Deriving from Africa and the family of Lilies, Aloe Vera, the one miracle plant of the world, has countless benefits beyond the healing of sunburned skin. This gel-filled plant also has miraculous health and hair benefits.
Used for medicinal purposes and herbal remedies as well as ranging from various food to natural energy drinks, this widely known tropical and spiky edged plant cures (basically) everything. Need internal healing? Aloe vera will do the job, as it will not only clean the inner body but repair the inner organs. Need topical healing? Rub that gel in to help quickly heal the skin. Below is a list of ten benefits the miracle plant, aloe has for the human body.
Healing Benefits of Aloe Vera
- Adaptogen/Nutritional Supplement:
Studies have proven to show the significance of aloe vera acting as an adaptogen. This miracle plant has clearly been seen to adapt to various stresses put on the body, ultimately reducing or completely eliminating the stressor’s effects. Aloe vera has many antioxidant properties and contains considerable amounts of minerals and vitamins such as A, E, C, B1,B6, B3, B12, folic acid and more. It also contains zinc, iron, sodium, magnesium, and the list continues. Yes, it helps the body adapt to both internal and external stresses (listed below) that trigger a variety of responses.
2. Anti-aging treatment:
Aloe, also popular in modern beauty culture contains many softening properties. Cleansers, soaps, toners, serums and various other skin and beauty products have recently been adding aloe vera gel, as it not only assists in healing the skin, but it also firms the fine lines and improves the elasticity of the body’s skin as the gel smooths over wrinkles making it seem as if time has turned back a year, or two or three.
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3. Diabetes Control
Recent studies have shown that the intake of aloe vera may be helpful in improving blood glucose levels, ultimately treating those with diabetes, specifically type 2. Preliminary research shows it may also be effective in reducing fasting plasma glucose levels in people who are pre-diabetic. Ingesting aloe orally has also been linked to the decrease of blood lipids in people whose levels are abnormally high, along with a decrease in swelling and a rapid increase of healing wounds.
4. Bad Breath Control
As a result of acid indigestion, we all get bad breath. Sometimes, gum and mints won’t necessarily solve all your stinky breath problems. However, you’re in luck! Earth has its way of telling others to “come a little closer” with aloe, the miracle plant. Many natural herbalists suggest to sip, a quarter of a cup of aloe vera juice + half cup of water or fruit juice-- a natural remedy to relieve bad breath. In this circumstance, aloe contains B-sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory compound that’ll soothe the body’s indigestion.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
Many people who experience gastro disorders such as heartburn, ulcers in the stomach, indigestion, congestion, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, etc can orally ingest aloe vera. This brings comfort to the pain and side effects of various gastrointestinal disorders. However, when orally taking aloe, keep in mind the way it is ingested as well as the pace can result into different affects. When sipping aloe, be aware not to chug-a-lug. This will result into acting as a laxative, thus can result in loose bowels, cramping, or even diarrhea.
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- Eases constipation
Aloe vera can also be beneficial as a laxative. It is comprised of anthraquinones, which serve as a powerful laxative, as they can increase levels of water in the intestines, stimulate the secretion of mucus, and increase peristalsis motion. In a study that involved 28 healthy adults who were troubled by constipation, aloe vera was found to provide a gentle, laxative effect, making it a natural remedy for constipation. If you are suffering from constipation, try drinking aloe vera juice or take a supplement that contains aloe vera to improve the function of your bowels. Excessive consumption of aloe latex (aloe latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is yellow in color) is not recommended because it can cause stomach cramps or diarrhea.
7. Aids in Weight loss
Many people who are overweight most often times suffer from a heart that is strained, making the body’s cardiovascular system to work extra hard. The aloe vera plant can contribute to the body’s overall health by delivering into your body thousands of essential micronutrients. As mentioned before, It also has been linked to easing constipation as a result of its high content of water and enzymes.
8. Benefits the heart
Of all the benefits of aloe vera, its effectiveness on the cardiovascular system is becoming more prevalent as scientists are slowly seeing the beneficial uses of aloe in preventing strokes and heart attacks. Aloe has been known to improve overall heart health and completely block the absorption of cholesterol in our bodily systems, meaning a decrease of fat in the body’s bloodstream and reducing the risks of various disorders, diseases and other problems.
9. Inflammation/Immunity
Aloe Vera has been found to ease joint inflammation and soothe the pain of arthritis when used both topically and orally. It has been known to boost the body’s immune system and protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the inflammation of disorders such as IBS and various other digestive disorders. Aloe’s disinfecting properties as well as antimicrobial properties play a large role in attacking and warding off harmful bacteria in the body.
10. Sunburn, cuts, and superficial burns
Aloe Vera gives off a “cooling sensation” for many sunburns and superficial burns on the body. Yes, it truly is nature’s first aid kit, as many of us have first handedly seen the positive effects of this miracle plant. The aloe vera plant is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial which creates an amazing and effective product to assist in healing wounds. It diminishes bacteria and prevents infection all while it nourishes, seals, and restores burns, cuts, acne sores, and larger surgical wounds. Aloe vera has been proven to ramp up the healing process creating a plaster cover for scrapes.
