5 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Few plants possess the soothing properties that can rival the humble aloe vera plant. Often known as the “wonder plant” or the “plant of immortality,” aloe vera has been highly revered as a natural remedy by various cultures across the globe due to its potent healing properties.
You’ve probably heard of aloe vera as a common ingredient in various cosmetics, food supplements, herbal remedies, skincare products, moisturizers, and more – and for good reason. This spiky succulent owes its healing qualities to two useful components of its thick, fleshy leaves. These are the aloe gel and the aloe latex or juice, both of which have their own share of medicinal properties. The innermost part of the plant is the clear and odorless gel, while the outer part of the plant contains the aloe latex. When you cut open an aloe leaf, you will see this juice as a yellow liquid that seeps out of the leaf. The aloe vera gel is so nutrient-dense that it can even be considered a superfood on its own. (Related: This is why ancient Egyptians referred to Aloe Vera as the ‘plant of immortality:)
Aloe vera’s amazing health benefits
The aloe vera plant has earned the nickname “plant of immortality” due to its therapeutic capabilities that can help you achieve optimal health. Here are a few of the proven health benefits that this healing succulent can provide:
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Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes the skin: Aloe vera is a rich source of natural compounds that can help nourish and moisturize your skin. The topical application of aloe vera extract is one of the most well-known uses of this plant. When applied to the skin, the plant’s extract has been shown to support the healing of mild burn wounds, such as sunburns, and provide relief from minor skin rashes and irritations. The best part is that aloe vera can be tolerated by all skin types.
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Aloe vera supports healthy digestion: This healing succulent contains a unique polysaccharide called acemannan, which supports healthy digestion.
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Aloe vera supports healthy bowel movement: Historically, many people have used aloe vera as a remedy to provide relief from occasional stomach upset. This application is still common today and is among the many ways aloe vera supports a robust digestive system.
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Aloe vera supports a healthy immune system: Due to its wide range of nurturing compounds, aloe vera can support optimal immune system function. Numerous studies have previously reported on the immune system-boosting capabilities of aloe vera, and many more recent studies continue to support this. The high content of vitamins and minerals found in aloe vera may also help boost your immune system.
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Aloe vera is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants: The clear aloe vera gel contains beneficial vitamins, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and E, some of which are potent antioxidants that are responsible for the plant’s nourishing health benefits. Some of the essential minerals found in aloe vera include calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
Naturally Occurring Compounds Found in Aloe Vera
Natural Aloe Vera and it many properties have been known to man for many, many years, but it will be of benefit to you if we list the naturally occurring compounds and constituents found in the gel, together with their benefits. These benefits are also available in any product where the gel is a constituent part of that product.
| Ingredients | Benefits and/or Functions |
| 99% Aloe Vera Barbadensis Gel from leaf of plant Constituent Elements: | |
| Amino Acids | |
| • Alanine | Good functioning of skin’s adrenal glands. |
| • Asparagine | Helps maintain balance in the central nervous system. |
| • Aspartic Acid | For heart & blood vessels. |
| • Glutamine | An anti-gastial duodenal ulcer drug found abundantly in Aloe Vera Juice. Readily passes the blood/brain barrier. Helps maintain proper pH-alkalinity, and healthy digestive track. Aids the body during periods of stress. Prevents muscle wasting. |
| • Glucine | For the immune system |
| • Histidine | For hearing & nerve cells. |
| • Isoleucine | Regulates metabolism. |
| • Leucine | Essential in helping the body build other amino acids. Lowers blood sugar levels. Aids in increasing growth hormone production. |
| • Methionine | Liver & kidney cleanser & regeneration. |
| • Proline | For natural emulsifying. |
| • Threonine | Assists metabolism & assimilation, intestinal & digestive tract function. |
| • Arginine | For burning fat & muscle building. |
| • Glutamic Acid | For brain health. |
| • Cysteine | Hair growth & life span extension. |
| • Hydroxyproline | For natural emulsifying. |
| • Lysine | Fights herpes & simple viral infections. |
| • Phenylalanine | For tissue maintenance & normal growth. |
| • Serine | Tissue cleansing in lungs and bronchia. |
| • Tyrosine | For alertness & better memory. |
| • Valine | The spark of mental vigour. |
| Vitamins | |
| • A | Antioxidant – protects the body against heart disease, cancer, eye damage. |
| • B1 – Thiamine | Skin, eyes, hair, heart function, nerve tissue, muscles, brain, circulation. |
| • B2 – Riboflavin | Assists with carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism, antibody & red blood formation, healthy eyes, hair, skin, nails. |
| • B3 – Niacinamide | Nervous system, dermatitis, diarrhoea, gastro-intestinal disturbances, dementia, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, memory impairment. |
| • B6 – Pyridoxine | Dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, irritability, kidney stones. |
| • C – Ascorbic Acid | Normal cell function, immune system, colds, flu. |
| • D | Growth in children; kidney & liver disease. |
| • E – d-Alpha Tocopheryl | Heart, lungs, eyes, liver, skin, infertility, circulation, scar tissue, muscles. |
| Minerals | |
| • Iron | Haemoglobin & myoglobin, growth, teeth, skin, nails, bones, fatigue. |
| • Calcium | Bone structure, teeth, blood clotting, nervous system, insomnia. |
| • Copper | Helps fuel energy production, prevent anaemia & bone disease. |
| • Potassium | Body waste disposal, oxygen to brain, blood pressure, diabetes, heart muscles, nervous system, teeth. |
| • Sodium | Essential for body cell & fluid functions. |
| • Manganese | Diabetes prevention, muscle strength, male potency, breast milk stimulant, utilises Vitamins B1 & E, aids metabolic processes. |
| • Choline | Breaks down fat deposits, helps prevent atherosclerosis & heart disease. |
| • Magnesium | Nervous system, memory, learning ability, sleep, menstrual cramps, aids Calcium & phosphorus metabolism, nervous system, heartbeat regulator, digestion, bones, arteries, heart, teeth. |
‘Organic and sustainable farming was designed to introduce more natural farming practices and to reduce the impact on our environment.
Our association provides reliable certification to develop and sustain quality soil and attempts to exclude the use of any pesticides and chemical inputs in the food and farming industry.
Typical organic farming practices present superior soil quality and health, reduced soil erosion, higher nutritional value and taste in our foods, reduced health issues connected with the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser sprays and a higher premium for organic foods in the market place.
When chemicals, pesticides, fungicides, antibiotics, hormones, insecticides, and herbicides were first introduced the world revelled in their achievements, and looked towards the promise of higher yields with reduced human labour.
However the soils became barren, unproductive, and practically infertile and these practices cannot continue indefinitely.”
