Benefits of Aloe Vera

Currently, aloe vera is mostly known for treating sunburn, but did you know that it is important to use the gel inside the aloe vera plant for various health problems? Aloe vera gel may be used straight from the plant, it may be consumed as a drink, or it may be added topically to the face.

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera, more commonly referred to as Aloe barbadensis, is a succulent native to tropical regions and has been used for decades as a medicinal herb. It thrives in a dry climate, and due to its low maintenance and care, it has become a common household herb. 

Aloe vera gel is the smooth, sticky, gooey substance that can be extracted when the leaves are removed from the aloe plant. The cream may then be used topically or as a moisturizer over burns. It may also be mixed into smoothies or mixed into juices or elixirs for digestion and other benefits to the internal health.

Aloe vera nutritional value –

Aloe vera is a therapeutic, highly potent herb. It has a whole variety of health and wellness applications and because of its comprehensive nutritional profile, it’s all there.

Minerals and Vitamins

Vitamin C is important for processes such as iron production, protection for the immune system and bone and teeth preservation. Aloe vera contains a good vitamin C value (9.1 g in 1 cup of aloe vera juice). 

Aloe vera also provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin E, vitamin B12, choline and folic acid (vitamin B). Minerals, calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc are also present in the product.

Fatty acids 

Aloe vera gel includes steroid category fatty acids-cholesterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and lupeol. Such fatty acids are responsible for this supplement’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effects. Aloe vera gel is a very beneficial plant with a variety of unique properties that can relieve, cure and even restore multiple health problems and disorders. The following are a couple of other benefits that the plant gives us

Enzymes

The plant is considered special because it contains several protective enzymes that help break down sugars and fats. Amongst other enzymes, these include aliiasis, amylase, and lipase, which are vital enzymes in starch and fat digestion.

Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe vera is highly hydrating and provides essential minerals and vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids for proper body function. Here are important benefits of using aloe vera:

Constipation Treatment –

Constipation is not only uncomfortable but can also have adverse effects on the health of the intestines and digestion. Aloe vera gel is a natural laxative that can be used to help move bulk along the digestive tract. 

Between the skin and the spray, the latex or the component of the plant produces anthraquinones, a chemical responsible for the laxative effect. If you are taking aloe vera gel for constipation, make sure to start with a small amount (8 oz or about 200 ml juice) to enable your body to get used to the effects of laxation.

Stay hydrated –

Hydration is vital to overall health. Aloe vera juice is a great alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juices which can harm your health. Aloe vera juice is low in calories and sugar and can, therefore, be eaten alone or combined with other beverages and smoothies.

Regulation of Blood Sugar –

Aloe vera has been shown to have “few” beneficial effects in improving conditions including prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that it helped improve the control of blood sugar levels as participants consumed aloe vera in liquid and powder form.

Avoids Stomach Ulcers –

One of the aloe vera’s biggest therapeutic benefits is through the diagnosis of stomach illnesses. Stomach ulcers are uncomfortable sores within the lining of the uterus. These are usually easily cured but if left untreated, these can become serious. Aloe vera gel is an anti-inflammatory agent which is particularly beneficial for the treatment of internal lesions such as ulcers. Aloe vera gel has been shown to help heal the lining of the stomach and reduce stomach ulcers if consumed regularly.

Reduces Dental Plaque –

Avoiding the build-up of plaque is key to preventing cavities and dental problems such as gingivitis and abscessed teeth. The main cause of plaque in the mouth is the Streptococcus mutans and Candidates Albicans. Such two types of bacteria and yeast are activated by antibacterial substances in aloe vera. Aloe vera juice was related in a test to a common component in mouthwash, chlorhexidine, at medical grade. Indeed, aloe juice is just as effective in reducing plaque as a mouthwash.

Improves healthy skin –

Aloe vera gel is a moisturizer dependent on water which can have several positive effects on the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that gives skin structure and elasticity. A study showed that aloe vera gel can, in reality, increase the production of collagen in the skin when applied topically. Aloe vera has also been known to enhance skin conditions such as erythema (skin redness) and has some proof that psoriasis is increasing.

Acid Reflux Relieves –

When stomach acid flows back up the esophagus, acid reflux may arise. Symptoms of acid reflux include painful chest pain, bloating, diarrhea and cough. Aloe vera juice is known to have a relieving effect for those with symptoms of acid reflux. 

Also, the bad bacteria in the gut (H. pylori, candida, and SIBO) may produce gas that can cause bloating and abdomen discomfort. This bad bacteria can also cause weakening of the esophagus opening and rising acidity. The aloe vera’s antibacterial agents destroy the acid reflux-associated bacteria and boost digestion so that the body can return to normal.

Aloe Vera Forms –

The aloe vera leaf consists of three parts: the skin, the gel, and the latex. The latex is a thin layer of yellow gel between aloe leaf skin and gel. The latex comprises the molecules to which laxative symptoms are due. Aloe Vera is harvested from an aloe vera plant’s inner filet. Many people are harvesting their aloe vera, using the gel, mixing in water, juicing it or mixing it in smoothies. The skin is fully edible and it is included in salads or as a vegetable for plunging into hummus by many people. The cream is also tasty and has the most medicinal benefits.

Here are various forms in which you can eat aloe vera in:

Juice –

Aloe vera juice is available for sale in most health food stores. Make sure to choose all-natural and organic juice that does not contain sugar or other preservatives.

Softgels – 

In most health food stores, aloe vera soft gels are also available. If you’re a busy individual and want something easy and on the go, this is a good choice. Be sure to pick a brand that is natural and organic.

Gel –

Aloe vera gel for consumption, in the form of aloe vera leaves, is sold in store. In most natural grocery stores, you can buy these. Just cut the leaf, split open and scoop the gel filet out, avoiding the latex part.

Aloe Vera Side Effects –

While aloe vera is considered safe enough for consumption, for these reasons it is not 100 percent safe:

• Symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, kidney problems, muscle weakness, and arrhythmia have been known to cause long-term ingestion of aloe vera latex.

• Consumption of latex-containing aloe vera gel when breastfeeding is not healthy and can be lethal if ingested over a long period.

• Those with IBS, or other digestive disorders, should be careful when drinking aloe vera gel with latex as it may cause the disease worse.

• For those taking certain prescription medications, the aloe vera gel itself may not be safe and may cause interactions.

• Do not eat topical aloe vera gel, as it contains other toxic substances.

• Aloe vera gel is generally safe to eat, without latex. If you’re uncertain if you can drink aloe vera gel or not, check with your doctor.

Aloe Vera and loss of weight –

For those who want to lose weight, and overweight belly isn’t beneficial. Aloe vera may be used as a digestive aid to help with good digestion, metabolism, and excretion. Aloe vera’s laxative agents facilitate effective absorption and reduce water retention. Aloe vera can assist with both processes of metabolism. In aloe vera, the B-vitamins and enzymes make it perfect for consuming fat. If the body deliberately loses weight, it naturally goes into detox mode. Aloe vera contains a complex carbohydrate called acemannan that helps in the process of detoxification. This, together with its laxative effects, is a perfect reason to eat aloe vera juice while being detoxified.

Bottom Line-

Whether you use it topically or consume it through juice, soft gels, or the gel itself, aloe vera has a unique profile of nutritional benefits that can address various health issues. Aloe vera contains enzymes and fatty acids that help in the body’s metabolic and digestive processes. The plant is particularly effective in alleviating constipation and any digestive upsets.

Aloe vera may also be used through its detoxifying, laxative and metabolic activity to promote weight loss. It is deemed safe to eat but you should be cautious not to ingest too much of the latex (the portion between the gel and the skin) while producing your gel from the aloe leaves. You can eat the skin and the gel can be mixed in a smoothie, mixed in water or juice, or eaten as is.

Please contact a dietiano , licensed dietitian to get yourself a customized diet plan.