Aloe Vera "Wonder Plant"
Considered by most as the “wonder plant”, Aloe Vera is best known for it’s amazing health and healing properties.
Where does Aloe Vera come from?
This succulent green plant is at home in dry, tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Europe, Northern South America, the Caribbean and the southern and western parts of the United States.
What is the history of Aloe Vera?
A long time ago, people realized the plant had a lot more to offer than just being nice to look at. The gel and juice found inside aloe vera became a popular herbal remedy that was used to help treat everything from skin issues to digestive problems. For almost 6,000 years the healing properties of Aloe Vera have been known. Known as the “plant of immortality” Egyptian pharaohs were presented this plant as a funeral gift.
Many studies suggest that there are countless benefits to eating Aloe Vera. From digestion, skin, immunity, hydration, and more. Whether drinking Aloe Vera water, taking a concentrated Aloe Vera supplement, or simply eating raw Aloe gel, the leaves consist of 99.5% water with the remaining .05% solid material containing a wide range of compounds that include water-soluble and fat-soluble minerals, vitamins, enzymes, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and glyconutrients that completely nourishes the body.
What are the Health Benefits?
METABOLIC BALANCE
A health source of minerals, Aloe Vera supports a healthy cellular enzyme system and makes our metabolism function as it should be. There’s calcium for bones, teeth and cellular signaling; zinc and magnesium, which are essential for our metabolism, plus magnesium keeps your nerves, muscles, heart rhythm and bones healthy; chromium enhances insulin that provides energy to cells. Other minerals include copper, potassium, and sodium—the latter two help keep our electrolytes in balance.
This wonder plan is a good source for vitamins A, C, D, E, B, B-1, B-2, B12, and folic acid. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that help to protect cells against heart disease and cancer, and the folic acid can help increase the antioxidants in other healthy foods to absorb vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins B-12 aids in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular and nervous system, along with serving multiple metabolic functions.
SKIN REPAIR & HYDRATION
Consumption of Aloe gel also improves the health of your skin and hair. It can treat acne and acne lesions, psoriasis, eczema, and other rashes, it also helps keep your skin supple and hydrated.
MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT
Studies also show that Aloe vera has about 20 amino acids essential for the production of muscle tissues, 8 of which are not naturally produced by the body and must be supplemented in your diet.
DIGESTIVE REGULATION
Aloe Vera is very beneficial to the overall digestive system and gut health by simply alkalizing the body, which helps to fight heartburn and more. It aids in reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and balances electrolytes; especially important after working out.
- Ann Larson