It is true that aloe vera is not a regular plant that we talk about every day but there are amazing health benefits of aloe vera we ought to know and that’s what today’s article will be talking about.
Aloe vera is an evergreen perennial plant with its origin traced to Arabian Peninsula, although it is widely grown in tropical, semitropical, and arid climates, it can also be grown successfully indoors.
The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis (miller).
Aloe vera has so many health benefits which include;
Contents
1. Aloe vera can be used as a Bioactive substance
Aloe vera is used to a great extent in the production of food items, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Aloe vera leaf contains slimy tissue which stores water. This water-filled tissue is the gel that is very useful in pharmaceutical industries, also as a homemade remedy for skin problems, and also used to enhance hair growth.
2. Aloe vera has Antioxidative properties
Just like I’ve always said antioxidants are very important and the gel from the Aloe vera plant contains strong antioxidants which belong to the family of substances known as polyphenols and other compounds which can help to inhibit the growth of some kinds of bacteria that can cause infection in the body. The antioxidant can inhibits damages caused by free radicals on cells.
3. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties
Aloe vera has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, and that’s why sometimes aloe vera can be recommended for the treatment of wounds and skin infections.
4. Aloe vera can speed up Wound healing
Aloe vera can be used as a topical medication, it can be applied on the skin, it can be used to treat sores, burns (including sunburns), and acne/pimples. It can also be used to treat mouth ulcers or canker sores.
Read Also; ALKALINE WATER: BENEFITS, SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO PREPARE
5. Aloe vera helps to reduce constipation
The latex of the aloe vera plant can be used as a laxative for the treatment of constipation. Latex is found just under the skin of the aloe vera leaf, it is sticky and yellowish, it contains a compound known as aloin or barbaloin which has laxative effects.
6. Aloe vera enhances the skin
Aloe vera gel increases the production of collagen and also improves skin elasticity (thereby preventing wrinkles and sagging skin). Aloe vera gel can be mixed with raw eggs (yolk excluded) and honey and used as a face mask to give a smooth, wrinkle-less, and pimples-free face.
7. Aloe vera helps to regulate Blood sugar level
Aloe vera can enhance insulin sensitivity and sometimes is advisable for diabetes patients to take aloe vera either as juice or supplement. Although, it is important to note that aloe vera can not and should not be substituted for insulin injections (for diabetic patients).
8. Aloe vera can help slow down tooth decay and reduce dental plaque
Tooth and gum problems are very common health issues both in old and young. Aloe vera can be used as a mouth wash to help prevent/reduce the build-up of plaque and bacterial biofilms on the gum and teeth.
9. Aloe vera improves Liver function
The liver as w all know is a very important organ in the body. The liver helps to detoxify the blood and also produce bile. Aloe vera juice or extract can help to enhance liver function because it has phytonutrients and is very hydrating.
10. Aloe vera can relieve Heartburns
There are some compounds present in aloe vera which regulates the acid secretion of the stomach. And the major factor in heartburn is the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus or the production of excess stomach acid. Also, aloe vera can help to prevent gastric ulcers from getting larger because it regulates stomach acids (which are actually responsible for the increased size of stomach ulcers).
Read Also; 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC AND CURCUMIN
