Aloe Vera | A Miraculous Plant for a Healthier Life |

 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

| A Miraculous Plant for a Healthier Life |

Overview:

Do you know, What are the health benefits of Aloe Vera?

I don't think so that you know all the potential health benefits of this miraculous plant-Aloe Vera. But I guarantee you that after reading this article, you will be amazed that Oh! This tiny plant has impressive health benefits.

Aloe Vera gel comprises most of the plant's important bioactive components, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Researchers are just starting to uncover the advantages of this miraculous plant and its many derivatives, ranging from treating heartburn, promoting gut health, improving oral health, and possibly delaying breast cancer development.

12 Most Amazing Health Benefits of Aloe Vera: 

Here are the twelve most amazing and evidence-based health benefits of Aloe Vera.

1. Potent Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties:

Antioxidants play a critical role in maintaining health. Aloe vera gel is a rich source of potent antioxidants known as polyphenols.

Together with many other chemicals found in aloe vera, these polyphenols inhibit the proliferation of some bacteria that may cause illnesses in humans.

The antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic effects of aloe vera are well-known. This is one of the reasons it may aid in the healing of wounds and the treatment of skin conditions.

 

2. Relieves HeartBurn:

Aloe vera juice may provide relief from heartburn attacks. Acid production in the stomach may be controlled by the chemicals in aloe vera juice. The effects have even been proven to help fight and prevent the development of stomach ulcers.

According to a 2010 study, eating 1 to 3 ounces of aloe gel at meals may help alleviate GERD symptoms. Additionally, it may help with other digestive issues. Due to the plant's low toxicity, it is a safe and mild heartburn treatment.

 

3. Improves Gut Health:

Aloe vera includes numerous enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates and fats and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

If your digestive system is not functioning properly, you will not absorb all of the nutrients included in the food you consume. You must maintain a healthy internal engine to enjoy the advantages of your diet.

Aloe vera may help alleviate stomach and intestinal discomfort. Additionally, the aloe vera gel juice may benefit those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory bowel diseases.

Aloe vera juice was shown to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with IBS in a research of 33 individuals.

Aloe vera was also shown to be helpful for patients with ulcerative colitis in a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

 

4. Accelerates Burn Wound Healing:

Aloe vera is most often used as a topical treatment, rubbed into the skin rather than consumed. Indeed, it has a long history of usage in treating wounds and burns, especially sunburn. Aloe vera is often used to heal burns due to its soothing, hydrating, and cooling qualities.

It seems to be an effective topical therapy for first and second-degree burns, according to studies.

For instance, a review of experimental trials showed that aloe vera might significantly decrease the time required for burns to recover by about nine days compared to conventional treatment. Additionally, it aided in the prevention of redness, irritation, and infections.

 

5. Promotes Skin Health:

Acne may be cleared up by applying fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

A study found that acne medications containing aloe were less irritating to the skin than conventional acne treatments.

In a limited 2014 trial, researchers discovered that a cream that combined conventional acne treatment with aloe vera gel was substantially more efficient in treating mild to moderate acne than either acne medication alone or a placebo.

In this research, participants who used the combo cream for eight weeks saw benefits in terms of decreased inflammation and fewer lesions.

Individuals with mild to severe psoriasis who used a mixture of 50 percent propolis and 3 percent aloe vera for 12 weeks experienced an improvement in their symptoms, according to a study published in 2018.

It is suggested in an article published on the National Eczema Association's website that aloe vera gel may assist in relieving eczema flare-ups due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, which has been seen in anecdotal evidence.

According to early research, the use of topical aloe vera gel may be beneficial in slowing the aging of the skin.

An oral aloe vera gel supplementation enhanced collagen synthesis and improved skin suppleness in 30 women over 45 years in a 2009 research conducted over 90 days in a controlled environment.

Reviews also indicate that aloe vera may aid in retaining moisture and improving skin integrity, both of which may be beneficial in the treatment of dry skin problems.

 

6. Improves Oral Health:

Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash are natural alternatives for enhancing oral hygiene and decreasing plaque.

According to the findings of a 2017 research, individuals who used aloe vera toothpaste saw substantial improvements in their dental health over time.

The participants in the research totaled 40 adolescents, who were split into two groups. Each group used either an aloe vera toothpaste or a conventional toothpaste containing triclosan twice daily, depending on their preference.

Using aloe toothpaste for 30 days, researchers discovered that it was more efficient than triclosan toothpaste in decreasing candida, plaque, and gingivitis levels.

Users of aloe vera toothpaste reported improved overall oral health without reporting any adverse side effects from using the product.

 

7. Natural Remedy For Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures:

Aloe vera gel includes 1% glycoproteins, which help decrease pain and inflammation, and polysaccharides, which help repair the skin while containing 99 percent water. Both of these substances are effective in fighting infection in the anal area. When aloe vera gel is administered topically to the afflicted region, it has a soothing, healing, and antibacterial effect. As a result, it helps to decrease pain and inflammation.

Topical treatment with aloe vera on hemorrhoids and anal fissures may frequently provide quick relief from the symptoms of the conditions. Aloe vera gel also has astringent qualities, which are beneficial. Direct application of the gel to hemorrhoids increases the contraction of the tissues, reducing the amount of fluid that may escape. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities are also found in the plant.

If you have anal fissures, putting an aloe vera lotion to the affected region multiple times throughout the day may aid in healing.

According to a 2014 research, applying a lotion containing aloe vera juice powder to chronic anal fissures helped alleviate their symptoms. The aloe lotion was used three times a day for six weeks by the participants.

Pain, hemorrhaging following defection, and wound healing were all found to improve due to the treatment. These findings were statistically significant in comparison to those of the control group. Even though this study is promising, more investigations are required to build on it.

 

8. Helps In Weight Loss:

In recent years, aloe vera gel has gained popularity as a significant component in weight-loss products such as juices, herbal supplements, and diet beverages.

According to some studies, aloe vera may help you lose weight by boosting the number of calories you burn during the day, improving your metabolism.

According to one research, the administration of dried aloe vera gel to rats on a high-fat diet for 90 days decreased body fat formation by boosting the number of calories they burnt.

Other animal studies have shown that aloe vera may have a beneficial effect on the metabolism of fat and sugar in the body and the prevention of the formation of belly fat.

Another research conducted on 136 participants discovered that consuming an aloe vera gel complex for 8 weeks decreased body weight and body fat and improved the body's capacity to utilize insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation.

 

9. Improves Liver Health:

When it comes to detoxification, having a good liver function is essential.

It is very beneficial to consume aloe vera juice to maintain a good liver condition. This is because the liver works optimally when the body is adequately fed and hydrated. Aloe vera juice is beneficial to the liver since it is hydrating and high in phytonutrients.

According to the results of research studies conducted on rats, aloe vera gel extract is beneficial in improving the lipid profile by decreasing LDL and TG levels while raising HDL levels and liver function by lowering liver enzymes ALT and AST.

 

10. Aids To Lower Blood Sugar Level:

Aloe vera is occasionally used as a treatment for diabetes by certain people. This is because it may increase insulin sensitivity and therefore assist with blood sugar control. 

People with diabetes may benefit from aloe vera juice or supplements, according to recent research. These advantages include:

People who use aloe vera gel may have lower fasting blood glucose levels and lose body fat, according to research published in 2015.

One scientific study using laboratory rats discovered that aloe vera assisted the animals in lowering their HbA1c levels, which may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes and healthy people. More study is required to establish if and how aloe vera may be utilized to assist lower HbA1c levels in people with diabetes.

 

11. Promotes Hair Health:

Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, among other nutrients. All three of these vitamins help increase cell turnover, which helps promote healthy cell development and glossy hair.

Aloe vera gel also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, among other nutrients. Both of these components can prevent hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis is the medical term for the condition known as dandruff. Aloe vera may alleviate the symptoms of an itchy scalp and flaking skin beneath your hair.

Aloe vera was shown to help reduce dandruff-induced scalp inflammation, according to the study's findings. The anti-inflammatory effects of the aloe plant are attributed to the presence of fatty acids in the plant.

The aloe vera plant also can effectively cleanse the hair shaft, removing excess sebum (oil) and residue from other hair products.

Aloe vera, on the other hand, is kind to your hair strands as it cleans. In contrast to other chemicals found in hair products, Aloe vera is mild and helps maintain the integrity of your hair.

Using aloe vera on your hair may help you achieve healthier, shinier, and smoother hair.

 

12. Relieves Constipation:

Aloe leaves also contain latex, which is a natural laxative that is abundant in the plant. These may be beneficial in the treatment of Constipation. Eating aloe vera or drinking its juice can, as a result, soften your stool, calm your stomach, and alleviate any pain caused by Constipation.

Aloe Vera works as a natural laxative in two ways: first, it hydrates the body via its high water content, and second, it contains anthraquinones, which serve as a stimulant laxative."

The Mayo Clinic advises that aloe vera may be used to treat Constipation, but it should be taken in moderation. Approximately 0.04 to 0.17 grams of dried juice, according to the experts, is adequate.

Consuming aloe vera is not recommended for those who have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids. It may cause severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea in specific individuals.

13. Reduces Progression of Some Cancers:

According to some research, the usage of aloe vera mouthwash may be beneficial to leukemia and lymphoma patients in decreasing chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. Aloe vera mouthwash is also helpful in radiation-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of aloe vera juice in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. According to one research, oral aloe may decrease tumor growth, manage illness, and increase 3-year survival.

According to in vitro research on breast and cervical cancer cells, aloe vera may be a potent anti-neoplastic agent. Capable of inhibiting breast cancer and cervical cancer cell growth.  It also increases the therapeutic efficacy of conventional drugs such as cisplatin. In order to create new cancer treatment methods, it seems that it is necessary to encourage the development of plant-derived therapeutic molecules.

According to the findings of in vitro research, Aloe-emodin, a phytoestrogen found in Aloe vera that has estrogenic characteristics, may aid in the suppression of breast cancer cell growth.

Another review article concluded that Aloe-emodin could trigger stress-dependent apoptosis (cell death) in colorectal carcinoma cells.

Aloe-emodin has been used to cure cancer in animals, but there is no scientific evidence to support its use in humans.

 

Medicinally Beneficial Components of Aloe Vera Plant:

The aloe vera plant has two medicinally beneficial components. 

First, the leaves are filled with a transparent gel. This gel is produced from the plant and is often used directly on the skin to treat burns and a variety of other skin problems. Additionally, the gel is available in liquid or capsule form for oral administration.

Aloe latex is the second material produced by the plant. This is the yellow pulp that lies inside the leaf's outer surface. Aloe latex has laxative effects and is often used orally to treat Constipation.

Some aloe vera products are produced from the entire crushed leaf, including both gel and latex.

The most recent development in aloe vera is the introduction of aloe vera-based beverages, such as aloe vera juice and aloe vera water. Aloe vera juice is often made by combining plant fluids with citrus, whereas aloe vera water is made by combining plant juices with water.

Because aloe vera may have a bitter taste when consumed on its own, several companies flavor or sweeten their products. Make sure there isn't a lot of extra sugar in the bottle by reading the ingredients.

How To Prepare Aloe Vera Gel Juice:

Making your own aloe vera juice is simple and needs just two ingredients: an aloe vera leaf and water.

The two are combined to break down and dilute the inner aloe leaf gel. From there, the fresh aloe juice may be flavored in a variety of ways. However, there are several critical points to remember while dealing with aloe leaf.

STEP 1: Get A Piece Of Aloe Vera Leaf:

Aloe vera leaves are available at more natural food shops like Whole Foods and Sprouts. You will only need one leaf due to the substantial amount of gel hidden under the thick skin. To produce 1 quart of juice, about half of the leaf is enough.

STEP 2: Peel The Aloe Vera Leaf:

Cutaway all of the skin with a sharp knife to expose the aloe gel core. Take caution since the gel makes your hands and knife very slippery.

Aloe vera plants have three distinct layers: a green outer skin, a yellow latex layer, and a transparent gel layer.

It is critical to remove all of the latex since this includes the natural laxative aloin.

STEP 3: Rinse The Aloe Gel:

Aloe vera has a naturally bitter flavor. It is critical to wash it thoroughly to eliminate some of the bitterness and any remaining latex.

STEP 4: Blend With Water:

Blend the aloe gel and water together in a blender. You may mix until totally smooth or pulse until some chewy pieces remain.

Fresh, pure aloe vera juice may be left unflavored. You may keep it in the refrigerator and add it to diluted drinks or consume it straight up.

Aloe Vera Drink Flavor Variations:

You can add aloe vera gel juice in freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, and fresh pineapple juice.

How To Store And Check The Quality of Aloe Vera Products:

If you are unsure about how to store your aloe vera product, check the label. Most experts agree that aloe vera gel and juice should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresher for longer. The shelf life may be shortened or extended depending on factors such as humidity and temperature. As a result, aloe vera juice is often sold in amber-colored bottles. Studies have shown that the dark container helps protect the active components from degradation caused by exposure to light.

When purchasing your product, there is one thing to keep an eye out for the seal of the International Aloe Science Council, an organization that has been there since the 1980s. When you see their seal on a product, you know that the product's aloe vera quality and purity have been thoroughly tested and verified.

Potential Side Effects of Aloe Vera: 

When used orally, aloe gel may be safe in small doses for short periods. Aloe gel has been used safely for up to 42 days at a dosage of 15 mL per day. In addition, a particular gel (Aloe QDM complex Univera Inc) has been administered safely for up to 8 weeks at a dosage of approximately 600 mg daily.

Taking aloe leaf extract for a brief period has been shown to be safe as well.

Taking aloe latex or aloe whole-leaf extract by mouth may be harmful at any dosage. When eaten orally in large quantities, aloe latex is potentially detrimental. Side effects from aloe latex include nausea and vomiting. Aloe latex may also cause more severe complications. Even taking one gram orally every day for a few days may cause severe kidney damage, and in some cases, it might be deadly. In addition, aloe latex has been shown to decrease blood glucose levels. Therefore individuals with type 2 diabetes should exercise caution and consult their doctor before using it as part of their treatment plan. Aloe Latex has also been shown to be carcinogenic in some research studies.

When used topically, aloe gel is likely harmless.

Take Away Message:

As mentioned in this article, there are several ways to use the aloe vera plant and the various gels and extracts that can be made from it. This aloe vera is still being studied by scientists, who are constantly discovering new applications for it. You should always consult with your doctor before using aloe vera medicinally, particularly if you are taking medicine simultaneously because it has the potential to produce adverse side effects and interact with certain medications.