ALOE VERA HAS MANY BENEFITS AS WELL AS JUST THE SKIN

Whilst Aloe Vera is best known for soothing sunburn, there are many other ways in which Aloe Vera can be beneficial to your health. Beneath the plants thick outer layer the gel like substance works wonders for many things.

It is full of vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. Vitamin C is essential for processes such as the formation of iron, immune system support, and maintenance of bones and teeth. Aloe Vera contains a good amount of vitamin C (9.1 g for every 1 cup of Aloe Vera juice).

Aloe Vera also contains essential vitamins like vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid (vitamin B) and choline. The plant also contains minerals, calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

The plant is considered to be unique as it contains a number of beneficial enzymes that help break down sugars and fats. These enzymes, among others, include aliiase, amylase and lipase, which are vital enzymes in the digestion of starches and fats.

“Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties and for centuries has been used to cleanse wounds and heal burns” says Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic. “It’s most commonly used to treat sunburn due to the anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling, soothe the skin, reduce pain and promote healing.”

Aloe Vera has many other health benefits, for example; it’s anti-ageing, it boosts digestion and even lowers blood sugar. The sterols in Aloe Vera stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid which binds moisture into the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It is also a confirmed reliever of constipation, this benefit can be found in the outer layer of the plant which is a natural laxative. Taking two tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Compounds in the plant increase insulin sensitivity, which allows the cells of the body to use blood sugar more effectively. This can even reduce hunger and reduce fat loss easier which could also help in the process of boosting your metabolism. 

Aloe is most popularly known for its benefits to skin, it works wonders fighting acne due to its antibacterial properties. It also kills germs as it is known for its antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties, Aloe Vera has been shown in studies to inhibit the growth of some bacteria that can cause harm to humans.

Aloe vera is quick and easy to cut and use, Please watch this video:

This may come as a surprise for some but Aloe Vera in fact actually reduces plaque. It is a very beneficial use for dental hygiene.

You can find mouthwash containing aloe which will reduce plaque as effectively as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash for gum disease, researchers from India found. Alternatively, try an Aloe Vera gel-based toothpaste. When the pitted the tooth gel’s germ-fighting ability against two commercial toothpastes, the former was as effective, sometimes more so atcontrolling cavity-causing organisms.

The more resembles a plant the better!

Here’s what you should keep in mind when shopping for Aloe Vera gel if you can’t get the real thing. Bottled Aloe Vera gel is different from what you actually extract from the plant, since it needs to be converted to a usable texture for it to last on your vanity shelf.

“There are two parts of the succulent Aloe Vera leaf, the gel and the latex or juice (not to be mistaken with Aloe Vera juice as a product).

Aloe latex is the liquid that seeps from the leaf when it is cut, it’s golden yellow in colour and bitter in taste.

Gel is the clear pulp at the innermost part of the leaf and it is the most potent part of the plant to be used for topical preparations.

The fresh pulp is extracted and, for maximum benefit, blended with certain emollients like glycerine for hydration and natural stabilisers to help water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients stay blended together in the gel form.”

Sources: 

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318591