subject: How Can I Benefit from Using Aloe Vera? [print this page] While Aloe looks like a cactus with its thorny-edged leaves, it is actually a succulent member of the lily family. There are several hundred species, but Aloe Barbadensis Miller, commonly known as Aloe Vera, has the highest nutritional and therapeutic value.
Throughout History, Aloe has been used by people from almoste every culture. The aloe plant originally came from Africa. References to its cleansing and healing properties are found in artifacts of the Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and the revered plant is mentioned in both the Old and Testaments. It has been used in both Eastern and Western civilizations and hailed by such adventurers as Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus.
Aloe is a natural product, intrinsically rich in many nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients. The long green fleshy leaves contain a gel which has been used to restore and revitalize. Aloe's broad range of healthful characteristics can enhance your vitality and help you look and feel more vibrant.
The benefits of using aloe have been repeatedly substantiated by modern science. The cosmetic and therapeutic effects of Aloe Vera have been examined in more than 400 scientific studies. A wide range of internal and external therapeutic and beneficial results have been documented. Studies have shown aloe to be effective in relieving heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome; improving blood glucose; decreasing blood lipids; treatment of ulcerative colitis; wound treatment; healing of first and second degree burns; treating herpes and psoriasis.
Aloe Vera plays an important part in nourishing you both inside and out. Most people know of it's medicinal value when it comes to minor cuts, burns and skin irritations. But the benefits extend much further. Aloe can effectively nourish and revitalize the skin, heal wounds, relieve muscle pain, facilitate good oral care, support the immune system, encourage good digestion, increase energy, and promote weight loss.
Here are some ways you can include aloe products in your daily routine in order to enjoy their many benefits.
Use Aloe Lotions & Potions for Beautiful Skin
Aloe Vera penetrates the skin and nourishes it for cell growth and reproduction. Aloe's nutrients stimulate collagen and elastin repair, so drinking the juice and using skin care products will give your skin a rich buffet of restorative building blocks for renewal and healing. You will feel and look healthier!
Use Aloe Gel and Creams to Soothe Aches and Pains
Aloe contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that not only soothe minor skin irritations, but also relieve muscle pain and discomfort.
Use Aloe Toothpaste to Maintain Good Oral Health
Bacteria from poor oral hygeine have been implicated in peridontal disease, tooth decay and oral infection. Aloe contains phytonutrients called saponins and glycosides, which have both cleansing and antiseptic attributes. The anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and analgesic properties of aloe are effective for oral hygiene. In a 2007 study which compared the antimicrobial effectiveness of Forever Bright aloe tooth gel with 2 popular commercial brands found that the aloe toothpaste was just as effective or better at controlling growth of a number of organisms typically found growing in our oral cavity, such as Candida Albicans. The aloe toothpaste was particularly effective against Streptococcus Mutans, which has been implicated in the initiation of dental cavities.
Most of the antibacterial effects of commercially prepared toothpaste are due to fluoride content. An added benefit of aloe toothgel is that it demonstrated an equal or better effect without flouride. We all want a bright smile and fresh breath. Aloe tooth gel is a great way to have a sparkling fresh mouth and good dental health, without harsh additives. And it tastes great, too!
Drink Aloe to:
Support Your Immune System
Aloe juice is packed with Vitamins A, B complex, C and E, as well as minerals calcium, iron, potassium, zinc copper and magnesium. It also contains 19 different amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (essential meaning your body cannot make them and must get them from food.) All these nutrients give your body what it needs to function well and have a strong immune system. In addition, galactomannans from stabilized aloe gel promote cell to cell communication and help balance immune response.
Support Good Digestion
Aloe Vera encourages efficient bowel function. It promotes beneficial flora and discourages growthof detrimental organisms. In this way, drinking Aloe juice or gel encourages healthy digestive function. Phytonutrients called glycoproteins and polymannans help to reduce GI inflammation, ease digestion and promote healthy gut tissues, allowing you to absorb nutrients better.
Increase Your Energy
Drinking aloe juice regularly helps your body clean and detoxify the digestive tract. This allows your body to better absorb nutrients. All of which means your body is not bogged down with undigested food that leads to lethargy and fatigue. Your energy levels increase with just a few weeks of regular use!
Promote Weight Loss
Byabsorbing more nutrients, you will be more satisfied at meals, and experience reduced cravings. The combination of better absorption, detoxification and increased energy will support you in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight!
Because aloe gel oxidizes and loses it's potency with exposure to sunlight for more than 2 hours, it must be pharmaceutically stabilized.
