Aloe Vera has been used medicinally for centuries. It was even mentioned in Ebers Papyrus which dates back to the 16th century BC. It can be found in many products sold today, such as facial tissues, cosmetics, sunscreen, soaps, shaving cream, lotions...the list is endless. It's also used as a natural food preservative.
While the topical use of Aloe Vera is widely known, most people don't realize how beneficial it is when ingested orally. Aloe Vera contains over 200 beneficial compounds including enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, amino acids and minerals that help the body absorb nutrients.
Aloe Vera contains many vitamins and minerals
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, A, choline and folic acid. As the vegan diet makes it difficult to get enough vitamin B12, many include Aloe Vera as a supplement. Minerals found in Aloe Vera include iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. The minerals found in Aloe Vera are known to boost metabolism.
Aloe Vera contains over 20 essential Amino Acids: Amino acids help the body function properly and are essential to good health. Aloe contains salicylic acid that is known to reduce inflammation in the body
Aloe Vera contains needed enzymes
Aloe Vera contains amylase and lipase. These enzymes aid in digestion by breaking down sugar and fat molecules.
Health benefits of Aloe Vera:
- Encourages the production of white blood cells
- Reduces inflammation caused by arthritis
- Treats skin conditions such as acne and eczema
- Moisturizes skin
- Speeds up the healing of burns
- Reduces wrinkles
- Heals wounds
- Boosts immunity
- Regulates blood sugar
- Reduces heartburn and indigestion
- Improves the cardiac system
- Keeps gums healthy
If you choose to consume Aloe Vera, be sure to only use Aloe Vera that has had the compound, Aloin, removed as it can cause gastric and intestinal distress.
