Aloe vera is one of the most well-known medicinal herbs on the planet. Since its discovery some 6,000 years ago, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments.
In ancient times, people called aloe vera the “plant of immortality” because of its medicinal benefits. Legend has it that Alexander the Great sent an army from Greece to an island off the coast of modern-day Somalia just to find aloe vera.
Today, aloe vera is commonly used in a wide variety of products – from cosmetics for rejuvenating the skin, to supplements for supporting optimal health.
Below are some of the benefits you can get if you consume aloe vera regularly.*
Health benefits of consuming aloe vera
- It provides various nutrients*
Aloe vera is known to contain essential vitamins and minerals. In particular, it contains high amounts of vitamin C -- about 9.1 grams (g) for every 1 cup of aloe vera juice.
Aside from vitamin C, aloe vera also contains other vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid and choline. In addition, it contains minerals like calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc.
- It supports a healthy digestive system*
Aloe vera contains a unique polysaccharide called acemannan. This carbohydrate provides a number of health benefits, including supporting healthy digestive function. [1]
- It supports healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range*
When consumed as part of a proper diet, aloe vera can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.
One particular study showed that it only takes as little as two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day for maintaining already normal blood sugar levels. Numerous studies have supported this finding. [2][3]
- It helps keep you hydrated*
Aloe vera is water-dense and drinking its juice is a great way to remain hydrated. Keeping hydrated is more than just slaking thirst; it’s also necessary for many important processes in the body.
Staying hydrated helps the organs, such as the kidneys and the liver, function optimally. These organs play important roles in supporting optimal health.
- It supports regular bowel movements*
Aloe vera has been used throughout history to support regular bowel movements. This application is still common today and is due to the plant’s mild laxative properties.
- It supports the body’s natural ability to detoxify*
As mentioned above, aloe vera supports healthy kidney and liver function. These organs play an important role in the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Research shows that aloe vera is a prebiotic that nourishes the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria also play an important role in the body’s natural detoxification processes. [4]
- It helps alkalize your body*
When your body’s pH is acidic, it becomes a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive in. A good way to counter this is to consume alkaline foods, such as aloe vera.
Studies show that a shift to an alkaline environment caused by the increased consumption of alkaline foods is stressful to certain external threats. [5]
- It supports healthy, glowing skin*
While aloe vera’s benefits for the skin are often associated with its use as a cosmetic ingredient, consuming the herb can also provide benefits for the skin.
Aloe vera is full of antioxidants and vitamins that can help nourish the skin. Antioxidants, for instance, have been shown to help neutralize free radicals that cause damaging oxidative stress. [6]
- It supports a healthy libido*
Apart from its many health benefits, aloe vera has also been gaining traction as support for a healthy libido. [7]
- It supports healthy teeth and gums*
Aloe vera has beneficial properties that support healthy teeth and gums. In a study involving 300 healthy people, researchers found that 100% pure aloe vera juice works just as well as standard mouthwashes. This was supported by other studies that showed the benefits of using aloe vera juice as a mouth rinse. [8][9]
Where to get organic aloe vera
Due to the herb’s popularity, a wide range of aloe vera products are available on the market. The problem, however, is that most of them are loaded with toxic chemical preservatives and fillers that are not good for your health.
If you’re looking for a safe, organic source of aloe vera, look no further than Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze Dried Aloe Vera 200:1 Extract Powder. This product is made with 100% pure aloe vera and contains no additives, fillers and preservatives.
Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze Dried Aloe Vera 200:1 Extract Powder is made from the innermost part of the aloe vera leaf. It’s 200x more concentrated than raw aloe alone, meaning that every gram of freeze-dried aloe vera powder is equivalent to 200 g of raw inner leaf gel.
Besides antioxidants, Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze Dried Aloe Vera 200:1 Extract Powder provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients. Its concentrated nature means that you can make healthy beverages like aloe water or aloe juice with just a small amount of freeze-dried aloe vera powder. Just add ¼ teaspoon to a glass of water or fruit juice of your choice to experience the many benefits of aloe vera.
Make your own aloe vera smoothie
For a delicious and healthful drink, try out this simple strawberry and banana aloe vera smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze Dried Aloe Vera 200:1 Extract Powder
- 5 organic strawberries
- 1 organic banana
- 1 cup organic almond milk
- 1/2 cup ice
Preparation:
- Take all the ingredients and blend them together in a blender.
- Pour in a glass and enjoy.
Aloe vera truly lives up to its reputation as an amazing medicinal herb. More than just a cosmetics ingredient, this herb can provide numerous health benefits when consumed regularly.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25233608/
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23195077
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=11268118
[4] http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04100
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3072713/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928335/
[7] https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-017-1866-1
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006208/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24603910/