10 Amazing Aloe Vera Benefits
Aloe Vera has been used therapeutically by man for more than 5000 years and the benefits of this incredible plant are countless.
12/03/2020
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, which belongs to the lily family- Liliaceae. It is categorized the same class as garlic and onions. The good thing is that Aloe Vera has both external and internal functions. Various body parts can be treated by using varied parts of the plant. In order to enjoy the diverse benefits of this astounding plant, some people extract the inside gel of the plant to create juice, which they even add to their smoothies. Aloe Vera comprises of more than 200 active elements, including fatty acids, polysaccharide, enzymes, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. It is no surprise then that this plant is used in treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Aloe Vera has been used therapeutically by man for more than 5000 years. The benefits and effects of this incredible plant are countless. This article outlines the various benefits as well as medicinal applications of Aloe Vera.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Aloe Vera can be a source many vitamins – a few of them include; vitamin C, A, E and some of the B vitamins including (B6, B3, B2, B1) choline and folic acid. It is also among the rare plants containing vitamin B12. Other than vitamins, Aloe Vera equally important contains minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, iron, sodium, selenium, chromium, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
Contains Fatty Acids and Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that are used in making of proteins. The human body requires about 22 amino acids, whereby 8 of these amino acids are considered as vital. Aloe Vera contains about 18 to 20 amino acids – including the critical 8. Furthermore, Aloe Vera has a notable quantity of fatty acids. Three plant sterols – which are regarded as essential fatty acids are also found in this plant. This includes B-sitosterol, Campesterol and HCL cholesterol – this is responsible for reducing fats in the blood system. Each one of these is assistive in reducing allergy symptoms and acid digestion. There are also other fatty acids, including myristic, stearic, palmitic oleic, caprylic, linolenic and linoleic.
Used as an Adaptogen
This plant is a well-recognized adaptogen. Anything that enhances the natural ability of the body to become adaptable to external variations and resist infections is referred to as an adaptogen.
Due to this adaptogen characteristic, Aloe plant is known to have a number of benefits. It triggers the body’s mechanisms that are responsible for defense and adaptation. Furthermore, it stabilizes the human body system. For this reason, a person can cope well with stress – whether physical or emotional.
Improving Digestion
Many ailments are causes of poor digestion. One of the ways to have great health is by ensuring your digestive tract is properly functioning. Aloe does not only clean and ease the digestive tract, but also it assists in improving digestion. The beauty of using aloe Vera for internal purposes is that it aids in diarrhea and constipation since it is an adaptogen. This can greatly help in regulating excretion cycles. People suffering from acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome have used aloe to treat the ailments. Aloe is also known to balance the intestinal flora because of its ability to reduce the amount of potentially harmful bacteria in our bodies. Because Aloe is a vermifuge, it can help in ridding intestinal worms from the body.
Aids in Detoxification
Similar to chia and seaweeds; Aloe Vera is a jellylike plant food. The major benefit of including gelatin like foods in your diet is that they help in removal of toxic substances from the body. The gel-like substance of aloe plant absorbs toxins as it moves through the intestinal system. This in turn aids in removal of waste products from the body system and assists in detoxification.
Acts as an Alkaline Within the Body
It is impossible for diseases to manifest in an environment that is alkaline. A considerable number of people is surviving on foods that are mostly acidic. In order to acquire great health, it is advisable to consume foods comprising of 80% alkaline and 20% acidic – this is the 80/20 rule. Aloe Vera acts as an alkaline; therefore, it helps the body in balancing the acidity level in the body.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Even though a lot of studies concerning this have not been conducted, some research suggests that the extract of this plant can be injected into the blood stream of an individual to enhance circulation. This is because Aloe Vera improves transport of oxygen and the ability of the red blood cells to diffuse. Another research study carried out by the British Medical Journal reveals that B-sitosterol reduces cholesterol in the body. Moreover, Aloe Vera juice is capable of reducing chance of developing heart complications since it regulated blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, improves circulation and makes the blood less sticky.
Boosts the Immune System
Given the amount of stress people have to deal with in their everyday lives, it is extremely important to consume foods that aid in boosting the immune system. So how does Aloe Vera help in enhancing the immune system? The juice of this plant contains polysaccharides, which stimulate macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells found in our immune systems and help in fighting against viruses. Since Aloe Vera contains a high level of antioxidants, it is as well a great immune enhancer. Its antioxidant effect assists in battling unstable compounds found in bodies known as free radical. Free radicals contribute to the process of aging. In addition, Aloe is used in reducing or preventing fever.
Enhancing the Health of the Skin
Aloe Vera is commonly used for the skin due to its healing properties. In fact, it is among the chief compounds used in making cosmetic products. Aloe also aids in healing wounds – as a result; it is referred to as a vulnerary. People suffering from bug bites, psoriasis, abrasions or burns can topically apply Aloe Vera to cure the wounds.
Reducing Inflammation
Aloe Vera also comprises 12 components that help in inhibiting inflammation. This can help in improving the flexibility of the joints or reducing pain caused by stiffness.
About the author: John M. Caviness is a successful copywriter at MeowEssay. He worked as a nutritionist in the past. This experience gave him an opportunity to become a competitive writer.