Proven Benefits & Uses Of Aloe Vera
The health benefits of aloe vera include strengthening the immune system and delaying the aging process. It also helps in alleviating menstrual problems, reducing arthritis pain, and healing wounds. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, aloe can also help reduce oxidative stress, inhibit cancerous growth, and heal the side effects of radiotherapy treatments. It has long been used to promote hair growth, soothe acid reflux, and alleviate pain since it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a short shrub that is known widely for its medicinal properties. The other common names of aloe are lily of the desert, burn plant and elephant’s gall. It belongs to the family of succulent plants in the genus ‘Aloe’. It grows best in warm and dry climates and is densely found in India, Africa, and other arid zones.
Aloe vera plant is often a stemless or sometimes very short-stemmed juicy plant that grows around 60–100 cm (24–39 inch) in height and the offsets spread out wide. The leaves of this plant are thick and fleshy and the color varies from green to gray-green. Some varieties of this plant have white flecks on the upper and lower portions of the stem surfaces. The margin of the leaves is like saw-tooth and the flowers bloom during the summer. This plant can be easily grown both, indoors and outdoors.
Aloe Vera Nutrition
Aloe vera is a nutrient-powerhouse. It contains about 75 active ingredients like minerals, sugars, vitamins, enzymes, salicylic acids, and also amino acids. In terms of vitamins, aloe contains vitamins A, C E, and B12. Moreover, it also rich in folic acid and choline. The mineral wealth in aloe contains calcium, potassium, zinc, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and sodium. It also contains glucose and fructose.
Aloe is also a residence to some incredibly amazing phenolic compounds like anthraquinones.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
The health benefits of aloe are discussed below.
Improves Digestion
The adaptogenic properties of aloe vera are beneficial for proper digestion. It ensures better nutrient absorption and also eliminates harmful elements through smooth excretion. A healthy digestive process positively affects your thoughts and actions, thus promoting overall health.
Dr. Meika Foster, University of Sydney, Australia, in her study reports that aloe vera has amazing laxative effects. Thus, it helps to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and keeps constipation, piles, and other gastrointestinal conditions from damaging your system.
Aloe vera has compounds called polysaccharides that have the ability to cure a host of digestive disorders and ulcers. Ulcers are one of the most prominent consequences of digestive problems that are effectively cured by this plant extract. Many studies have proven that it counteracts issues like Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcers, and other digestive tract disorders. If you suffer from ulcers and consume aloe vera extract for at least 3 – 4 weeks, you will surely notice positive results.
Boosts Immunity
A 2008 study suggests that aloe vera has antiviral and antitumor properties that help to stimulate the immune system. It helps to protect you from various diseases like herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, and even influenza.
Beverages made with aloe vera juice possess natural detoxifying properties that effectively cleanse the digestive system and the circulatory system. As the absorption level of nutrients accelerates, it results in better blood circulation and also improves health. When the blood is oxygen-rich, it automatically provides nutrients within the cells more proficiently. These healthy cells ensure your body’s ability to ward off infections, thereby strengthening your immune system. It has the capability to neutralize harmful bacteria and its rejuvenating properties work within your body to keep it fresh and active throughout the day.
Inhibits Cancerous Growth
Research published in 2008 shows that aloe vera gel can help in fighting cancer. This is because of two major compounds called glutathione S-transferase and phorbol myristic acetate, which helps in inhibiting tumor growth.
Many studies have shown that these antitumor and immunomodulatory properties are due to the presence of polysaccharides in aloe vera. However, some experts say that, when used alone, it may not be very effective in advanced cases, so a combination of herbs like spirulina, cat’s claw, and therapies like intravenous vitamin C should also be included. It is always advisable to start any kind of alternative treatment after consulting a physician.