WHY Aloe vera?

"Why aloe vera?" is the topic today.

Aloe vera has been used in early cultures for centuries for their medicinal properties. There are over 240 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Although Aloe vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very cactus-like in appearance.

Of the 240+ species of Aloe, four are recognized as having nutritional value, with Aloe barbadensis miller leading the group. Aloe barbadensis miller is the type of Aloe used in most commercial products with aloe content available today.

The aloe species commonly contain over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins.

CHEMISTRY - THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

Aloe vera works because the green skin of the plant produces and the sap stores at least 6 antiseptic agents: lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenol, and sulfur. All of these substances are clinically recognized for their ability to eliminate infection because they kill or control microorganism including fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

In addition, the plant also produces at least 23 proteins; (polypeptides) and at least 4 mannan sugars, which regulate cell growth and stimulate the immune system (biogenic stimulators). These agents greatly increase the skin's own defenses against infections by improving immune function. Polypeptides and mannans are the building blocks for new, healthy cells. They are more abundant in young skin cells. As aging occurs, the amount of polypeptides and mannans in the cells diminishes.

Topical application of an Aloe product helps provide ample concentrations of these agents for the proper formation of healthy cells. Polypeptides and mannans are two of the reasons Aloe helps to heal skin injuries with reduced scarring.

The skin and yellow sap (latex) of the Aloe Vera plant contains at least 3 anti-inflammatory fatty acids (HDL cholesterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol). They represent cortisone-like compounds, which make Aloe extremely effective in treating the inflammation associated with burns, cuts, abrasions and skin diseases, as well as a treatment for ulcers of all kinds.

The presence of beta-sitosterol explains why topical Aloe vera is effective in skin allergies and irritations, and why it helps to balance out the HDL and LDL cholesterol of the skin. Cholesterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol are plant sterols that are responsible for Aloe's effectiveness as an excellent moisturizer.

Traumatic acid and allantoin (FDA approved for minor skin problems) are also found in the skin and sap, is wound healing agents. Lupeol, Salicylic acid, and plant magnesium are highly effective analgesics, which explains why Aloe is a topical painkiller.

Aloe contains at least three cancer fighting compounds. Lectins induce systemic anti-tumor immunity. Aloe-emodin and Aloe mannans have been shown to control many types of skin cancers. Aloe also contains small amounts of PABA (para-amino benzoic acid), a natural sunscreen, which lessens the likelihood of sun-induces damage.

Aloe's acemannan has received FDA approval for AIDS treatment trials in Canadian double blind, placebo controlled study. The USDA as a veterinary treatment for fibrosarcoma has approved injectable acemannan.

100% STABILIZED FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS
The Aloe vera plant is classified as a vegetable and like all plant products, the juice must be preserved or will rapidly decompose when the leaves are processed. Therefore, preservatives are added during processing to retard the growth of microorganisms. Potassium sorbate (from Mountain Ash trees) and sodium benzoate (from benzoin gum) are used in minute quantities as preservatives, and ascorbic and citric acid (from citrus) as antioxidants to stabilize and provide pH balance.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF ALOE VERA
A chemical analysis shows that Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, triglyceride, carbohydrates, amino acids, enzymes, and of course, water.

Vitamins: The vitamins found in Aloe include B-complex, B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-12, choline, folic acid, vitamin C, and beta carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A) - all of which are vital to general good health in body systems and some of which are vital for the formation of certain enzymes.

Minerals: Aloe has been shown to contain as many as 13 of the 17 minerals needed for good nutrition. Minerals found in Aloe include calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium, sulfur, aluminum, strontium, boron, silicon, lithium, phosphorous, nickel and sodium. All these minerals are vital in the growth process and essential for the function of all body systems.

Triglyceride: Triglycerides include fats, oil, and waxes. They carry the fat-soluble vitamins, supply the fatty acids essential for growth and general health of all body tissue and help supply energy.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates assist in digestion and assimilation of nutrients in food and supply energy for muscular exertion. They also control protein breakdown, the distribution of sodium, potassium, chloride, and water for electrolyte balance. Identified carbohydrates include glucose, mannose, and acemannan.

Amino Acids: Aloe Vera juice contains twenty of the twenty-two amino acids known to be needed for good nutrition; nine of these essential and must be supplied from an outside source because the body cannot manufacture its own. The body from the essential or nine can synthesize the other thirteen. Aloe has been shown to contain all of the essential nine. The complete list of amino acids known to exist in Aloe include lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, asparagine, threonine, serine, glutamine, hydroproline, proline, glycine, alanine, cystine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine.

Enzymes: Without enzymes, the chemical reaction of vitamins, minerals, and hormones cannot take place. They also aid in reducing indigestion and inflammation of ulcers. Enzymes present in Aloe include alkaline phosphates, SGO transaminase.

Directions:
Take 2 to 4 ounces daily. Tastes best cold. You can mix with a neutral juice like apple.

Ultimate Aloe Ingredients: Aloe vera concentrate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate. CranApple Ultimate Aloe Ingredients: Aloe vera concentrate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, honey, fructose, and natural cranberry and apple flavor.

Strawberry Kiwi Ultimate Aloe: (the most delicious aloe juice) Whole leaf Aloe vera concentrate, purified water, fructose, natural strawberry kiwi flavor, ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate. I recomend this flavor.

The reason for taking aloe juice for the ADD person is because of the detox properties, anti-inflammatory properties, health benefits, amino acids, vitamins and nutrients, and various active compounds (that has not been thoroughly investigated yet). Once the body has the appropriate raw material to work with, things will function better. Thus, impulsivity is lessened. Hyperactivity may be curtailed to acceptable "societial standards". And the ease of distractability may now be transformed into the ability to focus. All the above are good things to have to enhance one's ability to handle the stresses of life. So go to the following site and order your Ultamate Aloe.

Please place the cursor over Ultamate Aloe for the link

Antioxidants and Free Radical protection

ANTIOXIDANTS
Everyone, old and young alike, need antioxidants. People with active as well as sedentary lifestyles need antioxidants. No one is safe from the ravages of the environment, the erosion of the earth's ozone layer, processed foods, and even our body's own metabolic process.

Did you know breathing each day causes oxidation internally in your body, similar to a car rusting, and a fresh cut apple turning brown? You can bolster our body's defenses by eating the right foods, but if you have a hard time doing that, just take Oxygen Plus (see below)!

FREE RADICAL PROTECTION
There are seven different types of free radicals and several nutritional substances with antioxidant capabilities for each type.

Scientists now believe that by increasing the body's intake of antioxidants we can actually delay or prevent much of the deterioration and illness caused by aging; even, perhaps add five to ten years to our life span. The challenge: finding the right antioxidants, in the right amounts, to effectively target the different types of free radicals in the body.

Physicians and Biochemists in research centers such as UCLA, USC School of Pharmacy and Mt. Sinai Medical School has discovered:
Free radicals can cause cancer
Free radicals can cause atherosclerosis
Free radicals can cause emphysema
Free radicals can cause cataracts and glaucoma
Free radicals can cause high blood pressure
Free radicals can cause immune system deficiencies
Free radicals can cause heart disease
Free radicals can cause arthritis
Free radicals can cause stroke
Free radicals can cause Parkinson's Disease
Free radicals can cause various dermatoses
Free radicals can cause premature aging of the skin

OXYGEN PLUS is a combination of vitamins, minerals and special herbs in capsule form that help protect our body from free radicals that can cause damage to your cells, impairing the immune system and leading to various degenerative disease. Oxygen Plus counteracts seven known species of free radicals.

OXYGEN PLUS is a natural anti-aging, antioxidant breakthrough
Ingredients:

Bilberry - Its chief action as an antioxidant is its powerful synergy with Vitamin E. On the most basic level, it increases the resistance of blood capillaries and reduces their permeability.

Bilberry anthocyanosides also favorably affect the operation of crucial enzymes in the enzymes in the retinal cellular metabolism and function. It shows excellent anti-inflammatory action, it also inhibits cholesterol-induce atherosclerosis. Bilberry inhibits serum platelet aggregation (clotting). (25 mg)

Green Tea Extract - A health promoting and life prolonging antioxidant. It is rich in polyphenols that have been shown to inhibit the action of many common cancers causing chemicals and in protecting arteries against the damage caused by high fat diets. (250 mg)

Ginkgo Biloba - Improves memory loss, brain function, depression, cerebral and peripheral circulation, and oxygenation and blood flow. Good for tinnitus and glucose utilization. (25 mg)

Glutathione - A powerful antioxidant that inhibits the formation of free radicals. It protects against damage from cigarette smoking and radiation, helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and x-rays, and combats alcohol poisoning. As a detoxifying agent of metals and drugs, it aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders. (1000 mcg)

Milk Thistle - Used for all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Milk Thistle contains some of the most potent liver-protecting substances known. It prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant; thus, protecting the liver. It stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents the formation of damaging leukotrienes. It protects the kidneys and is beneficial to those with psoriasis. (25 mg)

Selenium - Is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with Vitamin E as an antioxidant; selenium protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals, which can damage the body. Selenium and vitamin E act synergistically to aid in the production of antibodies and help to maintain a healthy heart. This trace element is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. A partner/synergist with vitamin E, selenium is essential for the key enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (each enzyme molecule contains four selenium atoms). It stimulates increased antibody response to germ infection. (200 meg)

Beta-Carotene (vitamin A precursor)- This supplement prevents night blindness and other eye problems as well as some skin disorders such as acne. It enhances immunity, may promote gastrointestinal health, protects again pollution, and is needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair. It is important in the formation of bones and teeth, aids in fat storage. This important vitamin also slows the aging process. Without this supplement, the body cannot utilize protein. When food that contains beta-carotene is consumed, it is converted to vitamin A in the liver. Beta-carotene aids in cancer prevention, according to recent reports. No vitamin overdose can occur with beta-carotene, although the skin may turn slightly yellow-orange in color.

Vitamin A is necessary for healthy mucus cells and promotes germ-killing enzymes. Beta-carotene and vitamin A destroy carcinogens (cancer-producing substances). (2500 I.U.)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland functions, and healthy gums. It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, protects against infections, and enhances immunity.

It also may reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis. Essential in the formation of collagen, vitamin C protects against blood clotting and bruising and promotes the healing of wounds and the production of anti-stress hormones. It also aids in interferon production.

It is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine.

New evidence indicates that vitamin C and vitamin E works synergistically, that is, when they work together, they have a greater effect than when they work separately. Vitamin E scavenges dangerous oxygen radicals in the cell membrane, while vitamin C breaks free radical properties in biologic fluids. Both these vitamins greatly extend antioxidant activity.

In addition to increasing interferon production, vitamin C is a potent stimulator of T-effector cell activity. Vitamin C reduces lipid production in the brain and spinal cord, which frequently incur radical damage. These sites can be protected by significant amounts of vitamin C, which is needed to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Vitamin C acts as a more potent free radical scavenger in the presence of a bioflavonoid called hesperidin. (100 mg)

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol succinate) - Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This supplement improves circulation, and is useful in treating fibrocystic breasts and premenstrual syndrome. It also promotes normal clotting and healing, reduces scarring from some wounds, reduces blood pressure, aids in preventing cataracts, improves athletic performance and aids in leg cramps.

Vitamin E also prevents cell damage by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and the formulation of free radicals. It regards aging and may prevent age spots as well. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents fat and cell membrane rancidity and protects the coating around each cell.

Vitamin E improves oxygen utilization and enhances immune response. New evidence suggests that Zinc is needed to maintain normal blood concentration of Vitamin E. (15 I.U.)

WHERE DO WE GET FREE RADICALS?

Free radicals are generated by stress, cigarette smoke, aldehydes, dibasic acids, rancid oils, polyvalent metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.), sodium nitrite (a cold cut preservative), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, ozone and radiation (x-rays, nuclear fall out, cosmic rays, chemicals from food and water).

Even exercise creates free radicals as a result of toxic by-products of exhaustion.

Most of the free radicals in the body are the results of a chemical process known a lipid peroxidation. Lipids are oils and fats that are essential parts of the cells. It is when externally caused reactions get out of control that we run into problems.

HOW DO WE ELMINATE FREE RADICALS?

There are number of vitamins and herbs that inactivate free radicals. Most vitamins and nutrients classified as antioxidants are also free radical inactivaters.

Very few individual, if any, reach their potential maximum life span; they die instead prematurely of a wide variety of diseases - the vast majority being "free radicals diseases.
(Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D.)

Website link: antioxidants
http://richchan.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20902

link for OPC-3 anitoxidant
http://richchan.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20904

link for Oxygen Plus antioxidant
http://richchan.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20905

link for ORAC and anti-aging
http://richchan.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20903

oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC)

I like to share with my audience about a proprietary product helpful to ADD and as a potential anti-aging product.

OPC-3 is a powerful combination of plant derived bioflavonoids, know as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's). It is made from a combination of grape seed, pine bark and red wine extracts in addition to bilberry and citrus extracts. These OPC's are super effective free radical neutralizers. They are not limited to being strong antioxidants, they are also crucial in their role in supporting the circulatory system and strengthening the capillaries. OPC-3 is a natural food supplement that should be taken for a lifetime.

Each capful of OPC-3™ contains 125 milligrams of bioflavonoids, of which 75 milligrams are oligomeric proanthocyanidins in an isotonic-capable base. That means that the OPC-3™ active ingredients will be delivered in the highest concentration to the small intestine, where most absorption of nutrients occurs. To start using OPC-3™ for its benefit as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, take two level capfuls for every 150 pounds of body weight for the first seven days. This is referred to as the saturation dosage. Then, switch to a daily dosage of one capful, per 150 lbs. of body weight, as a maintenance dose. For example, if you weigh 190 pounds, you would take three servings of OPC-3™ per day for seven days, then switch to two servings per day for long-term health maintenance. Any excess of OPC-3™ will not be of any negative consequence, since OPC-3™ is non-toxic.

OPC-3™ contains a combination of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from sources that include grape seed, red wine and pine bark† extracts. The grape seed extract is the superior source of OPCs, containing 92% of active ingredients over pine bark's 84% of active OPC ingredients.* The red wine extract contains flavonoids called leucocyanidins from the skin of red grapes. Leucocyanidins are bioflavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties crucial to their role in supporting the circulatory system. OPC-3™ also contains bilberry and citrus extracts, which are known to have effects of vision and histamine release, respectively. Together, this combination of OPC is superior to any OPC on the market in active ingredients and isotonic capability. This powerful formula will be delivered to your system the way nature intended it to be - in an isotonic solution that maximizes absorption. OPC-3™ has a pleasant natural grape flavor, is a vegetarian product, and mixes instantly when added to water. This product should be taken on an empty stomach for the fastest, most effective delivery of the active ingredient.
*Percentages established by D. Marie-Claude Dumon, University of Bordeaux, France †Pine bark reference to pycnogenol source.

Our bodies are made up of billions of molecules held together by electromagnetic forces. These chemical bonds are created with paired electrons. Free radicals are unstable molecules that have lost an electron and are unbalanced. Free radicals seek to replace the lost electron by randomly attacking nearby molecules and extracting desired electrons. One free radical can damage a million or more molecules in a chain reaction referred to as radical propagation, which leads to oxidative stress. Uncontrolled oxidation is very destructive.
It is analogous to effects we see in our environment, such as the rusting of metal, the rotting of meat, the browning of apples or the hardening of old rubber. Oxidation in our body by free radicals is thought to be responsible for premature aging, wrinkling of skin, hardening of arteries, stiffening of joints, formation of cataracts, the initiation of cancer and much more. We are constantly exposed to free radicals via such processes as antimicrobial activity by white blood cells and the absorption of chemical additives in our foods. Our ability to fight free radical damage effectively is compromised by our inadequate nutritional choices or diets that contain limited amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidant supplementation is necessary if we are unable to reduce our exposure to free radicals, but wish to counter their effect. OPCs should be taken in conjunction with foods or dietary supplements rich in vitamin C, vitamin e, beta-carotene, and selenium, to name a few antioxidants.

In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier was leading an expedition up the St. Lawrence River. Trapped by bad weather, Cartier and his crew were forced to survive on a ration of salted meat and biscuits. Cartier's crew began to suffer from severe deficiency of vitamin C and showed symptoms of scurvy. Many crewmembers died before the surviving members encountered a friendly Native American who saved most of their lives. He told them to make a tea from the bark and needles of the pine tree to cure their malady. They complied and, as a result, Cartier and many crewmembers survived.

Some 400 years later, Professor Jacques Masquelier of the University of Bordeaux, France, read a book by Cartier detailing their expedition. He concluded that pine bark not only contained some vitamin C, but obviously was a good source of bioflavonoids, whose effects are similar to those of vitamin C. Further studies and research revealed that the pine bark contained an array of proanthocyanidins complexes. These compounds were also found in a variety of plants, including grape seeds, cranberries, peanut skin, lemon tree bark and citrus rinds. Masquelier termed the active ingredients of the pine bark "pycnogenols", which today are referred to in the scientific community as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs.
OPCs have been used in Europe under medical supervision for over 30 years with no reports of adverse effects. Over one million people worldwide utilize these valuable bioflavonoids daily. OPCs have been tested time and time again for safety by conventional, scientific methods at leading research centers worldwide including the Pasteur Institute. OPCs have been found to be non-toxic, non-antigenic, non-teratogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic.

The link is design for you to order the product.
http://jacksonkellar.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20904

Supplements - Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol® is the extract from the “pine bark” of the French maritime pine tree which grows in Les Landes in south-west France. This unspoiled and natural environment is the unique source of Pycnogenol®.

Pycnogenol® is the brand name for a premium herbal supplement extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. That special pine bark is loaded with a concentrate of active bioflavonoids, which are also found in fresh fruits and vegetables. The extract from that bark is a potent blend of active compounds. Extensive research over a period of more than 30 years was dedicated to safety of Pycnogenol® and to substantiate the manifold benefits for human health of this extraordinary extract

Pycnogenol® represents a natural blend of genetically programmed constant proportions of bioflavonoids including catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, monomers, dimers of catechin and epicatechin, oligomeric procyanidnins and phenolic fruit acids such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid.

Pycnogenol® is produced by a validated manufacturing process following good agricultural practice (GAP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP). There is absolutely no application of pesticides during the growing of pine trees or toxic solvents during the manufacture of Pycnogenol®, there can be no pesticide or solvent in the finished active substance.

More than 130 scientific articles and clinical trials have confirmed Pycnogenol®s safety, absence of toxicity and clinical efficacy. In today’s marketplace, Pycnogenol® is one of the best researched natural products. Scientific evidence on its Antioxidative Capacity and protective action on the Vascular System have been published in the most renowned scientific journals. Additional published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol®s beneficial effects in Diabetes, Cholesterol Control, Inflammation, Asthma, Skin Care, Menstrual Disorders, Fertility, Sport Endurance and Cognitive Function (i.e. ADD/ADHD) in children and elderly.

As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol® mops-up all kinds of aggressive radicals, before they cause any damage by oxidative stress. Pycnogenol® boosts the immune system and it strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. It supports a better circulation by preventing stress-induced constriction of arteries and blood clotting. Additionally the extract contains substances, which act against cramps.

Why fight free radicals? In every day life our body generates free radicals, especially in case of stress. These chemically unbalanced radicals cause damage to our cells by oxidizing them, in the same way as metal becomes rusty and destroyed. Hence, free radicals are dangerous and scientists believe that the continuous exposure to free radicals is the major cause of ageing and also of many degenerative diseases.

As a super-antioxidant, Pycnogenol® counteracts that danger in two ways: It stimulates our cells to double their antioxidative power and it catches free radicals in the blood stream. That double defense makes Pycnogenol® unique.

With the summer and the traveling season ahead of us, Pycnogenol has added benefits in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) while traveling on long flights.

Refer to link: http://www.pycnogenol.com/gif/pyc_miami_herald_article.gif for article about the benifits in preventing deep vein thrombosis on long flights.

How does this help with stressed (business, ADHD, hyperactive) people?
Stress means your adrenal gland is producing lots of adrenaline to handle the activities connected with a busy business person's schedule. This involves putting out fires in your office, stuck in traffic during your daily commute, demanding phone calls and loads of bad news, if you are a smoker you smoke too much, and deadlines to meet.

Pycnogenol® counteracts the increase in blood pressure caused by stress and it helps to prevent the clotting of blood, which may occur in case of stress and smoking. Business people may have to work in a sitting position (attending endless meetings) and have to travel a lot. Pycnogenol® helps against swollen feet and reduced circulation caused by that immobile life style. Intake of Pycnogenol® may increase cognitive function (improve ADD/ADHD symptoms), reduce the risks of stress and will prevent consequences of sedentary lifestyle.

Taking Pycnogenol is similar to taking supplemental vitamins, minerals, and herbs to enhance a person's functionaly physiology. Once every system is working perfectly and in unison, the ADD/ADHD symptoms "appears" to be diminished. Thus, "normal" cognitive functionality returns.

Pycnogenol® is available in the super oxidant product OPC-3. Go to link below for product info.
http://richchan.unfranchise.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoShopProducts&storeID=8&cat1ID=USA10902&cat2ID=USA20904