Aloe is a medicinal plant that has various health benefits for skin, hair, and body care. Let us know some more about aloe vera benefits of gel and juice forms and aloe vera uses.
Table of Contents
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with long, green, flat, and mushy stems and leaves that have been changed to spikes at both margins.
It is an African medicinal plant. It can be found in Africa and Asia, including India, Nepal, China, and Egypt.
The stem is made up of a water-filled, clear pulp that has a variety of health benefits. The taste of the pulpy juice is bitter and stringent.
It is sometimes referred to as a burn plant, first aid plant, or medicine plant.
The name “aloe vera” comes from the Arabic word “alloeh,” which means “shining bitter material.” The species name “vera” means “true”.
Contents of Aloe vera
- Aloe vera is filled with 98% water, and the total solid content is 0.66%, while soluble solids are 0.56%.
- It has 19 amino acids.
- It consists of 200 bioactive chemicals.
- It has 55% of polysaccharides, i.e., carbohydrates constituting 17% of sugars.
- It also consists of 16% minerals, 7% proteins, and 4% lipids, and last but not least, 1% of phenolic compounds, mainly anthraquinone.
- Aloe vera is a treasure of vitamins and minerals such as the vital antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, Vitamin B1, B2, choline, and folic acid.
Health benefits of aloe vera juice
Following are the seven health benefits of aloe vera plant and its products, including aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice.
1. Aloe vera is good for people with diabetes
Aloe vera reduces glucose levels in the blood of diabetes patients. It encourages the body’s tissues to respond to insulin, avoiding sugar buildup in the blood.
According to a study on “Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe vera Leaves” by A M Ramirez et al., patients with diabetes mellitus face complications due to non-enzymatic glycation reactions. They used aloe vera to inhibit specific enzymes in the body, which helped to minimise or avoid glycation.
Diabetes sufferers should drink aloe vera juice on a daily basis to avoid complications. Aloe vera juice helps maintain optimum levels of insulin secretion in diabetic patients.
2. Aloe vera has lipid-lowering properties
You must have heard about “lipid profile”. Cholesterol levels in the body are affected by conditions like diabetes mellitus.
LDL is referred to as the bad cholesterol, while HDL is referred to as the good cholesterol.
To determine whether there is a risk of heart disease, a lipid profile measures the levels of HDL and LDL in the blood.
Aloe vera has been shown to lower cholesterol when added to a diet. Aloe vera lowers levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol, and raises levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, in the body.
3. Aloe vera helps reduce hypertension
Another comorbidity in lifestyle diseases is hypertension.
Barbaloin and phytosterols, two of the active ingredients found in aloe vera, are useful for lowering high blood pressure.
It maintains the blood pressure by keeping the cholesterol levels normal.
4. Aloe vera acts against obesity
Obesity is one of the well-known epidemic diseases. It is closely related to how people in developed and developing countries are changing to a more sedentary lifestyle.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the obesity rate.
A commonly asked question includes is aloe vera good for weight loss? Research says, Aloe vera can function as a cure for obesity, and thus, helps in weight loss. It can help you maintain a normal
The effects of aloe vera in its various forms on inflammation and obesity are the subject of numerous evidence-based studies being conducted by researchers.
5. Aloe vera for skin and hair
Aloe vera has antioxidants and minerals. When aloe vera gel is applied on the skin, the skin becomes smooth and glowy. As you already know, aloe vera is an important ingredient in beauty creams and lotions.
Natural aloe vera is the best to use. Just cut a leaf of aloe vera, remove its spiny edges, slice it horizontally, and rub the gel on your face. Make sure you don’t apply the yellow liquid, aloin. Let it flow first, as it may cause skin irritation and itching.
Apply aloe vera gel on the face at night to get rid of sun tan, pimples, blemishes, pigmentation or spots.
Aloe vera makes the hair shiny and silky. It nourishes the hairs and scalp with its nutrients. Get rid of dry scalp and dandruff problems by applying aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair roots before a hair wash. Wash it properly after 15-20 mins and love your shiny silky hair.
6.Aloe vera benefits in detoxification
Aloe vera has the potential to improve your bowel movements and remove the toxins ans wastes out of the body. It treats constipation.
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in aloe vera help organs like liver, intestines, and kidneys to function at their optimal levels.
Therefore, drinking 10 to 15 ml of aloe vera juice with equal amount of warm water early morning on empty-stomach can help in detoxification and improve your productivity.
7. Aloe vera for teeth and gum problems
Aloe is used in the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis because it has effective antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in easing the pain and swelling that are brought on by gingival inflammation.
Our oral cavity is frequently infected by the fungus Candida albicans. Due to its anti-fungal qualities, aloe vera gel can prevent the growth of this fungus.
Because of its antibacterial properties, aloe vera is a component of mouthwash. Using aloe vera toothpaste or mouthwash makes you feel better and helps you smile with confidence.
It is possible to significantly reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup by using mouthwashes and dentifrices containing aloe vera.
Applying aloe vera gel to the area where you are experiencing pain from sores or ulcers in your mouth will quickly reduce the swelling and pain.
What are the aloe vera uses
Aloe vera is frequently utilized in skincare products like face washes, gels, creams, moisturizers, oils, tablets, capsules, topical ointments, and the list goes on.
The scalp gets dry in the winter. Use aloe vera gel instead of oil to give your scalp a 15-minute massage to get rid of this dryness.
In order to prevent sunburns, aloe vera gel should be applied to the skin before going outside on a hot summer day. It removes skin tan and has a cooling effect on the skin.
Clinical trials have also shown that it is beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and herpes.
Aloe vera gel applied to the skin over an extended period of time works wonders in clearing up and tightening the skin.
Because of its antibacterial properties, aloe vera is a component of mouthwash. Using aloe vera mouthwash makes you feel better and helps you smile with confidence.
Aloe vera juice is a good laxative and helps you get rid of constipation. However, take it in the smallest amount possible or you may experience loose motions.
It works well as a heartburn treatment. As aloe vera is naturally alkaline, a teaspoon of the juice in the morning can help you feel more at ease.
Side effects and potential risks of Aloe vera
- Small children and pregnant women should not take aloe vera juice.
- Avoid taking aloe vera juice one month before a colonoscopy.
- Don’t take if kidney problems, hemorrhoids, intestinal problems, etc.
- Aloe vera Gel or juice should be free of aloin, a yellow-colored substance that comes out after cutting a part of aloe vera.
- May cause stomach ache or gastric problems if taken in large amount as it has high amounts of fibers. Consume only small amount with equal quantity of warm water.
Brand Suggestion
Here are the aloe vera products I found to be of the best quality in all aspects of quality, appearance, usefulness, ingredients, customer reviews, and price.
Why it is best quality Aloe vera gel?
- It is pure, clear, and natural
- It is an ayurvedic product
- It is free from paraben
- It is free from alcohol
- No added color
- No added fragrance
- It is cruelty-free, means not tested on animals
- 1% revenue is donated to Indian Army
Why it is best aloe vera juice?
- It is pure, yellowish
- It is natural and safe to drink
- No added color
- No added flavor
- Its price is affordable and the minimum in the market compared to other brands
- No sugar added
- Good for digestion problems, cough, and constipation.
- Boosts Immunity
Conclusion
Aloe vera is a miracle plant. It has numerous medicinal health benefits. It can be applied externally or taken internally in minimum quantities.
Few of the several Aloe vera benefits and aloe vera uses are mentioned here. Aloe vera should be used in day-to-day life for utilizing its full health benefits.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much aloe vera juice to drink daily?
A1: Patanjali Ayurved recommends having 10-15 ml aloe vera juice with equal amount of water, twice a day. You can start from a minimal amount and then increase till 15 ml after few days.
Q2: Does aloe vera juice expire?
A2: Although aloe vera juice bottle has an expiry date on it, use it within one month of opening.
Q3: How to use aloe vera gel on face at night?
A3: Apply few drops of aloe vera gel on the face and massage gently. Prevent contact with eyes. You can keep it as it is overnight.
Q4: I have nausea and itchy skin after drinking aloe vera juice. What should I do now?
A4: Some people may be allergic to contents in ayurvedic products. Drink a lot of warm water. Add electral powder to it for treating electrolyte imbalance. The allergic response of the body will go after some time. Stop drinking aloe vera juice.
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Thanks for sharing this informative post. Can aloe vera gel be used for makeup removal? Which one can be used?