Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 07:08 am
Do you ever think about how plants help us to provide several health benefits and play a vital role in our development and how we depend on them? Today, we would focus on our main topic Aloe vera and discuss its potential benefits. Aloe vera plant contains several compounds that are good for our gut health. It has been used for thousands of years in many countries to treat skin diseases and improve digestion, sunburn, and cuts, especially for wound healing. Aloe vera has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote our health.
What is Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera, a succulent plant with numerous medicinal properties and benefits, has been used for centuries across various cultures. The gel stored in the leaves of Aloe vera contains 75 different nutrients, including a variety of organic and inorganic compounds, amino acids, and vitamins such as A, B, C, and E. This nutrient-rich gel is approximately 96% water, making it an excellent hydrating substance that can be used as a moisturizer. The prickly leaves of Aloe vera protect it from animals and insects such as spider mites, gall mites, snout beetles, and sooty mold. The active element found in Aloe vera, Acemannan, is a complex carbohydrate that has many health benefits which include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral benefits. Aloe vera has healing properties and is particularly beneficial for skin health. The name Aloe vera comes from the Arabic word “Alloeh,” meaning “shining bitter substance,” and the Latin word “vera,” meaning “true.” Evidence of the use of Aloe vera dates back over 2000 years, and the ancient Egyptians referred to it as “the plant of immortality.”
In addition to Acemannan, Aloe vera contains:
- Vitamins: A, C, E, B12, folic acid, and choline
- Minerals: sodium, zinc, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, and chromium
- Sugars: glucose and fructose (monosaccharides) and glucomannans or polymannose (polysaccharides)
- Enzymes: alkaline, bradykinase, phosphatase, amylase, carboxypeptidase, aliiase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase
- Plant steroids: Cholesterol, campesterol, lupeol, and β-sitosterol
- Hormones: gibberellins and auxins.
Potential benefits of Aloe vera:
Skin and Hair Health:
Aloe vera is available as a supplement, which can moisturise the skin and prevent various skin-related issues. It is good for dry and sensitive skin. A combination of turmeric and aloe vera can be used for skin care, also a mixture of honey, aloe vera gel, and walnuts can be used as an effective acne treatment. Aloe vera can also help with sunburn, stretch marks, and tanning removal. Additionally, it promotes cell formation and has an anti-aging effect, as it can block ultraviolet radiation(UV), along with that aloe gel contain antioxidants that reduce and prevent skin degradation, and reduce the chances of photoaging.
Weight Loss and Diabetes:
Research suggests that applying aloe vera gel powder to rats can reduce their body weight and body fat percentage compared to those rats to which aloe gel was not applied. Aloe gel and products made from aloe vera may also reduce body fat mass and work to increase insulin sensitivity in some diabetes patients. Aloe vera supplements can aid in diabetes management, as they decrease triglyceride levels, which can cause heart problems.
Aloe Vera Juice For Gastrointestinal Health:
Aloe vera juice can improve digestion and lower constipation problems if taken daily. It may be used in the treatment of digestive diseases such as GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Aloe juice can soothe the stomach and treat diarrhea associated with IBS.
Wound Healing and Blood Sugar Control:
Aloe vera has wound-healing properties, its raw gel can be applied directly to wounds and injuries. Burn patients who applied aloe vera to their bodies experienced better healing and shorter recovery time. Aloe vera can also lower blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties:
Aloe vera contains polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of certain microbes that cause skin infections. It also contains anthraquinones and polysaccharides that have antibacterial properties, which may work synergistically with the polyphenols to enhance the antimicrobial effects of aloe vera.
How To Use Aloe Vera:
To use aloe vera for its multiple benefits you can follow the recommendations given below:
Aloe Vera Gel Benefits for Skincare:
- Use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer by applying it directly to your skin.
- You can drink aloe vera juice to prevent skin-related issues.
- Use a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera for skin care.
- Combine honey, aloe vera gel, and walnuts to treat acne.
- Apply aloe vera gel directly to your face after taking the gel out of the leaves.
For Pain Relief:
Aloe vera can help in reducing chronic pain such as pain due to osteoarthritis.
Apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area for pain relief.
For Oral Health:
Use aloe vera mouthwash regularly to reduce plaque formation.
For Food Preservation:
Apply aloe vera gel to the outer part of the tomatoes to keep them fresh and maintain their quality.
Possible Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal effects: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
- Organ damage: acute kidney damage and liver dysfunction.
- Allergic reactions: skin rash or hives.
- Blood-related effects: increased risk of bleeding and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes.
- Interference with medications: aloe vera can interfere with certain medications, such as diuretics and diabetes drugs.
Aloe Vera Products:
You can purchase various aloe vera products. Some aloe vera products are:
- Aloe vera gel
- Aloe vera powder
- Aloe vera juice
- Aloe vera oil
What We Conclude:
Aloe vera has therapeutic properties that are beneficial for the skin. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to its vitamin and enzyme content. Aloe vera can protect the skin from sunburn and accelerates wound healing. A daily intake of aloe vera juice can help reduce the chances of diseases such as cancer and reduce heartburn. Aloe vera has effective healing properties for various skin conditions, acts as a moisturizer, and maintains body moisture content.
To gain the health benefits of aloe vera gel it is important to use it in a responsible manner and under proper guidance.
