Fresh Aloe Vera Leaf Benefits

You've probably walked by them in the produce aisle at the grocery store and never even realized they were there. They deserve a spotlight for all of the many wonderful reasons why you should buy one each week. 

These aloe vera leaves are so versatile - you can use them both internally and externally for a number of benefits. Below are the hows and whys for when I use them in my daily routine.

How

• When using it to eat you only want to use the inside flesh of the plant. Your first cut the spikes off the sides, and then filet it like a fish to get a nice chunk of the inside. You only need about an inch tall of the plant when using.
• Don't throw away the outer part as that has amazing benefits to rub on your skin! You'll usually have enough of the gooey inside on the leaves after you filet the flesh out. 
• The leaves themselves are pretty big and awkward to fit in the refrigerator. Once I get mine from the store, I cut it in a few pieces and store it in a baggie or container in the fridge.

Why

• If I have had a long day in the sun or working out and want to help replenish and hydrate my body, I take about an inch of the flesh and put it in a blender with coconut water (or regular water - but just be warned the smell can be kind of gross). It makes for a frothy, refreshing aloe water.
• I put an inch of the flesh in my smoothies to help aid in digestion - helping to keep me more regular when I am having problems such as staying regular :)
• I use the leaves to rub the ooey-gooey-goodness for skin support, especially with sunburn or my dry eczema. 

Here is a great video on how to prepare the leaf and a little more information.