Aloe vera has earned the nickname of the plant of immortality due to its medicinal benefits, and today it is commonly used in a wide range of products from cosmetics and skin rejuvenation to wound healing and supplements to help support optimal health.
When you consume aloe vera it helps to provide some of the essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, E, B12, C, folic acid, choline, calcium, copper, chromium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium sodium, and zinc.
In addition to the impressive list of vitamins and minerals, this succulent plant also contains a unique polysaccharide called acemannan which is a carbohydrate that can provide a number of health benefits which includes supporting healthy digestive function. Aloe vera is even getting some traction as being helpful in supporting a healthy libido.
As part of a healthy balanced diet, aloe vera can help to maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range; one study showed that 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day helped to maintain already normal blood sugar levels, which is supported by numerous other studies.
Drinking aloe vera juice is a great way to stay hydrated as it is water-dense which will help with the many important processes in the body. When we stay hydrated this helps to ensure that organs such as the kidneys and liver can function properly which is key to supporting optimal health. Aloe vera juice may also help reduce the frequency and appearance of acne.
One of the more common benefits of drinking aloe vera juice is to support regular bowel movements which can be attributed to its mild laxative properties. Healthy bowel movements will empty the colon often enough to not feel bloated or in pain or straining when it comes time to void waste from the body.
Aloe vera is a prebiotic that nourishes the good bacteria residing in the gut which also supports healthy liver and kidney functions, and these organs play important roles in the body’s natural detoxification process.
Aloe vera also helps to alkalize the body, when the body’s pH is acidic it becomes more hospitable for bacteria to thrive, to counter this it helps to consume alkaline foods as studies show that a shift to an alkaline environment is stressful to certain external threats.
Studies have shown that antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals that cause damaging oxidative stress. Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that will help to nourish the skin making it a worthy addition to an anti-ageing skincare regime.
Aloe vera has properties that also support healthy teeth and gums as studies have shown that drinking 100% pure aloe vera juice works just as well as standard mouthwashes, these findings are also supported by those showing the benefits of using aloe vera juice as a mouth rinse.
Due to its popularity, there is a wide range of aloe vera products available on the market making it important to read the ingredient label to check for added fillers and chemical preservatives that may not be good for health. Some experts suggest looking for 100% pure and organic aloe vera products that will not contain any additive, fillers or preservatives. Also, make sure that it has been purified and safety tested.
It is important to note that aloe vera juice has been shown to interact with certain medications, making it important to consult with your physician or certified medical professional before adding it to your diet to avoid any complications, such as those with sevoflurane or substrates of Cytochrome P450 3A4 and CYP2D6.
