© Shutterstock

Health benefits of aloe vera -

Aloe vera is a plant species with several medicinal and nutritional uses.

© Shutterstock

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties -

Aloe vera contains various potent antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. A number of these compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

© Shutterstock

Smoothie time - Whip up a fruit smoothie mixed with aloe vera for a rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Your liver will be grateful, as aloe vera carries many of the trace elements your body needs to purify itself and function smoothly.

© Shutterstock

Heartburn relief - A study suggests that consuming a small quantity of aloe vera at mealtime could reduce the severity of heartburn associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

© iStock

Enhancing insulin sensitivity - Aloe vera pulp is also said to enhance insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed: those with diabetes who take glucose-lowering medications should adopt caution when consuming aloe vera.

© Shutterstock

Lowering blood sugar levels - Evidence suggests that aloe vera may help in the management of blood sugar levels. A study indicated that ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day can cause blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes.

© Shutterstock

Skin care - Topical aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin. The plant's antioxidants help to combat free radicals that age the skin, and the gel even contains natural hormones that encourage the growth of new cells and collagen production.

© Shutterstock

Irritated scalp - Aloe vera can be successfully used in the treatment of seborreheic dermatitis, a chronic form of eczema.

© Shutterstock

Moisturizer and pain reliever - You can use aloe vera to help keep your skin clear and hydrated. The plant's leaves store water and special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates. Combined, they make a super effective face moisturizer and pain reliever.

© Shutterstock

Aloe vera juice - A glass of aloe vera juice is a great way to start the day. In addition to helping get your organs back on track, aloe vera juice has mental health benefits too.

© Shutterstock

Aloe vera oil - Aloe vera oil is made by soaking aloe vera leaves in a carrier oil, which extracts many of the active ingredients and nutrients. This type of oil has been used for cultural and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

© Shutterstock

Helps treat mouth ulcers - Aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers, or canker sores.

© Shutterstock

Assists in the healing of burns - Aloe vera has long been recognized as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns.

© Shutterstock

Reduces constipation - The plant is considered a natural laxative, and can be used to relieve constipation. However, it should be used sparingly and only after consulting a doctor.

© Shutterstock

An alternative to mouthwash - Aloe vera extract is a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. It reduces dental plaque and can also provide relief if you have bleeding or swollen gums.

© iStock

Aloe vera gel - Did you know that aloe vera gel is used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts?

© Shutterstock

Keeping produce fresh - Here’s a little-known fact. Aloe vera can extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Scientific evidence suggests that coating fresh fruits and vegetables with aloe gel can block the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby eliminating the need for dangerous chemicals that would otherwise be used as preservatives.

© Shutterstock

Arabian origins - An evergreen perennial, aloe vera originates from the Arabian Peninsula.

© Shutterstock

Ebers Papyrus - An ancient superfood, early records of aloe vera use appear in the Ebers Papyrus, dating back to 1550 BCE.

© Public Domain

Acta Eruditorum - The plant is described in detail in the Acta Eruditorum, the first scientific journal of the German-speaking lands of Europe, published from 1682 to 1782. Pictured is an illustration of the plant from a 1688 edition of the journal.

© Public Domain

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) - Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus first described aloe vera in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera.

© Public Domain

Royal recognition - The plant is widely popular with gardeners, and as such the species has gained the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

© Public Domain

The aloe vera bloom - The aloe vera plant flowers at certain times of year. Generally however, the blooms emerge in early spring and can last through the summer. Pictured is the aloe ferox plant.

© Shutterstock

Murcia, Spain - Southern Spain, especially in the region of Murcia, is the only place in mainland Europe where the plant has been naturalized. However, it is also found in the Canary Islands and Portugal’s Madeira islands.

© Shutterstock

Physical appearance - A stemless plant, aloe vera is identified by its thick, fleshy leaves. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth.

© Shutterstock

Decorative appeal - The plant species is used widely for decorative purposes.

© Shutterstock

Ideal pot plant - Aloe vera grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. To keep it green and healthy, place it in a sunny spot. Water it when the top two inches of soil are dry, or about once a week.

© Shutterstock

Celebrity endorsements - Several high-profile celebrities use aloe vera as part of their health and beauty routine. Nicki Minaj is quoted as saying "…I’ve been drinking Aloe Vera water – it doesn’t taste nice, but it works!"

© Getty Images

Spa concepts - Signature treatments using natural and organic aloe vera are commonplace in many spas, where the hydrating and nourishing powers of the plant are used on all skin types.

© Shutterstock

Aloe vera products -

Various aloe vera products are available to purchase in health food shops and online. These include gel, juice, supplements, oil, and powder. Look for aloe vera that’s 95% pure (100% pure is the plant itself).

See also: Supercharge your health with these nutrient-dense foods. 

© iStock