We have an aloe plant in our kitchen. It isn’t particularly pretty but being that it can withstand freezing temperatures all the way to 120 degrees, and it’s pretty hard to over water or under-water, it is the perfect plant for beginners to start growing.
Besides being a great introductory houseplant, aloe contains ample amounts of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, E, B, folic acid and choline. Potassium, calcium, selenium, iron and 8 of the essential amino acids are all richly found within this super plant. We probably all know aloe as a summer necessity, but with all of these nutrients, it is no surprise the aloe plant offers many physical and mental health benefits.
Improves Mental Health: Aloe can help regulate appetite and sleep rhythm thanks to the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin. Serotonin supports feelings of relaxation and reduces depression. Recent studies also indicate aloes ability improve memory.
Improves Illnesses: Aloe vera helps diabetic patients lower fasting blood sugar levels. It also improves circulation to our arms and legs, which fights neuropathy. Aloe lowers cholesterol level and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Removes Toxins: The gel component that is found within the leaf flows slowly through your body, absorbing toxins along the way that are later removed from the body. Removing these toxins allows your body to better absorb vitamins and minerals
Fights Inflammation: Aloe is an anti-inflammatory. Topically, this helps ease joint pain and stiffness, and ingested it reduces inflammation throughout the entire body.
Aids In Healthy Digestion: Aloe has great effects on our digestive system. It aids in digestion by triggering the release of the stomach enzyme pepsin. Its anti-inflammatory properties facilitate in healing stomach ulcers, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Skin’s Best Friend: Aloe vera help to heal wounds, burns, scars and even bug bites. It is probably most notable for its ability to soothe sunburned skin, this is because it is an analgesic and antipuritic. This means that aloe can relieve pain and itching.
Moisturizing: Aloe is 99 percent water, which means it works great as a skin moisturizer. It increases elasticity and softens skin, as well improving blood flow to the surface of our skin.
Hair Health: If you are suffering from hair loss or an itchy scalp, aloe vera may be just what you need. Aloe balances the pH of the scalp and removes dead skin cells and bacteria, helping to lock in moisture and promote hair growth and shine.
Aloe can be consumed in capsule form, juice form, or raw. If eaten raw or in a juice, cut the leaf and use the gel. Here is a fair warning, raw aloe gel is very bitter by itself. Adding to water or mixing with other vegetables and fruits in a smoothie or juice can improve the taste significantly!
