10 health benefits of aloe vera!

The benefits of aloe vera are diverse as it  provides essential nutrients for the body’s overall health and has become one of the most important and commonly used plants in skin care , medicines and cosmetics. It can be found in the ingredient lists of many cosmetic products such as gels, creams and lotions.

But has anyone stopped to think why this plant has such importance in skin care and in the manufacture of herbal medicines?

Aloe vera is a member of the lily family, which has been known to have both indoor and outdoor applications. It is an amazing plant which is a storehouse of powerful nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants. Also, it blooms well in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Nutritional value of aloe vera:

 Aloe vera is an extraordinary medicinal plant. According to scientists, there are about 150 active nutrients in the plant. All of these nutrients work in sync to provide you with healing and health-promoting benefits.

The main nutrients contained in aloe vera are amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, anthraquinones, salicylic acid, lignins, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, saponins and sterols. Vitamins include Vitamin A , Vitamin C , Vitamin B1 , Vitamin B2 , Vitamin B3 , Vitamin B5 , Vitamin B6 , Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E.

It is also rich in many minerals, including calcium , manganese , magnesium , copper , chromium, iron , sodium , zinc , potassium , phosphorus and selenium . In addition, it also contains minerals like iridium and rhodium.

Health benefits of aloe vera:

1. Healthy skin: 

Several studies have confirmed that the plant has numerous properties that make it effective in curing and treating many skin conditions.

2. Treat acne: 

Aloe vera has been proven to be a great remedy for treating acne. People suffering from acne can see positive effects just by breaking the leaf of this plant and applying the gel that oozes out of the leaves to the affected area.

Although it is not able to cure acne , it is very effective in reducing the inflammation, swelling, and redness that is often associated with acne. Daily application is also found to be helpful in preventing acne breakouts.

3. Reduce muscle pain: 

The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant help fight muscle and joint pain. In addition, applying the gel topically also relieves joint inflammation.

Aloe vera juice can be consumed to reduce inflammation throughout the body . In some studies, it has been reported that people who consume it regularly, for at least two weeks, experience a significant improvement in inflammation problems.

4. Lower blood sugar: 

Aloe  vera  is also used to lower blood sugar levels. as its consumption has beneficial effects in reducing blood sugar levels. A result of the study of the effects of aloe in diabetic rats suggests that it is useful in the treatment of diabetes .

5. It has healing properties:

 Aloe vera has been used since ancient times by the ancient Egyptians to heal wounds and injuries. The gel obtained from the leaves of this plant has incredible healing properties that not only help in healing infected skin and wounds, but also help keep you healthy and beautiful.

When the gel is applied to a wound, the gel forms a seal quickly, protecting it from environmental and bacterial contamination and also speeding up the wound healing process.

It also provides essential nutrients to damaged tissues and stimulates the skin cell regeneration process. The anti-inflammatory effect of aloe gel is helpful in reducing redness, inflammation and swelling.

The healing effects makes it useful for treating bruises, burns, cuts, insect bites and sunburn. The healing properties of this plant can be attributed to the wealth of nutrients it contains.

6. Moisturizer: 

Aloe vera is a very potent natural moisturizer that helps seal moisture into your skin and keep it hydrated and rejuvenated. Unlike many moisturizers available on the market today, it does not produce a greasy appearance and is therefore perfect for people with oily skin. It prevents the skin from drying out and gives it a smooth and glowing appearance.

7. Treating Sunburn: 

When it comes to sunburn, nothing beats applying gel. In addition, the soothing effect of the gel helps relieve the pain and irritation associated with the burn.

Aloe vera benefits from being a powerful moisturizer, it can prevent moisture loss, and it can also help in preventing skin peeling due to sun damage. Aloe vera stems can be placed in the refrigerator and then applied to the affected area.

This not only cools the skin but also gets rid of the irritation and itchiness caused by sunburn. Despite being effective in treating minor sunburns, it is best to see a doctor for severe cases.

8. Prevent skin aging: 

According to a study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, when ingested or applied topically, it increases collagen levels in your body.

This in turn helps in preventing wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. Free radical damage is another important reason that can lead to skin aging. In addition, this plant is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

9. Treat psoriasis: 

Psoriasis is a non – contagious autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to be produced at a much faster rate than the normal rate, leading to a red, dry, scaly appearance.

The benefits of aloe vera  with its moisturizing and healing properties, it is considered an effective remedy in the treatment of this condition. These properties help in addressing both internal and external factors that contribute to the development of psoriasis.

Unlike other steroid creams and products used to treat psoriasis , it does not cause any side effects.

10. Treat or eczema: 

The benefits of aloe vera include being an excellent moisturizer that helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents dryness. Also, one way to use this plant to treat eczema is to drink its juice. For those who don’t like the taste of aloe juice , there is always the gel that can be applied over eczema patches. You can also get the benefits of this amazing plant by using products like soap, shampoo, etc.

Aloe vera side effects: 

In addition to the gel, the latex of this plant is also widely used for various medical purposes. Though it is natural and considered safe, but it can cause some side effects in some people.

Side effects mainly occur when aloe vera  is used in excessive amounts or for an extended period of time. The most common side effects of this plant are allergic reactions.

Sometimes allergic reactions can be mild and include skin rashes and itchiness. In some cases, the reactions can be severe and cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, etc. In such cases, it is vital to stop use and seek immediate medical attention.