The sugars of Aloe Vera
The sugars in aloe vera are VERY important in nutrition; they provide you with energy. What we usually call carbohydrates are synthesized by PHOTOSYNTHESIS in plants.
Aloe Vera contains 2 groups of sugars:
- Monosaccharides: GLUCOSE and MANNOSE
- Polysaccharides: CELLULOSE and ACEMANNAN
THE MONOSACCHARIDES
Glucose: Produces energy, which is necessary for cells to multiply. Glucose is needed during the healing process, for example.
The image shows the structure of glucose.
Mannose: Like glucose, mannose provides energy for regeneration mechanisms.
THE POLYSACCHARIDES
The fame of Aloe Vera is largely due to its complex sugars, which we can also call GLUCOMANNANS. Glucomannans are polysaccharides made of only 2 monomers: glucose and mannose in this case.
They have many advantages, let me explain:
- They have an impressive ability to be absorbed through the intestinal mucosa without being modified
- They act as a protective coating in the digestive system
- They activate the immune defense system: macrophages.
This is the “GASTROPROTECTIVE EFFECT” of ALOE VERA
Another curiosity: it is thanks to these complexes that Aloe has the ability to adapt to arid climates. Water is retained inside the leaf between the polysaccharide chains present in the gel.
Acemannan: It is one of the polysaccharides that is ingested in the intestine without being modified. It helps your body in several ways:
- Promotes hydration of your skin
- Stimulates your immune system. It activates T lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Has bactericidal and germicidal action
- Protects bone marrow against toxic agents used in medicine.
- Protective coating of the intestinal mucosa
- Facilitates the elimination of waste and toxins.
Cellulose: Cellulose, mainly present in the aloe skin, provides fibers necessary to keep the intestine clean.
In summary...
ACEMANNAN is the most active component in Aloe Vera; it is thanks to its analysis that we can compare a good quality Aloe Vera (>1,000 mg/L) with a lower quality one.
I have to admit that we are very proud of our Aloe Vera from Las Coronas because it has been analyzed by the University of Cadiz and contains 2,381.25 mg/L of juice, a value higher than that established by the International Aloe Committee.
