore assists in regulating a person’s BMI to normal levels.

Given that Aloe Vera juice is also a mild laxative, it cleans the intestines and helps to keep bowel movements regular and smooth. Please note that unregulated or excessive consumption of Aloe Vera juice can lead to diarrhea. If in any doubt, please consult your physician.

SUMMARY:

Weight Loss – Vitamin B assists in regulating the metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant as well as reducing fatty deposits. The amount of calories the body has to burn in order to digest the plant it is said that it’s equivalent of several weekly workouts.

Weight Control – Aloe Vera reduces blood sugar levels and helps sugar to enter cells slowly without being stored as fat. Because it also regulates the body’s blood sugar levels, it gives the impression that you feel ‘full’ for longer.

Energy & Detox – Aloe Vera’s detox properties clean the body and as toxins are eliminated from the body, you will feel more energetic. The proteins and collagens in Aloe Vera force the body to work harder in order to burn calories from fats and carbohydrates and help to develop muscle tissue, which is why Aloe Vera is the perfect pre-workout supplement to help to get you going!

Vitamins – Aloe Vera is a ‘powerhouse’ of vitamins. It includes vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, niacin and folic acid, which are vital for your well-being or you take some vitamin supplements. Most people on a diet do not receive the daily vitamins they require in order to maintain a fit and healthy body. 

Please note!

If you have any health problems or are unsure, please consult with your physician before taking Aloe Vera. Even though there are minimal contra indications it is always advisable if in doubt to ask for a medical opinion.

Begin your weight loss schedule with an Aloe Vera colon cleanse and detox program, for example Aloe D-Tox. By eliminating toxins your energy will rise and you will maximize the results of your weight loss plan. If you don’t like Aloe Vera juice, you can also take Aloe Vera capsules like

Stick to a low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie diet to get rid off the extra pounds. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you can kick-start it with a proven medical diet used by hospitals and doctors like the easy cabbage soup diet before moving on to a normal diet. By choosing organic foods you will also limit the buildup of toxins in your body.

Chose a combination of cardio and weight training exercises to shed the pounds. Make sure you chose activities that are fun. Hire a personal trainer so you stick with it because if you have to pay a personal trainer you will not want to waste your money by ‘skipping’ workouts so there’s an extra reason and added incentive to keep going and see your body get sculpted and lose those pounds!

You can also achieve better results if you get together with like-minded people who understand what you are going through and who can offer support, encouragement and guidance. Join a program tailored to your needs, such as Weight Watchers, Slimming World or Fitium. Most groups are also online if you don't fancy or can't go to the meetings in person.

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!