The Wonder Plant: Top 5 benefits of Aloe Vera

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The Egyptians have referred to Aloe Vera as the “plant of immortality” for over 6,000 years and to others the household shrub is known as the “Wonder Plant.”  Regardless of the name, one thing is for sure – Aloe Vera is an incredible plant with both internal and external uses.

Aloe Vera belongs to the lily family (Liliaceae) – the same one as garlic and onions.  Edible, many have found great benefit from juicing the inner gel of the aloe plant.  With more than 200 active components including vitamins, minerals and amino acids – the range of remedies continue to grow as researches develop more uses for the miraculous Wonder Plant.

Here are top 5 benefits of Aloe Vera:

1.  Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals

Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12.  Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

2. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen

Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body.

3. Aloe Helps in Detoxification

Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.

4. Aloe Vera is Great for Sunburns, Cuts and Insect Bites

Because of aloe is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It’s feels especially good to cut a stem of aloe, place it in the fridge and rub it on sun burnt skin.  Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe Vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.

5. Aloe Vera Reduces Wrinkles

Due to aloe’s high water content (over 99% water) it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.  Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. Aloe is an emollient, helping to soften and soothe the skin. It helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength and synthesis of skin tissue and induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.

SOURCES

http://www.aloelf.com/wp-content/uploads/aloe-vera/aloebook.pdf

http://www.naturalnews.com/002697.html

 

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