What You Didn't Know About Aloe Vera

The use of Aloe Vera can be traced back as far as 6,000 years ago. The plant has been found depicted on stone carvings originating from early Egypt where it was known as "the plant of immorality". Some of the many uses of Aloe Vera include:

• topically for various skin conditions and to heal wounds
• orally as a laxative
• treatment of diabetes
• asthma
• epilepsy
• osteoarthritis
• burns
• sunburns
• psoriasis
• moisturizer

Vitamins that can be found in the plant include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12 (important vitamin for vegetarians/vegans)

Enzymes (helps digestion by breaking down fats and sugars)

•  bradykinase-reduces excessive inflamation, thus reducing pain when applied to the    skin topically
• lipases and proteases-assists in digestive breakdown of foods
• some other enzymes can help digest dead tissues in wounds

Essential Minerals

• Calcium
• Sodium Potassium
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Chromium
• The Antioxidant Selenium

        Although the body only needs these minerals in very small quantities, they are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways.

Sugars

    Aloe contains sugars known as mucopolysaccharides. These sugars are derived from the Mucilage layer of the leaf that surrounds the inner gel.

               They enhance the immune system and help detoxify, thus bringing great benefits to one's health.

Saponins

    Saponins are soapy substances, forming about 3% of the Aloe Vera gel. They posses cleaning and antiseptic properties containing antimicrobials that prove powerful against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts.

Fatty Acids

• Cholesterol
• Campesterol
• Sisosterol
• Lupeol

Salicylic Acid

      aspirin like compound that has anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties (salicylic acid can be found in most over the counter acne treatments and washes)

Amino Acids

    Aloe Vera gel contains 20 of the 22 amino acids our body needs.

    In addition, out of the 8 amino acids our body cannot synthesize, Aloe Vera provides 7.

Disclaimer: Each individual considering Alternative medicine should research further information and exercise caution. As always-moderation is key with everything.

                                                                     ~Gabby

                                                                           The Green Project 2013