Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, the wonder plant, is a shrub grown in hot climates. Containing over 500 species of plants, it can mainly be found in North Africa and the Canary Islands. The leaves of an aloe vera plan are filled with a gel like substance to keep the plants from drying out in hot climates, but are often used for their benefits within cosmetics, cleansers and sun creams.
The earliest record of a human use for aloe vera comes from Egyptian medical records, being used therapeutically for many centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece and Japan. The medicinal claims for aloe vera are endless, with some being backed by scientific studies, and some not.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Hydration
The aloe plant in very water dense, so it is an ideal way to prevent or treat dehydration. Staying hydrated helps the body detox by providing a way for you to flush out impurities, while providing required nutrients. Recovering from exercise also requires hydration through the intake of extra fluids, with your body requiring more fluids to flush out the lactic acid build up from exercising.
Liver Function
When it comes to detoxifying, aloe vera is a great way to keep the liver healthy. The liver functions best when the body is adequately nourished and hydrated. Aloe vera is fantastic as aiding this process, as it is hydrating and rich in phytonutrients.
Clearer Skin
Hydrating aloe vera can help support the frequency of spots on the face and neck. Aloe vera is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, that work to help protect the skin. The important compounds within aloe vera have also shown to neutralise the effects of ultraviolet radiation, repair your skin from existing UV damage and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Aloe vera also contains small amounts of calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese & zinc. Aloe vera is also one of the only plant sources to contain source of B12 also, which is beneficial for vegans and vegetarians.