8 Amazing Healthy Benefits of Aloe Vera

You likely know aloe vera for one of two things: first for being a popular houseplant amongst millennials and secondly for the gooey substance that gives you relief from sunburns.

Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, is a succulen plant species from the genus Aloe. It grows abundantly in tropical climates, also known as the “plant of immortality,” has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant, especially in ayurveda.

Aside from being a staple in your mother's medicine cabinet for sunburned skin, aloe vera is also used in many consumer products including beverages, cosmetics, skin lotion and ointments. 

Aloe vera juice is made from the flesh of the aloe vera. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that may calm ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, help to alleviate constipation and soothe gastrointestinal disorders.

Moreover, aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as plant compounds called anthraquinones that have a laxative effect and help to stimulate the large intestine.

Continue reading to know 8 Amazing Healthy Benefits of Aloe Vera.

1. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Antioxidants are powerful plant compound that are essential for human body and they are responsible for keeping you healthy, some of these plant compounds are also effective in preventing cancer and inflammation.

Aloe vera gel  contains  powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans. [1]

Moreover they are also known for it's antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. [2]

2. Helps soothe sunburn

Aloe vera gel is most commonly used as a medication for healing minor burns or sunburns on the skin.  Thanks to a compound called polysaccharides that encourage skin repair and promote development of new skin cells 

A study conducted on group of people found that aloe vera treatments reduced healing time by approximately 9 days compared to conventional treatment groups. It was also found that aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns. [3]

Applying aloe vera gel helps form a protective layer for the skin, that helps retain moisture. It can be applied directly to the affected area; the healing process starts immediately.

3. It helps treat canker sores

Mouth ulcers, or canker sores can be painful and hard to deal, and trust me almost everyone experience this at some point in their lives.  They last for about a week, if it last than a week it's time to talk to your doctor as it may lead to cancer.

Several studies have shown that aloe vera gel might be effective of Mouth ulcers. In fact a 7-day study conducted on 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, found that applying aloe vera on infected area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers. [4]

Simply apply the gel on infected area and rinse your mouth after ten minutes, repeat this several times throughout the day for better results.

4. For constipation

Believe me constipation is painful, and no one would like to experience that. Don't worry aloe vera is effective in preventing constipation.

Fresh, uncut aloe vera contains aloin (laxative component of aloe vera and can help relieve Constipation) by increase the water content in your intestines.

According to Mayo Clinic : aloe vera can be used to relieve constipation, but sparingly. They advise that a dose of 0.04 to 0.17 grams of dried juice is sufficient. [5]

However if you have  Crohn’s disease, colitis, or hemorrhoids  you shouldn’t consume aloe vera. It can cause severe  abdominal cramps  and  diarrhea. It may also decrease your body’s ability to absorb the drugs (medication).

5. Slow signs of aging

Adding aloe vera juice in your life could make you young while slowing down the aging process.

Aloe vera is packed with certain minerals like zinc, that acts as an astringent to tighten pores, while antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help prevent the formation of free radicals.

According to a review published in journal, aloe vera could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which could benefit dry skin conditions. [6]

Moreover aloe vera may also prevents wrinkles and fine lines that appear on the skin as we age. 

6. It lowers blood sugar levels

Blood sugar is linked to several disease including diabetis. Aloe vera extract has been used as a traditional remedy for diabetes, as it is believed to enhances insulin sensitivity and improves blood sugar management.

According to a review of eight studies found that aloe vera could have benefits for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes due to its effects on glycemic control. [7]

However more research is needs to be done, as there have been some cases of liver damage reported with long-term consumption of aloe vera supplements.

7. Nutritious boost

Aloe vera juice is naturally chocked with essential nutrients. Drinking aloe vera juice can be an excellent way to add all those essential nutrients in your body. It contains certain important vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6 and folic acid.

Moreover it also contains acceptable amounts of

• calcium
• copper
• chromium
• sodium
• Iron
• selenium
• magnesium
• potassium
• manganese
• zinc

Here's a good news for vegetarians and vegans, aloe vera is one of the only plant sources of vitamin B-12.

8. Additional Healthy Benefits of Aloe Vera

Here are 9 Amazing Healthy Benefits of Aloe Vera.

• Could Improve Cardiovascular Health
• Fights Dental Plaque
• Hydration
• Promote Hair Growth
• Helps Cure Acne
• Aids In Digestion
• Aids In Glowing Skin
• Boosts Immunity
• Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties

How To Make Aloe Vera Juice?

The following is the procedure for making fresh Aloe Vera juice:

• First cut 10 leaves of Aloe Vera as close to the base as possible with a sharp knife.
• Then cut open the leaves of the plant in the center. You will find a liquid oozing out.
• Collect the entire gel and store it in a bowl.
• Next blend the gel with some water in a blender. Water helps the gel to mix easily.

Important Note: You can use this juice for 3-4 days. Do not keep this juice for a long time as it will lose its antioxidant properties

The Bottom Line

Aloe vera has been used since ancient time and is known for its medical properties. You can use bottled aloe vera gel or take it directly from the leaf of an aloe plant. 

You must also remember that aloe vera gel has different use than aloe vera juice. We recommend taking advice from healthcare expert before using aloe products to treat a condition.

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