Benefits of Aloe Vera and its properties

Conscious TV

September 29, 2020

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains more than 200 active substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides and fatty acids, so it is not surprising that it is involved in the healing of numerous diseases. The inside of the aloe vera leaf contains a clear gelatinous substance composed of 99% water. The therapeutic uses of aloe vera have been known to mankind for more than 5,000 years. That's quite a formidable track record, isn't it?

The list of benefits and effects of this miracle plant is extensive. Here are the top 12 benefits of aloe vera (including some medicinal uses):

Aloe vera contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins such as A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin) and B6. It is one of the few plants containing vitamin B12. Some of the 20 minerals contained in aloe vera are: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese.

Aloe vera contains numerous amino acids and fatty acids.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are about 22 amino acids necessary for the body and eight of them are essential. Aloe vera contains 18-20 amino acids, among which are the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains a wide range of fatty acids, three sterols which are important fatty acids, HDL cholesterol (which lowers blood fat concentration), campesterol and B-sitosterol. All these substances are useful in reducing allergy symptoms and heartburn. Other fatty acids it contains are linoleic, linolenic, myristoleic, caprylic, oleic, palmitoleic and stearic.

Aloe vera is an adaptogen

Aloe vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is a substance that enhances the body's natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist disease. The adaptogenic capacity of aloe vera is believed to balance the body's systems and stimulate the body's defense and adaptive mechanisms. This provides an enhanced ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress, such as pollution).

A well-functioning digestive tract is one of the keys to health. Aloe vera is known to cleanse and soothe the digestive tract and help improve digestion. The most interesting thing about the internal use of aloe is that, since it is adaptogenic, it relieves both constipation and diarrhea, helping to regulate elimination cycles according to the body's needs. It is an excellent remedy for people with irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux. Aloe vera also helps to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the intestinal flora by maintaining the balance of bacteria in the intestinal flora. It also has vermifuge properties, so it helps in the elimination of intestinal parasites.

Aloe vera helps in detoxification

Aloe vera is a gelatinous substance, like seaweed and chia seeds. The main benefit of consuming gelatinous foods is that these gels move through the digestive tract absorbing toxins along the way and are eliminated through the colon. This contributes to the proper elimination of waste substances from the body and helps eliminate toxins.

Aloe vera alkalinizes the body

In an alkaline environment diseases do not proliferate. Most people consume mainly acidifying foods. To maintain good health, remember the 80/20 rule: 80% alkalizing foods and 20% acidifying foods. Aloe vera is an alkalizing substance. It alkalizes the body, helping to counteract the effects of highly acidifying diets.

Cardiovascular health

Not many studies have been conducted on the effects of aloe vera on cardiovascular health, but some research shows that aloe vera extract injected into the blood enhances the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen to the cells. According to a study published in 2000 in the British Medical Journal, beta sterols help lower cholesterol. By regulating blood pressure, improving blood circulation and oxidation, lowering cholesterol and thinning the blood, aloe vera may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Given the stresses we endure in everyday life, it would do anyone a lot of good to boost their immune system. The polysaccharides in aloe vera stimulate the production of macrophages, which are the immune system cells that fight viruses. Aloe vera also boosts immune system function thanks to its antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, unstable molecules that accelerate aging. (Free radicals are generated by metabolism, so they occur naturally, but we can avoid excess free radicals by living a healthy lifestyle). Aloe is also antipyretic, so it can be used to reduce or prevent fever.

Aloe vera boosts the immune system

Aloe vera is one of the main compounds used by the cosmetic industry for its well-known skin care properties. It is also healing (helps to heal wounds) and is an excellent remedy to apply on burns, chafing, psoriasis and even insect bites. Aloe vera is analgesic and helps relieve the pain of wounds. It is especially soothing to cut a stalk of aloe, store it in the refrigerator and rub it on sunburned skin. You feel an immediate soothing effect and great relief. Aloe is also antipruritic: a substance that relieves or prevents itching.

Aloe vera is astringent, so it causes tissue contraction and is often used to reduce bleeding in small grazes. Due to its high water content (over 99%) it is a great substance to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. There is a maxim that says: "Do not put anything on your skin that you are not able to eat". Aloe increases skin elasticity making it more supple by repairing collagen and elastin. It is also emollient, so it helps soften and soothe the skin. It also increases the oxygen supply to the skin cells, increasing the strength of the epidermal tissues and improving blood circulation in the skin by dilating the capillaries.

Aloe vera is disinfectant, antibiotic, antimicrobial, germicidal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral.

Sounds like an anti-everything remedy, doesn't it? Okay, I have to admit that this was a somewhat artful way of adding another 8 good reasons why you should always have aloe vera on hand, and incorporate it into your healthy lifestyle. The active ingredients in aloe vera prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and fight microbes thus eliminating numerous internal and external infections. It is also effective against bacteria and helps treat fungal and viral infections.

Aloe vera helps to reduce inflammation

Aloe contains 12 substances including beta-sitosterol, which can help decrease or inhibit inflammation. This can be a relief for painful joints due to stiffness and helps improve your flexibility.

Weight loss as a side effect

Improved digestion and detoxification of the body will stimulate, as a side effect, weight loss, because when you begin to improve digestion the elimination function through the intestines becomes more efficient, this being the main form of detoxification. This will decrease the toxic load of the body and provide you with more energy.