Do You Know The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera?
By: Fit Mind Fit Living
Tags: Nutrition, Plants, Natural Remedies, Plant Medicine, Aloe Vera

Do You Know The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent type plant the grows abundantly in dry climates.

Over the course of centuries, people used aloe vera to heal burns, accelerate healing, cure acne, and aid digestion. It’s filled with a clear jelly-like liquid comprised of water and powerful plant compounds. These compounds contain 19 out of 20 amino acids needed in the body that can effectively treat certain conditions.

Where Did It Originate From?

Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, is a plant most known for its hydrating and healing properties. This plant grows abundantly in dry regions like Africa, Asia, America, and Europe.

However, the use of aloe vera was first noted by ancient Egyptians dated as far back as 6,000 years ago. Its distinct triangular shape, yellow flowers, and serrated edges are what make aloe vera stand out.

Each leaf has three different layers. The outer layer, also known as the rind, is the thickest part of the plant and acts as the protective barrier. The rind is responsible for transporting water, starch, and other active components that keep the pant healthy.

The middle layer is a latex film distinguished by its bitter-yellow sap, often containing antibacterial properties, among other nutrients.

The aloe plant’s most inner layer contains 99% water; the remainder is amino acids, lipids, vitamins, sterols, and glucomannans. Many cultures greatly value aloe vera juice and use it daily in skincare for its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects.

Aloe Vera Benefits

It’s commonly known as an excellent treatment for sunburns and small cuts. But drinking aloe vera juice can have its perks too.

It contains some potent active compounds like:

Vitamins : Aloe vera contains vitamins A, B12, C, and E, all know for their antioxidant properties. Additionally, folic acid and choline aid the productions of red blood cells and maintain healthy blood flow.

: Aloe vera contains vitamins A, B12, C, and E, all know for their antioxidant properties. Additionally, folic acid and choline aid the productions of red blood cells and maintain healthy blood flow. Minerals: The compounds found within the aloe plant contain plenty of minerals such as; calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium.

The compounds found within the aloe plant contain plenty of minerals such as; calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium. Enzymes: Enzymes such as bradykinesia reduce inflammation when applied topically onto the skin. Others like liaise, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase help the body break down sugar and fats.

The plant also contains saponins, 20 amino acids, monosaccharides, lignins, and salicylic acids. Compounds like lignins are typically added in many skincare items to boost hydration.

Saponins, on-the-other-hand provide natural antiseptic properties. You can find aloe in drinks, food, or as powder supplements. The aloe latex (yellow-bitter sap) is also extracted and used as a natural laxative.

Check the nutrition label before purchasing any of the juices. Since aloe vera can naturally taste bitter, many companies incorporate sugar additives that make the drink sweeter.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women and 38 grams for men. Depending on the age, children are advised not to exceed 12–25 grams of sugar per day.

Heartburn

Heartburn affects more than 40% of U.S. adults every month.

Heartburn and acid reflux typically get triggered during digestion- when food travels down the esophagus tube and into the stomach. When stomach acids travel back up the tube, it causes hiccups and a burning sensation often felt at the back of the throat.

The plants’ juice or water has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and is proven effective at treating heartburn. One study examined the effects of aloe vera on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a digestive disorder often responsible for heartburn.

The study found that consuming 1–3 oz of aloe gel during a meal can drastically improve GERD symptoms and prevent heartburn.

Antioxidant And Antibacterial

AV was used to heal burns, accelerate healing, cure acne, and aid digestion.

Studies show aloe vera inhibits anti-inflammatory properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antirachitic, and hypoglycemic. When ingested, aloe vera has the potential to maintain healthy body weight and stable blood sugar.

When applied topically, it may accelerate the healing of cuts, burn, or dry skin. Furthermore, aloe compounds are used in many skincare items, makeup products, vitamins, and foods as a way to increase shelf-life and nutritional value.

One study even suggested that aloe’s antifungal properties may prevent dandruff and other fungal infections like alopecia disease.

Another study noted that gel found in aloe could prevent pain, stimulates skin growth and healing. It’s commonly used as an effective treatment for internal diseases like GERD or external wounds.

Accelerates Healing

Aloe vera has long been used to effectively heal burn injuries, surgical wounds, ulcers, dermatitis, and psoriasis. In fact, it is commonly known as the first-aid plant.

This succulent-like plant contains many vitamins, including vitamin C, E, among other essential amino acids. These nutrients are what provide the plant its healing properties.

One study demonstrated that the gel could increase collagen production, which accelerates the healing of wounds and strengthens the skin tissue.

Due to research limitations, experts can not distinguishably say how fast the gel can cure wounds. However, in many accumulative studies, researchers can claim that different uses and doses of aloe vera can effectively cure burns and heal other injuries.

Dental Health

AV could prevent oral diseases.

Oral disease affects approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide. The common solution to avoiding oral disease includes removing the buildup of plaque that forms around the tooth’s surface.

Aloe vera has many antifungal and antibacterial properties that could prevent oral diseases like tooth decay or gingivitis.

One study suggested that anthraquinones (anti-inflammatories found in the plant) can kill harmful micro-organisms in the mouth.

Furthermore, it indicated that regular use of aloe tooth gel could be less abrasive on the teeth compared to regular store-bought toothpaste. This is a great alternative for those people who have sensitive teeth or gums.

Natural Laxative

The aloe latex — the middle layer of the plant is considered to be one of the best natural laxatives. Several studies pointed out how this plant aids digestion and improves constipation.

One study even pointed out that the compounds found in aloe can increase water flow in the intestines which has laxative effects. Often the gel is taken along with other medication as a potential treatment to cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

One study recommends not to consume more than 0.25 mg of aloe vera gel. Once consumed, laxative effects typically start within six to twelve hours.

However, whether the use of aloe vera gel is effective at treating IBS is not determined. Some have also experienced side effects like abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Skincare

Aloe vera can boost skin hydration and improve dullness. It is comprised of 99% of water and plenty of essential vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other plant compounds. Cleopatra and Nofretete both used aloe regularly as part of their daily beauty regime.

One study even pointed out that a combination of ance medication and aloe vera gel may be an effective and less abrasive treatment of mild to moderate breakouts.

Side Effects

Although aloe vera is considered safe, some side effects may still occur like:

Rashes

Itchy skin

Stinging sensation

Abdominal cramping

Diarrhea

Red urine

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming aloe as it contains strong laxative compounds. Remember to do a skin patch test before applying anything on your skin to determine if you show signs of an allergic reaction.

Where To Buy

You can find aloe vera in drinks, food, supplements, skincare, haircare, medicine — you name it. Depending on what you’re looking for, aloe products can be found in your local grocery store and online.

Below are some of our recommended 100% aloe vera products.

SHOP AMAZON 100% NATURAL ALOE VERA GEL

All ranked with 4.5 starts, here are some of the highest-rated all-natural aloe vera gel sold on Amazon.

Wrap Up

From boosting collagen production to calming sunburns, aloe vera is a super plant most noted for its healing benefits. With the accumulative amount of research compiled over the year, experts conclude that various parts of the plant can have tremendous benefits when applied topically or ingested orally.

Be sure to consult with your doctor if you experience any side effects or plan on using aloe alongside other medications.