Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, a possible natural remedy you might have come across even if you’re don’t have a huge enthusiastic towards natural remedies. Aloe Vera is gaining popularity due to its endless health benefits starting from skincare to heart and circulatory system. Today, let’s talk about the numerous health benefits of aloe vera.

What is Aloe Vera?

Although there’s variation amongst its 250 or so species the aloe vera plant resembles a cactus. Aloe vera or aloe barbadensis is the species we’re talking about in regards to health benefits. What this means is that unless your home is in a nation with summer throughout the year, you won’t be growing this plant outside. Fortunately it does nicely inside but we’ll get to that after.

It consists of 95% water but it’s that 5% where the magic occurs. Inside those leaves, is a gel that nourishes the plant. You know what? It could nourish us people also!

Aloe Vera Gel vs. Sap. What’s the Difference?

You will find just two important parts of the aloe vera plant which in many cases are mistaken as it pertains to natural treatments. I’m talking about latex or aloe vera gel and aloe vera sap.

Aloe latex is a yellowish compound seen below the plant’s skin in a thin layer. It tastes quite bitter and has an entirely different chemical makeup to the gel, which can be what we’re after. This is also called aloe juice, sap or aloes.

Most of the aloe vera products are made up of gel. This is the material at the centre of the leaf having a higher water content. As it doesn’t feature anthraquinones its impact on the body is a lot lighter.

While some commercial products are manufactured using the entire leaf, so that there’s is presence of both gel and latex. These come together with a large number of side effects so are best avoided unless you’re searching for a constipation treatment (even then, read carefully).

The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

1. Digestion

If you need something natural to treat severe constipation, aloe vera might be a good choice.

2. Heart

A study involving 5000 patients over 5 years examined the results of aloe vera consumption. These patients had formerly suffered from angina, a form of cardiovascular disease. Along with aloe vera, a natural fibre called “husk of isabgol” was also introduced and the effects on heart were noted.

The study stated that “the clinical profile of these patients showed reduction in the frequency of anginal attacks and gradually, the drugs, like verapamil, nifedipine, beta-blockers and nitrates, were tapered.”

The precise mechanism for this particular effect is unclear but it’s largely caused by the fibre content of both materials.

3. Acne

Aloe vera is useful both externally and internally. A study tested on patients with acne vulgaris proved this. One half of the face was given a standard dressing and the other half with aloe vera. After two days, an improvement was found on the aloe vera side. To be more specific, “a reduction in oedema was noted; less exudate and crusting were evident by the fourth day”.

There was a striking drop-off in healing time. By 90% about the aloe side versus 40-50% around the normal side, skin had cured from the fifth day. Total, fixing was “72 hours quicker at the side that is aloe.”

5. Cholesterol

Patients with bad cholesterol and triglyceride profiles were given 20 mls of aloe vera up for 12 weeks in a study. Dietary intervention had failed in this group earlier.

Studies found that “total serum cholesterol decreased by 15.4% and 15.5%, triglycerides by 25.2% and 31.9% in the two groups receiving aloe vera”.

6. Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a popular issue in health care today. For this, an all-natural choice could be presented by aloe vera.

The treatment was 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel for 42 days. The studies found that “blood glucose levels subsequently decreased from 250 mg to 141 mg percentage in the experimental group, while controls showed no significant changes.”

This is a good news, but the power of the result means if you’re a diabetic patient and taking prescription medicines, you SHOULD definitely seek advice from your doctor before taking aloe vera gel.

Wound healing

It’s stated that aloe vera can accelerate wound healing. The cooling sense of the gel will even supply some relief.

The best way to Make Use of Aloe Vera

So after knowing all these, you want to get the benefits of aloe vera? Of course, you should. And the usage differs on the benefits you want to enjoy. For skin conditions, you clearly must apply it whereas in several concoctions it is possible to eat or drink it for internal gains. Below are a few ways to make use of aloe vera:

• Put it on your skin

When you yourself have your very own aloe vera plant, just break the gel open and put on to your wound.

• Eat it

In the event that you would like gains that are internal, you’re able to find many recipes online using aloe leaf.

• Drink it

Most likely the most easy way to take aloe vera would be to add the fresh gel to some smoothie. You can even purchase aloe vera juice pre-made but look out for sugar content.

Precautions

As I’ve mentioned you must avoid the latex. If you have any health problem or taking medicines daily, SEEK DOCTORS ADVICE before using aloe vera. And if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, ALOE VERA is NOT SAFE.

Aloe vera is generally safe, while some may experience mild itching or allergic reactions. Seek doctors’ advice before taking internally.

Final Thoughts

Benefits of aloe vera are numerous. Leave a comment if you have missed out something.