Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for centuries for their health benefits. Egyptians called it the plant of immortality for a reason. Aloe vera comes with a wide array of amazing healing properties some of which you may already be aware.

Aloe vera contains over 200 biologically active and naturally occurring compounds which include vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides and minerals that stimulate nutrient absorption.

Studies are showing that aloe vera possesses anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that assist the immune system in cleansing the body of toxins and invading pathogens.

Vitamins

Aloe vera is especially beneficial for vegans, since aloe vera is rich in vitamin B12, a vitamin that they cannot consume in high quantities in their diet. Aloe vera is also a rich source of vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid and choline.

Minerals

Aloe vera contains high levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, sodium and copper. These minerals combined together can boost metabolic pathways.

Enzymes

Aloe Vera contains important enzymes like amylase and lipase which can aid in digestion by breaking down fat and sugar molecules. One molecule in particular, Bradykinase, helps to reduce inflammation.

Amino Acids

Aloe vera contains around 20 essential amino acids that are required by the human body to function properly. It also contains salicylic acid, which can help you fight off inflammations.

Other uses for Aloe Vera

Aside from being an excellent body cleanser by helping you flush out toxic matter from the kidneys, stomach, spleen, liver, bladder and colon, aloe vera can also offer effective relief from more immediate ailments, such as indigestion, upset stomach, ulcers, and inflammation in the gut. It also strengthens the digestive tract and alleviates joint inflammation, making it a great option for people that suffer from arthritis.

One study found that aloe vera juice is very effective at removing plaque from your teeth. This is a much better alternative because it is all-natural, unlike the typical chemical-laden options found in stores.

Aloe vera gel can also help the healing process with mouth ulcers, which are more commonly known as canker sores.

How To Take Aloe?

Aloe can be consumed straight from the plant, but the easiest and most palatable option is probably aloe juice, which you can find in most health food stores. Aloe Vera leaves can be found in common grocery stores, or you can harvest them from your own plant.

You can buy the juice and add it to your juices and smoothies or just drink it straight up. Make sure you are buying pure aloe juice/gel which is either of the whole leaf or just the inner filet. It does have a bitter taste and you might want to include other things to dilute it. On the package, you can usually find specific dosing instructions, but it would be wise to talk to the subject of matter expert or do some research into the matter to find the proper instructions on dosing.