Aloe
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Origin: Thailand
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light and heat sources.
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Compared to fresh fruit, dehydrated fruit loses water and concentrates fiber, sugars and minerals, thus becoming a nutritious, satiating and not excessively caloric snack. The dehydrated powder of Aloe Vera represents the highest concentration of nutrients present in the plant.
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Aloe has been known since ancient times. For Cleopatra , aloe vera was the element of the daily beauty program. Aloe has a dermoprotective, moisturizing and emollient action.
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Thanks to its many properties, this plant was also known and used by Alexander the Great, who, during his military campaigns, used aloe as a first aid medicine during his fights.
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The American Indians , on the other hand, considered aloe as one of the 16 most sacred plants for man.
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The Aloe plant grows naturally in East Africa and the Mediterranean region, Egypt and Greece. Its soils are dry and calcareous, but Aloe can also be grown in our gardens, balconies and terraces.
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Its name means \"Bitter\" and can derive from the Hebrew \"Allal\" or from the Arabic \"Alloeh\", in reference to the juice that is extracted from its leaves. The aloe plant is in fact made up of thick leaves, in the center of which the flower develops. The transparent gel is circumscribed in the central part and represents a nutrient to be taken orally or topically. Aloe vera juice is also appreciated for its antioxidant, disinfectant and healing effects.
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This plant therefore has a myriad of beneficial properties: excellent for cosmetics, purifies the body of toxins and helps prevent various diseases.
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Among its essential nutrients , we mention: vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the few plants in the world to contain vitamin B12), C, E, folic acid and niacin. Minerals: calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, chromium and 19 essential amino acids, providing excellent support to overall health.
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For the presence of antioxidants, aloe is recognized in the scientific community for its excellent ability to counteract the oxidation process of premature aging of our cells.
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Recall the main benefits of the Aloe plant:
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- • Antioxidant properties;\n
- • Detoxifying properties;\n
- • Gastroprotective properties;\n
- • Anti-inflammatory properties.\n
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The gel that regenerates the skin
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Aloe vera gel, enclosed in the leaves of this plant, has a regenerating effect on the tissues. Topical use of aloe vera gel is especially effective in the following cases:
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- Inflammation and dermatitis: aloe has a powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. The gel of this plant is also suitable in the case of bacterial dermatitis due to its antibacterial properties.
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- Excoriations and wounds: aloe vera stimulates and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissue cells, thus favoring their healing.
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- Sunburn and mild burns: the soothing and refreshing effect of aloe vera relieves sunburn and stimulates skin renewal.
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Dehydrated Aloe in the kitchen
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Dehydrated aloe is a particular type of dried fruit, ideal as a snack. Aloe vera leaves are peeled, boiled, white and dehydrated through a strong jet of hot air. All the great therapeutic virtues of aloe are concentrated in these delicious slices, which can also be used to accompany and make natural yogurt tastier. One of the simplest methods to use dried or dehydrated aloe is to prepare a delicious and refreshed salad, especially on hot summer days.
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Highly recommended and easy to prepare is the aloe-based smoothie, for the preparation you need dehydrated aloe, white melon, an apple and cinnamon. All ingredients must be mixed with the addition of an ice cube, once ready, it must be poured into glasses and served with licorice sticks.
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Aloe Vera can be taken by our body in two ways: in the form of a gel or cream, for external use, and in the form of juice, for internal use. Each of these two solutions has different characteristics and brings different benefits and advantages depending on how it is used.
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Contraindications
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Here are some cases where it is not recommended to take Aloe vera:
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- - Pregnancy and lactation;\n
- - Menstruation;\n
- - Ulcerative colitis;\n
- - Abdominal pain;\n
- - Children under 12 years of age. \n
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