|
by Alanna Ketler
March 09, 2016
from
Collective-Evolution Website
Known to the Egyptians as the plant of immortality and to Native
Americans as the wand of heaven,
aloe vera comes with a wide array
of amazing healing properties - some of which you may already be
aware.
You might even have your own aloe vera
plant in your home for those small emergencies like scrapes, cuts,
and burns, but did you know that aloe vera is not only limited to
topical use and is actually even more beneficial to your body when
taken internally?
Aloe vera contains over 200 biologically active, naturally occurring
constituents which include polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino
acids, and minerals that promote nutrient absorption.
According to The Journal of Environmental Science and Health,
aloe vera also possesses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal
properties that assist the immune system in cleansing the body of
toxins and invading pathogens.
But that isn't all aloe vera juice/gel
has to offer. [1]
Minerals
Aloe vera has loads of minerals including calcium, magnesium,
zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and
manganese. These minerals work together to boost metabolic
pathways.
Enzymes
Aloe Vera contains important enzymes like amylase and lipase
which can aid in digestion by breaking down fat and sugar
molecules. One molecule in particular, Bradykinase, helps to
reduce inflammation.
Vitamins
One study (Aloe
vera - A Short Review) showed that aloe vera actually
contains vitamin B12, which is required for the production of
red blood cells.
That would be great news for
vegetarians and vegans in particular, who often do not get
adequate amounts of B12 through their regular diet. Keep in mind
however, that was just one instance and you shouldn't rely on
aloe alone for your daily requirements of B12.
Other studies (A
Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover trial of Aloe Vera on
Bioavailability of Vitamins C and B12, Blood Glucose, and Lipid
Profile in Healthy Human Subjects) have shown that
taking aloe can assist with the bioavailability of vitamin B12,
meaning the body can more easily to absorb and utilize it which
can prevent deficiency.
Aloe vera is also a source of
vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), and
B6.
Amino Acids
Aloe vera contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids that are
required by the human body. It also contains salicylic acid,
which fights inflammation and bacteria.
Other Uses For
Aloe
Aside from being an excellent body cleanser, removing toxic matter
from the,
stomach, kidneys, spleen, bladder,
liver, and colon,
...aloe can also offer effective relief
from more immediate ailments, such as,
indigestion, upset stomach, ulcers,
and inflammation in the gut.
It also strengthens the digestive tract
and alleviates joint inflammation, making it a great option for
arthritis sufferers.
One study (Preliminary
Antiplaque Efficacy of Aloe Vera Mouthwash on 4 Day Plaque Re-Growth
Model) found that aloe vera juice, when taken the same
way as a mouthwash, was just as effective at removing plaque as the
common mouthwash and its active ingredient, chlorhexidine.
This is a much better alternative
because it is all-natural, unlike the typical chemical-laden options
found in stores.
Aloe vera gel
has also been found to effectively
heal mouth ulcers, which are more commonly known as canker sores.
How To Take Aloe?
Aloe can be consumed straight from the plant, but the easiest and
most palatable option is probably aloe juice, which you can
find in most health food stores.
You can also buy the leaves from many
common grocery stores, or harvest your own, and juice them yourself.
You can buy the juice and mix it into your juices and smoothies or
just drink it straight up. Make sure you are buying pure aloe
juice/gel which is either of the whole leaf or just the inner filet.
It does have a somewhat bitter taste though, so you may want to
include other things.
On the bottle you can find specific
dosing instructions, but it would be wise to talk to a natural
health expert or do some research into the matter to find
instructions on specific dosing.
Source
-
Antibacterial activities and
antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera
The Benefits of the Use of Aloe vera
in Herbal Preparations
|
