Feel healthy inside and out.
Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, both topically and orally, for skin care, dietary supplements and herbal beverages. While you may be most familiar with Aloe vera as a salve for sunburn, taken orally, it promotes gastrointestinal health* and contains powerful antioxidants.
When you add Vitamin C to Aloe vera, you get a new combination with significant benefits. A recent study conducted by Dr. Joe Vinson at Scranton University concluded that consuming Vitamin E or Vitamin C with Aloe vera increased the half-life of those vitamins in blood plasma. This research suggests that you can increase the bioavailability of Vitamin C when it is combined with Aloe vera.*
Vitamin C is a nutritional star on its own. While no one claims it can cure the common cold, it may help you feel a whole lot better by reducing a cold’s severity and duration.* In fact, one study showed Vitamin C reduced the duration of a common cold by 21%, while another found it reduced both the severity and length of respiratory infections in a group of marathon runners.*
But the Vitamin C story doesn’t end there. Other studies show that Vitamin C may protect against free radical damage to the eye lens.* An ongoing nurse’s health study found that women using Vitamin C supplementation long term had healthier eyes and a 77% lower risk of eye problems, compared to women who did not take the supplement.* Of course, it is important to eat a healthy diet, too. Remember to eat plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods like kale, spinach and oranges.
References
Agarwala, O.M. (1997) “Whole Leaf Aloe Gel Vs. Standard Aloe Gel.” Drug Com Ind, 22-4.
Bailey, D.M., et al. (2001) “Recovery from Downhill Running Following Ascorbic Acid Supplementation.” Med Sci Sports Exerc, 33, S122.
Bryer, S.C. and Goldfarb, A.H. (2001) “The Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Blood Glutathione Status, Doms & Creatine Kinase.” Med Sci Sports Exerc, 33, S122.
Davis, R.H., et al. (1989) “Wound Healing. Oral and Topical Activity of Aloe Vera.” J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, 79, 559-62.
Dixit, V.P. and Joshi, S. (1983) “Effect of Aloe Barbedensis & Clofibrate on Serum Lipids in Triton-Induced Hyperlipidaemia in Presbytis Monkeys.” Indian J Med Res, 78, 417-21.
Hedendal, B. (1992) “Whole Leaf Aloe Vera, Almost a Panacea.” Health Consciousness, vol. 13.
Kandel, A. and Gbran, W. (1979) “Protection of Gastric Mucosa by Aloe Vera. Journal of Drug Research.” 11, 191-6. 34.
Sotnikovg, E.P. (1984) “Therapeutic Use of Aloe in Experimental Stomach Ulcers.” Nych Igzvakh Zhelukka Vrach Deb, 6, 71-4.
Thompson, D., et al. (2001) “Recovery from Prolonged Intermittent Shuttle-Running Following Post-Exercise Vitamin C Supplementation.” Med Sci Sports Exerc, 33, S166.
Pine, B. (2003) “Aloe Rx Vs. Aloe: Aloe as a Drug Vs. Aloe as an Ingredient.” International Aloe Science Council, Inc. Available Online [http://www.iasc.org/aloerx.html] 8/15/2006.
Wynn, R.L. (2005) “Aloe Vera Gel: Update for Dentistry.” Gen Dent, 53, 6-9.