Weight loss has seen a long journey. It has made its way from ancient herbs to fad diets of the 21st century. Today, it seems that widely successful methods of weight loss involve organic and plant-based approaches. The medicinal qualities of plants are undeniable, and so their impact on ridding the body of excess toxins and material is logical.
One plant that is said to have a positive effect on weight loss is the Aloe vera plant.
What the Body Needs During Weight Loss
The process of weight loss entails cleansing of the body in a sense and resetting many internal cues. The digestive system of someone who is overweight makes accommodations for the flux of changes that occur with the onset of weight gain.
Changes to the digestive system impact the entire body, which is more susceptible to disease and dysfunction with excess body fat. Being overweight leaves a body vulnerable to uncomfortable digestive systems, water retention, and a decrease in metabolism.
During weight loss that focuses on making diet changes, the digestive system resets. It requires beneficial nutrients to signal the body that it is okay to lose weight. Metabolism will eventually gain back traction when the harmful matter has been expelled from the body, and new habits formed.
Aloe Vera for Weight Loss
The Aloe vera plant is well-known for its benefits. One leaf of Aloe vera has up to 75 active vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, and beneficial acids.
It Spikes Metabolism
It assists in burning fat by boosting metabolism. The fat-burning effect is enabled by the vitamin B that it provides. The body will absorb the vitamin B, which will then convert body fat into energy.
It Works as a Natural Laxative
Natural laxatives are a good way to gently relieve adverse digestive systems, as well as build up in the intestines or colon from harmful foods. The firm part of the leaves contains anthraquinones, which are what give them their laxative effect. Laxatives help with weight loss as they tend to stimulate contractions of the colon or rush fluid through the body, softening the stool.
It Detoxifies the Body and Helps to Reset the Gut
Aloe vera’s detoxifying effect comes with its plentiful portion of antioxidants. While fighting toxins in the body, this also helps to move things along digestion wise. Its sticky consistency, paired with its laxative effect help to cleanse the gut. This is important for kicking bacteria that feeds off of weight loss obstacles like sugar.
It Works Against Water Retention
The moisture and hydrating effect that Aloe vera provides, creates an adequate support for fending off stubborn water weight. These are typically the few pounds shed during weight loss. Water retention can cause uncomfortable swelling in the body. With relief, you’ll feel lighter.
Ways to Consume Aloe
If you’ve got the raw leaf in front of you, one of the easiest ways to consume Aloe vera is to break off a leaf, cut it open, and scoop out the natural gel found within. Blend this gel into a smoothie, acai bowl, oatmeal, and even water. It’s very mild in taste.
Go for a fresh Aloe juice, or even consume it raw. Place it in the fridge to harden slightly, or eat it as-is, as well as cooked or steamed. There are no serious adverse effects to ingesting Aloe vera, though exceeding a daily limit of 8 ounces might be pushing it for its laxative effects.