Most of us equate aloe vera to glowing skin and beauty, but did you know that it’s also one of the oldest mentioned plants on record due to its medicinal properties and health benefits? Used by ancient Egyptians, aloe was hailed as the secret to one’s beauty, health and immortality. Today, the herb is loved by both skin care professionals and doctors alike. Aloe vera not only adds radiance to your skin but also treats several conditions like inflammation, type II diabetes, and constipation.
A storehouse of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, B12, choline, folic acid and minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Usage
Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief from redness, swelling, pain, and stiffness. By topically applying aloe vera, you can treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, and even pimples. The soothing activity of the gel can also provide relief from joint pain and muscle inflammation.
It’s also been noted that consuming aloe vera juice can help bring the body into an alkaline state, thus soothing the symptoms caused by an overly acidic state. The anti-inflammatory nature of aloe vera can also help reduce stomach ulcers and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Opt for freeze-dried aloe vera, as it’s abundant in beta-sitosterol, the compound responsible for the cholesterol-lowering properties of aloe vera.
If your cholesterol levels are high, drink aloe vera juice every day. Studies have shown that a compound called beta (β) sitosterol present in aloe vera can reduce the “bad” cholesterol levels in your body. By bringing your cholesterol levels under control, aloe vera can also reduce your risk of other cholesterol-related conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
3. Boosts Immunity
By boosting the immune responses of your cells, aloe vera can increase your resistance and keep you away from diseases. Aloe vera is a potent antioxidant, which protects your cells from the scavenging effect of free radicals and boost immunity. Aloe vera also contains polysaccharides, which along with 18 other amino acids, promote a healthy immune system.
4. Reduces Stress
If you’ve been feeling stressed or depressed of late, consider using aloe vera. By drinking aloe vera juice, you can help your body cope with the changes occurring within your body and external changes in your environment. In ayurveda, aloe vera is considered an adaptogen, a substance that helps your body to adapt to the surroundings.
5. Anti-Aging And Wrinkle Free
Aloe vera is also known as the plant of the youth, miracle plant, or the immortal plant. Apart from acting as a brilliant anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it also reduces the sign of aging and prevents the formation of wrinkles. Aloe vera can also help moisturize and remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. This helps you achieve a radiant and glowing skin as opposed to wrinkles and dead, dry skin.
6. Treats Wounds
When you apply aloe vera gel to the wound, don’t cover it with a bandage. To facilitate healing, aloe vera requires open air. However, avoid using aloe vera to treat deep wounds.
By increasing the collagen production and stimulating the growth of skin cells, aloe vera can help treat wounds and cuts. Aloe vera also seals off wounds by binding the skin tissues and works as an astringent. Furthermore, you can use aloe vera gel to treat insect bites, stings, and even sunburns.
7. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
To reduce your blood sugar levels, consume the pulp or the juice of aloe vera, instead of the gel.
If you’re suffering from type II diabetes, aloe vera can help reduce your blood sugar levels. Most diabetic patients also carry high quantities of lipids in their blood. By reducing the blood lipid levels, aloe vera can help in the treatment of diabetes. However, aloe vera is beneficial only for subjects with type II diabetes and not type I.
8. Relieves Constipation
Made of complex nutrients, aloe vera can benefit the lining of the digestive tract. Drinking aloe vera juice can help decrease irritation and heal ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Aloe vera juice can also decrease inflammation of the intestine, thus easing symptoms of constipation. Moreover, aloe vera is known to aid digestion by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in the gut.
However, the University of Maryland recommends that you try out other gentler herbs like senna or cascara before aloe, as the latter could cause intense cramping and dehydration in some cases.
9. Acts As A Detoxifier
Aloe vera can improve your liver function and promote detoxification. The juice binds with toxins, absorbs them, and makes them less harmful. It also activates the enzymes responsible for detoxification and enables your liver to flush them out of your system.
When applied topically, aloe vera can also remove the harmful toxins and pollutants present on the surface of the skin. This not only cleanses your skin but also makes you look more radiant.
Aloe vera juice is no modern fad; it has a long history of being used as a health tonic and digestive aid in many indigenous cultures. Aloe vera juice can be used regularly as a general health enhancer or occasionally as a safe herbal remedy for several health ailments.
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