Many people are already aware of the healing powers of Aloe Vera. One of the best soothers of a nasty sunburn or other skin irritation, Aloe Vera is most commonly used as a lotion or a gel to treat skin issues. This super plant is good for more than skin health though! While commonly used topically, not many people know of the health benefits of consuming Aloe Vera internally.
The nutrients in Aloe Vera make it ideal for the healing and repair of the body. Packed with an assortment of nutrients, Aloe Vera’s benefits range from skin repair to an immunity booster!
Aloe Vera Health Benefits
The Aloe Vera plant should really be considered a superfood. With a gel that contains at least 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes, it’s no wonder why Aloe Vera is such a potent remedy.
Read on to discover all the way this medicinal plant can boost your health!
High in Vitamins and Minerals
Aloe Vera contains a plethora of vitamins including vitamins A,C,E, folic acid, choline, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains the vitamin B12. Also filled with minerals, Aloe Vera contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese, making it a highly nutritious plant.
High in Fatty Acids and Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein for the body, and Aloe Vera contains roughly 20 of them, including 8 of the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on its own. Aloe Vera also contains three important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol, campesterol, and B-sitosterol. These plant sterols are all helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and indigestion.
Aids Digestion
A healthy digestive system is an important part of our body’s overall health. Proper digestion ensures that our body is absorbing all of the nutrients from the foods that we eat, but poor digestion can lead to several problematic diseases. Aloe Vera soothes and cleanses the digestive tract, helping to improve digestion. It can also help to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria in the gut, which helps to keep the intestinal flora in balance.
A Great Detoxifier
Aloe Vera juice is an all natural detoxifier. When consumed, the gelatinous material inside of the Aloe Vera leaf moves through the digestive tract, absorbing toxins as it goes and eventually eliminates them through the colon. This is an all natural way to detox the body from the daily influx of stress, pollution and junk food.
Immunity Booster
The number one immune booster in the Aloe Vera plant is its polysaccharides, which help to boost the macrophages in the body. Macrophages are the white blood cells in the immune system which help to fight off viruses and diseases. Aloe Vera also contains a high amount of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that attack the body as well as help boost the immune system.
Reduces Inflammation
Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including the fatty acid B-sisterole, which can slow down or reduce inflammation in the body. These substances may help to fight painful joints due to joint stiffness and can possibly improve joint flexibility.
Healthy Skin
Aloe Vera can help repair the collagen and elasticity of your skin when used both topically and internally. Due to the fact that the gel inside of the leaf is made up of 99 percent water, Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and rejuvenating to the skin. Have a sunburn? Cut a fresh leaf from an Aloe Vera plant and leave it in the refrigerator for an hour or so. The cold gel will immediately cool the stinging pain from the burn. It can also be used to sooth minor skin irritations, scrapes, cuts and burns
How To Consume Aloe Vera
Fresh is always best when it comes to plants. Aloe Vera plants are easy to grow and take care of, and having your own plant means that you are getting 100 percent Aloe Vera with no fillers or additives. To use, simply slice open a leaf and remove the inside gel substance from the leaf. Use this gel in smoothies or even as a fresh juice. Having your own plant also means you can use the all natural gel topically for any skin irritations you have.
To Make Aloe Vera Juice:
- Cut a few leaves from an Aloe Vera plant. Choose the outer most leaves since they are the most mature.
- Slice open the leaves and remove the aloe gel from each one.
- Place all of the gel gathered into a blender with one cup of filtered water. Blend well.
- Store juice in the refrigerator to chill.
- Use the juice within 3 to 4 days
If you would rather buy Aloe Vera juice, look for an organic, high-quality, filtered version of the juice (also known as aloe water), free of any additives like flavorings or sugars.
Precaution When Consuming Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a potent medicinal plant and although it can greatly aid the body, too much of a good thing is not always best. When consuming Aloe Vera, it is important to listen to your body. Start off with just a small amount of Aloe Vera a day, maybe a shot glass sized drink in the morning for a week, and then take time off from it. Aloe Vera does not need to be consumed every day for the rest of your life to achieve its benefits. In fact, long term use can lead to dangerous side effects such as a loss of electrolytes.
Whether you decide to utilize Aloe Vera for its internal or external benefits, it is one plant that you definitely should be growing in your garden.
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