Well known for its many virtues dermatological (soothing, moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, care of burns and sunburn, ...), aloe vera is still very little used in the kitchen. Yet this plant works true miracles!

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Native to South America, this fatty plant is extremely rich in nutrients, which gives it 1001 virtues.

It contains vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, E and PP) mineral salts and oligo-elements (Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, chlorine, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium, manganese, and selenium), but also enzymes, sugars, amino acids (7 of the 8 essential amino acids and 11 of the 14 so-called "secondary" amino acids that our body synthesizes), salicylic acids (against joint pain), lignin, saponins and organic silicon (strengthens cells and artery walls).

All these nutrients make it useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, fighting allergies, cystitis, the inflammatory diseases as arthritis and against the inconveniences of heavy treatments like chemo (nausea, ...). It is also credited with immune boosting and anti-cancer properties due to the presence of large amounts ofantioxidants.

But are strong point is its beneficial action on the digestive system, which it cleanses and sanitizes.

Focus on its action on the digestive system

Aloe vera contains complex polysaccharides that support the body's protective and digestive functions. It helps in the digestion of proteins that cause toxins or fermentations within the intestinal flora.

Its soothing and healing properties make it beneficial for digestive disorders such as acid reflux, ulcers, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

It also plays an important role in the prevention of Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition, it favors good bacteria in the gut and helps to eliminate the bad ones.

Be careful not to heat it up!

Aloe vera is very sensitive to heat, so do not consume it hot or cooked as this will neutralize the action of the enzymes.

Aloe vera can be consumed regularly, even daily. Be careful not to over-consume, however, as too much can cause your electrolytes to drop as well as frequent bowel movements, which could irritate your colon.

Where can I find it?

You can find aloe in organic store or in big box stores in gel or juice form. The difference is in the percentage of aloe. Below 40% aloe, the drink cannot be called a gel. So be sure when shopping to check the aloe concentration of the drink. Also check to see if glucose syrup has been added to break the bitterness of the plant.

The best way to consume it is to make your own aloe juice by buying leaves in an organic store and following the recipe below. It's super simple and delicious!

Recipe: Aloe juice

Ingredients:

• 10cm of aloe vera (its leaves can be found in organic stores)
• Juice of 1/2 organic lemon
• 300ml of spring water

Preparation:

Take the gel from the aloe leaf. The green skin being toxic, it is important to remove it well, with a knife, then to take the gel with a spoon and to rinse it under water.

Place the gel in a blender.

Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and the 300ml of spring water.

Mixer.

Optional: You can add a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (Organic) to tone down the bitter taste of the plant.

You can also add a little ginger or turmeric.

You can also add aloe to your juices, smoothies or salads!

Here are two recipes:

Pineapple, cucumber, apple, orange and aloe vera smoothie (Cleans the colon)

Ingredients (for two glasses):

• A slice of fresh pineapple
• 1/2 organic cucumber (with skin)
• 1 small apple
• 1/2 aloe leaf
• The juice of an orange

Preparation:

Cut up the pineapple and cucumber.

Remove the core from the apple.

Take the pulp from the aloe leaf as in the aloe juice recipe
.

Blend in a blender with a glass of water and the orange juice.

The ideal is to consume this smoothie twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) for seven days.

Mesclun salad, tomatoes, seaweed, aloe vera in mint

Ingredients (For one person):

• 1/2 aloe vera leaf
• 2 tomatoes cut into pieces
• 2 handfuls of mesclun
• A few mint leaves
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Some seaweed

Preparation:

Take the aloe vera gel, cut the gel obtained into cubes and rinse them under water.

Place the mesclun, chopped tomatoes and diced aloe vera on a plate.

Sprinkle with mint leaves, seaweed and lemon juice.