The health benefits of aloe vera seem overwhelming – it’s known all over the world for its remarkable healing abilities. You’ve probably seen it used in skin care products, especially for sunburn ailments.
The reason why it’s able to heal sunburns so effectively is because the thick gel acts as a protective layer over the skin to help replenish its moisture while nutrients and antioxidant are penetrated through the skin to speed up the healing process. Aloe leaves the skin feeling moisturized without giving it an oily or greasy feel. Aloe vera gel can act as a moisturizer for both men and women for uses prior to makeup application or as a soothing after shave.
Let’s Get Familiar with the Aloe Vera Plant:
This miracle plant may not look special on the outside with its small, prickly and bitter leaves, but let’s take a closer look on what’s going on inside. The two parts of the aloe vera leaf are used for medicinal purposes are: the gel taken from the inner leaf, and the yellow liquid subsistence lying just under the skin of the leaf.
The inner leaf holds most of the nutrients, making it the most desirable part of the plant. When it’s well hydrated, you can remove the entire inner leaf from the harder, smooth outer leaf as a single solid gel that looks like jello.
Beneficial Internal Components of Aloe Vera:
The gooey translucent gel that makes up the inner aloe vera leaf has naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are necessary for good health. In order to understand how just how beneficial aloe vera is, let’s examine exactly what’s inside the clear gel:
Vitamins:
Vitamin A – Helps support a strong immune system and bone growth. It helps fight off viral or bacterial threats to the body.
Vitamin C – A powerhouse vitamin that is believed to protect against cancer and cardiovascular problems. It also supports the immune system and hydrates skin.
Vitamin E – Protects against heart disease while promoting a strong immune system.
B1 Vitamin – Also known as thiamine, B1 plays a big role in digestion and contributes to a healthy nervous and immune system.
B2 Vitamin – Goes by the name riboflavin and works as an antioxidant. B12, like other B vitamins, provides the body with energy by creating fuel from food. It also plays an important role in maintaining a strong nervous system.
B3 Vitamin – Also known as niacin, B3 vitamins are used to treat high cholesterol, migraines and diabetes. It’s also used to cleanse the body of toxins and promote good digestion.
B6 Vitamin – Important to many of the body’s systems, including immune, cardiovascular and digestive. The vitamin is also connected to the serotonin and dopamine process.
B12 Vitamin – Primarily found in animal products, B12 is necessary for healthy blood cells and helps make DNA.
Minerals:
Calcium – Famous for its role in strong bones, calcium is also vital to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Sodium – Often discussed as a negative mineral, sodium is essential to blood pressure, muscles and nerves.
Iron – Makes up blood cells and proteins in the body. It’s necessary for energy.
Magnesium – This mineral has a big job because it’s necessary for hundreds of processes in the body, including blood glucose regulation and keeping the immune system strong.
Potassium – Helps clean cells out, protects blood vessels and is thought to help lower the risk of heart disease.
Copper – Needed for growth and general health. This mineral helps maintain healthy heart function and is thought to help prevent osteoporosis.
Aloe vera is a great rejuvenator aids our biggest transitions in life, from cleansing acne, to cooling menopausal hot flushes and soothing dryness. The Sanskrit name for aloe vera is kumari, and means ‘princess’ which attests to its ability to help you maintain youthful beauty and a healthy glow. Using aloe vera is a great and easy way to supply your body with the nutrients it needs!
