5 Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera just might be our new favorite plant. This green plant has thick, rigid leaves that shoot upwards and are rimmed with small white teeth. And, in summer, the aloe vera plant blooms into flowers at the top of each leafy spike.

If you’d never seen one before, you might suppose that aloe vera is a refugee of the paleolithic era that shoots poison when provoked. But despite its prickly exterior, aloe vera is a friendly plant. In fact, it’s so friendly, it has some surprising benefits:

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1. It’s alkaline

You may already know that a body with an acidic pH is more prone to diseases, so it’s important to maintain an alkaline pH. That’s where drinking aloe vera juice comes in. Its alkaline effect helps balance your body, and fights inflammation, colds, and a host of other issues. 

2. It helps stop acid reflux

­If you suffer from acid reflux, you know that your options may include chalky, short-lived chewables or prescriptions with side effects. Aloe vera might just be a game-changer for you: it’s been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing acid reflux symptoms.*

3. It helps treat sunburns.

If you’ve never had a sunburn, congrats—you probably have a great tan. For the rest of us, sunburns can be an uncomfortable reality, and they can wreck a vacation. Aloe vera is one of the few options for effectively treating sunburns. It feels divine on burned skin and has important vitamins like B, C, and E that helps skin repair itself.  

4. It’s a natural beauty hack­­­

If you’re feeling brave, took a look at the ingredients in your makeup primer and remover. Chances are, they’re not what you want to be putting on your face. Aloe vera, on the other hand, can be used for a makeup primer, remover, moisturizer, and skin soother. And it’s way cheaper than nearly all beauty products. 

5. It has tons of vitamins

Aloe vera contains 75 active ingredients which means everything from vitamins and minerals to amino acids. That means drinking aloe vera might be a great alternative to taking a daily vitamin or just use it as an additional supplement.  

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Aloe vera is an overlooked wonder plant. It’s wise to keep a bottle of it in your home for emergency minor burns, and it’s also a good idea to start incorporating it into your diet for an extra boost of vitamins. Or, if you just like the look of it, keep this friendly little plant in your home.

*Always consult your doctor before taking supplements or over-the-counter medication.

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