My previous blog outlined the topical uses of aloe vera barbadensis. Click here to read it! This blog will focus on the health benefits obtained by ingesting the gel.
Depending on the species, when you eat or drink the gel of an aloe vera plant, you may experience a bitter taste or no taste at all. To hide that bitterness add the gel to your smoothie or chop it into pieces and put it on your salads or in soups. Be creative! After all, the more bitter, the higher the health properties.
Note: Some aloe vera plants have white spots on their leaves (these will have lower health properties). For maximum results, aloe vera barbadensis is what you’re looking for.
Ok so down to business!
Here are some health benefits that can be obtained from eating aloe vera gel!
Dense amount of nutrient intake:
This powerhouse has more than 200 active components. It contains vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C and E (antioxidants which help maintain our cells by fighting free radicals that damage them). It also has vitamin B12 (especially helpful for vegans because B12 is more common in animal products), folic acid and choline. Amino acids are also present, along with enzymes, polysaccharides, and other phytonutrients, which gives aloe its incredible properties.
Boosts athletic performance:
The aloe vera barbadensis has the ability to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of our blood due to its polymers. This can also help you recover faster from physical exercise.
Helps reduce constipation:
This super food contains fiber and enzymes, which help with digestion. The outer layer of the aloe vera leaf can act as a laxative – so watch out!
Enhances your immune system:
Aloe vera’s polysaccharide content helps our immune system fight back fungal infections (Candida). It also protects us from bacteria such as, Bordetella pertussis, E. coli strains, Helicobacter pylori, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Normalizes blood sugar and lowers cholesterol:
It has been shown that when taking aloe vera for several months, people have experienced lower blood sugar levels. Aloe Vera also keeps blood cholesterol levels in check, which has a positive effect on the circulatory system.
Can help decrease colitis, gastritis, and other digestive conditions:
The polysaccharides found in the gel can help heal internal wounds and reduce the discomfort of inflammation. Due to its wound healing properties, aloe gel can be very soothing when suffering from digestive ulcers.
Because of its strong cleansing effects on the liver, aloe vera is not recommended for pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers, or children. Before using aloe vera for medicinal purposes (or any supplement extract of the gel), remember to consult a health professional.
So that’s it folks! Hope you learned about the health benefits that can be obtained from this amazing superfood. It was certainly a pleasure to share this with you. If you give aloe a try, or have other suggestions for how to use it, let me know in the comment section below. Also, let’s help aloe get more recognition! Please help spread the word about this amazing plant by sharing it with friends and family using the social links below.
Until next time! In health, Daniela.
Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Sources:
Book: Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
Book: Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M. Hass, MD with Buck Levin, phD, RD.
Book: Superfoods by David Wolfe
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – article 1
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – article 2
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – article 3
