12 Properties of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has positioned itself over the years as an essential ally for health and care thanks to its well-known content of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as multiple vitamins from the B family. Among its composition, B12 stands out, since it is one of the few plants that has this vitamin among its properties.
These components, along with folic acid and choline, crown Aloe vera as a ‘súper plant’. Its properties provide almost infinite benefits that we can take advantage of.
For this reason, at our Aloe Vera farm in Fuerteventura we have analyzed in depth the most powerful benefits of the natural active ingredients of Aloe vera, which many consider a ‘miracle plant’.
1. Benefits of vitamin A in Aloe vera.
Vitamin A is present both in foods of animal origin (retinol) and in those of plant origin (carotene), as is the case with Aloe vera. These benefits may be obtained orally or by direct application to the skin. In fact, this active ingredient is one of cosmetic brands’ favorites to incorporate into the formulations of their products.
Once ingested, vitamin A contributes to the formation of visual purple in the retina, a protein that gives us the ability to see in low light. In addition, it acts in the following ways:
- Maintenance at the cellular level
- Stimulates hair growth
- Helps strengthen nails
- Regeneration of the skin
- Promotes dental enamel care.
2. Aloe vera has a high vitamin C content
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, as demonstrated by the Mayo Clinic. This means that it protects the cells from the effects of free radicals produced by pollution, tobacco smoke, radiation, etc.
Aloe vera has a high content of vitamin C that, together with its antioxidants and anthraquinones, can help reduce blood sugar levels. This vitamin also actively helps prevent pain such as migraines or menstrual pain.
3. Hydration with Aloe vera thanks to vitamin E
Aloe vera has Vitamin E among its main ingredients, another of the most ‘sought after’ by cosmetic brands. Among the following functions it provides you can find:
- It is an antioxidant, and like vitamin C, it also protects body tissue from damage caused by substances called free radicals, which affect skin aging.
- Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells, which is why it helps keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria.
- Cells use vitamin E to interact with each other, as indicated in the medical encyclopedia of Medline Plus.
4. El Aloe contains folic acid
Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is a nutrient that is involved in various body functions such as:
- Maintaining brain health by preventing problems such as depression;
- Participating in the formation of the nervous system of the fetus during pregnancy;
- Strengthening the immune system;
- Preventing anemia, since it stimulates the formation of blood cells;
- Preventing colon cancer, since it avoids alterations in cell DNA;
- Preventing heart disease and stroke, as it reduces homocysteine and maintains the health of blood vessels.
5. Vitamin B12 in Aloe vera: An ally against anemia
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep neurons healthy as well as blood cells. In addition, it contributes to the formation of DNA, the genetic material present in all cells. It also prevents a type of anemia, according to the NIH, known as megaloblastic anemia, which causes tiredness and weakness in people.
6. 6. More than 18 amino acids exist in Aloe vera
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. It is estimated that between 18 and 20 amino acids are found in Aloe vera. But what good are these amino acids for? The website CuídatePlus points out:
- Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins, which are essential for our body.
- They help break down food, grow or repair body tissues
- They are a source of energy
- They allow muscle contraction and maintain the balance of acids and bases in organisms.
7. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera
A recent publication of the digital portal Herbwisdom has collected numerous studies that indicate how Aloe vera acts as a general tonic for the immune system, thus becoming a protective shield against diseases of all kinds.
In fact, according to one study, oral use for six months helped relieve asthma symptoms in almost half of the study participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe said they felt better at the end of the study. The researchers believe that the results could be due to the stimulation of the immune system, thanks to the intake of Aloe, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in the plant.
8. Aloe vera has therapeutic properties
There are numerous therapuetic properties of Aloe vera. A study conducted by the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria noted many of them. However, we want to highlight some that are not as well known, such as:
- Actinomycosis: Aloe has some therapeutic value during the initial stages of this infection that affects the mouth and jaw, caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces.
- Aerophagia (Meteorism or flatulence): Excessive swallowing of accumulated air in the stomach or the fermentation of ingested food cause gas emissions produced by the intestine, which can be reduced by ingesting Aloe, as it has anti-fermentative and digestive properties.
- Mental exhaustion: This psycho-physical disorder can be combated by ingesting Aloe for a period of time.
9. Aloe vera as a ‘Super alimento’
Renowned chefs Quique Dacosta and Rodrigo de la Calle have incorporated Aloe vera into their kitchens as an ingredient in their cuisine. In their culinary offerings we can try Aloe in a different and innovative way. But why add Aloe vera to our diet? Simply to be able to enjoy the benefits of its natural assets from within. (If you want to know more, continue on to this other blog post with the different changes that your body can experience thanks to the consumption of aloe vera)
What’s the easiest way to incorporate it into your diet?In the form of juice, or even in desserts and salads.
10. Aloe vera against oxidative stress
What is oxidative stress? Oxidative stress is the result of an excess of the aforementioned oxygen free radicals in the human body. According to Global Remedation, when there aren’t enough antioxidants to counteract free radicals and increase their number within the cell, it increases oxidative activity inside the cell, producing a structural and functional change in the cell, accelerating its aging and favoring apoptosis or cell death.
The high vitamin content of Aloe vera helps to improve oxygenation, blood circulation and the entire immune system, helping to reduce oxidative stress and improve our defenses.
11. Eliminate toxins with Aloe vera
Cleansing the liver and the digestive system has become a necessity for many people. The accumulation of toxins can contribue to the likelihood of getting sick. However, there are many methods that allow us to release toxins and strengthen our immune system.
The wealth of nutrients in Aloe vera can help improve digestive processes and maintain good health in general. But it should always be included in a healthy lifestyle and in moderate amounts.
12. Natural fertilizer in our Aloe Vera crops in Fuerteventura
So far we have only highlighted the properties and benefits of Aloe vera for people’s health, but… What if we told you that you can use this plant to care for your other plants?
At our Aloe Vera farm in Fuerteventura we take advantage of the gel that is left over from our guided experience workshops by using it as fertilizer for our garden. At home you can create a wonderful fertilizer for your plants from a stalk. Check out YouTube channel en20metros Huerto Urbano to learn how.
We hope that you have enjoyed this complete guide to the properties of Aloe vera. Visit Verdeaurora.com to learn more about our organic Aloe vera crops, and Aloeverio.com to get your pure juice.
Start taking care of yourself with Aloe vera!