Aloe Vera is an incredibly versatile plant for your health. Its benefits can help you externally and internally. The plant is high in vitamins such as A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese. Aloe is also high in those essential amino and fatty acids. Here are just five active ways this powerhouse plant can improve your health:
- Aloe aids digestion—the soothing juice found within the leaf is an adaptogen, which means it can help with either constipation or diarrhea, regulating your elimination cycles. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux, and decreases the amount of bad bacteria in your gut thus balancing your flora.
- Aloe alkalizes the system—making sure the body is alkalized if one of the best things you can do for your body to avoid acidic digestion and prevent disease. Disease is more prone in acidic conditions.
- Aloe is an external disinfectant—its active ingredients are sulfur, salicylic acid, lupeol, cinnamic acid, phenol, and urea nitrogen. They all protect against bacteria, and are antimicrobial thus fighting off infections externally and internally. Great for healing scrapes, cuts, and soothing burns. It is also really hydrating for your skin as it is made of 90% water.
- Aloe helps boost the immune system—with its rich antioxidant content and polysaccharides, aloe vera juice can help stimulate macrophages (white blood cells that fight off viruses) and thus prevent illness and promote wellbeing.
- Aloe is anti-inflammatory—aloe contains B-sisterole which can slow down or prevent inflammation, helping with joint stiffness and pain, and can promote joint flexibility.
You can buy aloe vera juice at the store, or buy a plant and make your own! It’s an added boost to your cooking, smoothies, or on its own. And don’t forget about its amazing skin benefits. Having a plant in the kitchen is great for any emergencies (cuts, scrapes etc.), especially with children around.
LiveWell!
