The Benefits of Aloe Vera Cosmetics
Water is the vehicle by which exchanges are made between different layers of the dermis and epidermis. This is true of plants as well. Water is the basis for exchange, promoting growth and the precious irreplaceable properties indigenous to plants. Since plants produce more compounds than science can possibly synthesize, it makes sense to take advantage of the essential oils, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, salts, enzymes, etc ... that plants offer. Aloe Vera comes closer than any other known plant to duplicating life's essential substances in the biochemistry of the human body. This may help to explain its beneficial effects. The active agents in Aloe Vera act on the different layers of the skin. While many products offered on the market can reach only the surface layer of the skin, Aloe Vera has penetrating power that takes moisture and water to the deeper levels.
Skin layers are divided into two categories. The outer layer provides a protective covering that cohesively holds the body together, protecting it from the external environment. This layer is composed of dead cells. Since the body is constantly replacing this dead tissue every 27 days, it is not removed, it builds up resulting in dull, dry, flaky skin. The deeper layers process the nutrients offered to it both internally or externally. Included here are sweat glands, which carry moisture and rid the body of toxins, and oil (sebaceous) glands which provide protective oils to the skin. The deepest skin layers process the nutrients.
In order for the first layer to function properly, The nourishment provided to the deeper layers must be complete and well balanced. The proper nourishment in this layer is affected by internal environment (diet) as well as the external environment. Since the external environment contains innumerable pollutants and harmful agents, proper skin care is just as important a factor in health care as is the diet. A person has two approaches for healthy skin: from without and from within. Both avenues are followed if the true results of good health are expected.
Aloe Vera has a protein complex in the form of mucopolysaccharides and polysaccharides which contain the necessary vitamins and minerals in ionic state and act synergistically producing an enzyme-like action. Because of this property, Aloe contains the (1) ideal penetrating property, as well as the (2) ideal nourishment for cell growth and reproduction, while at the same time, (3) aiding the body in its constant detoxification process.
If the body is deprived of its ability to eliminate toxins and dead tissues, it hastens the aging process. As we age, it becomes more difficult for the body to reject harmful agents and so, any product that aids this elimination process will help retain a more youthful appearance. Because of the Aloe Vera's enzymatic action, it is able to Penetrate the level of dead cells by dissolving and removing them. Thus, the pores are free of debris and enable the body to take in oxygen, that is so vital to cell regeneration. At the same time, the nutrients enable the muscles of the skin to maintain their elasticity thereby producing clear, supple skin, free of wrinkles. The more supple the skin quality, the better protection it can offer to the delicate organs beneath.
The nourishing aloe provides a successful skin program because it will cleanse, tone, stimulate, protect and moisturize. As a cleanser aloe will remove dead cells on the protective layer of the skin through the enzymatic action, dissolving and removing dead tissue.
Because of the astringent properties found in aloe, the skin will firm and tighten, sealing in moisture, balancing the pH and creating better texture.
Aloe stimulates the pores, penetrating to the lower levels, drawing out impurities. By deep cleaning the pores it opens the passage for moisture penetration to the cells and removal of toxins. Aloe stimulates blood circulation, bringing oxygen to the cells to keep them alive longer. This produces better skin tone and color. Used to protect aloe will seal the skin with a protective coating to prevent infection from harmful bacteria and large molecule pollutants. Seals in water necessary for tissue respiration. In a mixture with other lubricants (to counteract the natural astringent properties) Aloe Vera will block 90% of the sun's burning rays while allowing 75% of the beneficial rays through to tan the skin.
Aloe will moisturize the skin through its penetrating action, bringing the precious nutrients to the deeper layers to keep the skin smooth and supple, refreshed and nourished. Only aloe, as a vegetable plant, has the unique properties that provide all these benefits in a single application.
pH Factor The normal pH factor of the skin is between 6.2 and 7.0 (on a scale of I to 14) except around the eye area where it is 7.2. This measures the acidity or alkalinity of the skin. The acid/alkaline balance reflects the waste products which are produced through bodily activity. The normal pH of Aloe Vera ranges from 5.7 to 6.6 depending on the age of the plant, the soil and climactic conditions. In short, both the pH of the skin and the Aloe Vera Gel are slightly acidic.
Any solution with a lower pH than the skin has an astringent effect. A high pH has an emollient effect. Aloe Vera in its natural form has both astringent and emollient properties within a range acceptable to the skin and its needs. The enzymes in Aloe Vera pro- duce a natural ability in the Gel that balances the skin's pH. No matter what age a person may be, skin cells are constantly dying. Aloe Vera can penetrate deeply to carry nourishment to all layers. Properly nourished skin cells live longer and the body's ageing process is slowed down.
Written by Jan Heinrich, Managing Director of SET-N-ME- FREE ALOE VERA CO. in Portland, Oregon. The company specializes in products using "enzyme active" aloe and food grade raw ingredients. For more information about these exclusive products call 503-666-9661 or fax 503-669-9057.
AMINO ACIDS FOR ATHLETES AND DIETERS!
Strength, endurance and fat metabolism are all impacted by amino acid intake.
The importance of amino acids is seen in the fact that protein makes up the muscles, ligaments, organs, glands, tendons and other body components. Without amino acids, protein could not exist. There are 29 known amino acids. Of these, several are not manufactured by the body and must be obtained through food sources. These "essential amino acids" are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
While amino acids come in two forms (D and L), the L-series are considered to be more bioavailable because they are in the same natural form as amino acids found in plants and animals.
In addition to their other functions, amino acids also enable vitamins and minerals to perform properly. Specific amino acids are particularly beneficial to athletes, as they play a role in strength- and muscle-enhancement. The following is a review of amino acids beneficial to athletes: GABA -- Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, inhibits cells from overfiring and can be taken to calm the body. With niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety and stress messages from reaching the brain. GABA also functions as a central nervous system neurotransmitter.
L-Arginine -- This amino acid aids in liver detoxification, assists in the release of growth hormones, and detoxifies ammonia. It is needed for protein synthesis and for optimum growth. A presence of L-arginine increases muscle mass and reduces body fat. It is also helpful for increasing collagen production.
L-Carnitine-by helping to transport long-chain fatty acids, L-carnitine prevents fatty acid build-up. Thus, it aids in weight loss and reportedly improves athletic ability. It also enhances the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C and E.
L-Histidine -- For athletes, this amino acid is' important as it aids in the growth and repair or tissues. It is Aso needed in the production of red and white blood cells. L-Isoleucine -- This amino acid is metabolized in muscle tissue. It is needed for hemoglobin formation and also stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. Lisoleucine must be taken with the correct balance of leucine and valine.
L0-Lysine-an essential amino acid, L-lyine helps calcium absorption and maintains nitrogen balance. It also helps incollagen formation and in the repair of tissue. Deficiencies of L-lysine can result in loss of energy among other disorders.
L-Methionine=one of the essential amino acids, l-methionine assists in the breakdown of fats, preventing fatty build-up in the liver and arteries that can obstruct blood flow. This amino acid helps the digestive system, aids muscle weakness and interacts with other substances to detoxify the body. Both cystein and taurine rely on methionine for synthesis. L-Ornithine -- When combines with L-arginine and L-carnitine, this amino acid helps release a growth hormone that metabolizes excess body fat. L-ornithine, in addition to being necessary for immune system and liver function, detoxifies ammonia and promotes healing. L-Taurine -- This amino acid acts as a building block of all the amino acids. It also aids in fat digestion.
