Aloe Vera & Digestive Health

Freshly available high-quality nutrition does not have to be overpriced. Produce bought at a local farm stand has several advantages and saves us food miles. Fewer hands are involved in transportation, and the local farmer does not have to share the profits with the transportation company and the supermarkets. Having a conversation with your local farmer helps you understand the factors involved in his/her farming practices. Giving you a better understanding of the produce and how it is grown. 

Almost all green leafy vegetables carry vast amounts of nutrients, and there are many to choose from. This week, at the farmers market, I was pleasantly surprised to see Aloe Vera plants at Freitas farm stand, and it made me think of all the wonderful benefits this healing plant has traditionally been used as a natural topical first aid relief for skin irritations and sunburns. Beyond its topical usefulness – Aloe Vera is also incredibly beneficial for digestion. Once ingested, it helps the digestive process by carrying enzymes like amylase, which breaks down starches, and lipase, which helps to break down fats from food. Incorporating Aloe Vera juice (always in small quantities) with its high fiber content may assist in staying regular and help maintain our beneficial bacteria, preventing gut dysbiosis.