Aloe Vera and Your Stomach: A Healthy Relationship

 Often referred to as a ‘wonder plant,’ Aloe Vera is a short stemmed shrub which only grows through cultivation. While there are some related aloes that naturally occur in North Africa, it cannot be found elsewhere. Originally part of the Liliaceae (Lily) family, Aloe Vera belongs to the same plant family as to that of garlic and onions

 Components of Aloe Vera:

• Vitamins: A, C, E, choline, B1, B2, B3, B6, and folic acid
• Minerals: Calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, selenium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron, and               chromium
• Enzymes
• Amino Acids: All 8 essential amino acids
• Fatty Acids: HCL cholesterol, campesterol, B-sitosterol, linoleic, myristic, linolenic, oleic, caprylic, stearic, and palmitic
• Polsaccharide

Moreover, an Aloe Vera leaf contains a clear gel-like substance composed of approximately 99% water.

In today’s time, the uses for Aloe Vera include the following:

• Food
• Food supplements
• Herbal remedies
• Cosmetics

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

As studies reveal, the plant has been used for centuries producing a gel from its leaves. Considering that it contains more than 200 active components, some of which have been aforementioned, it is easy to understand why the plant has been extensively used for its many health benefits such as:

Stress Reliever

Aloe Vera is considered as an adaptogen, which helps in boosting the natural ability of the body to adapt to external changes and also fight off certain diseases. At the same time, the effect of Aloe Vera to the body is that it helps in balancing the system by stimulating the defense system and the body’s adaptive mechanism. As a result, people get to increase their ability in coping with stress factors: emotional, physical, and environmental.

Better Digestion

Many people disregard the importance of good and proper digestion without realizing that what they are doing can lead to further diseases. In order to keep digestion in proper condition, it is best to be careful of what you are eating and drinking. To help improve your digestion and cleanse your digestive tract, you can take Aloe Vera. Considering it is an adaptogen, it can be a big help to either diarrhea or constipation. At the same time, it gives remedy to problems such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. Because it is also a vermifuge, Aloe Vera can help in getting rid of intestinal worms leading your to a healthy digestive system.

Detoxification 
Like other gelatinous plant foods such as seaweeds and chia, the consumption of Aloe Vera helps absorb toxins in your intestinal tract and flush them through your colon. As a result, you get to properly eliminate waste and toxins from your body; thus detoxifying it in the process.

Healthier Immune System

Sadly, most people do not realize that they are acidic because of the foods they consume. The rule to having great health is to follow the 80/20 rule—80% alkaline foods, 20% acidic. By regularly consuming Aloe Vera, you get to benefit from its alkalizing effects. This helps in balancing out the overly acidic dietary habits that you have grown accustomed to.

Weight Loss

As a secondary effect of regularly consuming Aloe Vera, you get to lose weight through improving and detoxifying your digestive system. These two can be a great way to help you lose weight and in return, give you more energy.

Intake Precautions

While Aloe Vera has been known to have a number of benefits to your digestive system, you have to be careful not to overdo your intake. Considering Aloe Vera is a very potent herb, a doctor’s advice should be sought beforehand so that the right dosage can be prescribed. Long-term use of the herb can lead to diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. Make sure that you only follow what was prescribed by your physician so you can enjoy the benefits of Aloe Vera.