Aloe vera or “plant of immortality” (as called by Egyptians) has been used for curing several skin and hair related ailments for centuries. Different parts of this miraculous plant are utilized for different purposes and can be applied topically or ingested internally.
The nutrition list of aloe vera is very long and comprises of salicylic acid, fatty acids, saponins, anthraquinones, amino acids, lignins, enzymes, sugars, minerals and vitamins. Let’s discuss about the amazing benefits of aloe vera in detail.
1. Detoxifies Your Body
Aloe vera juice detoxifies your body by completely eliminating the waste products from your body. It absorbs all the toxins from the intestinal tract and flushes them out through the colon.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
Aloe vera juice contains polysaccharides that stimulate macrophages which, in turn, prepare your immune system to fight against viruses. Its high antioxidants level makes it an immunity booster and helps combat the free-radicals. Besides, being an antipyretic, it is used to thwart fever.
Regularly consume aloe vera juice if you’re feeling under the weather, or better yet, drink it to prevent any illness occurring in the first place. Thanks to the high levels of nutrients, this plant extract improves your blood circulation, thus aiding to your overall health. How? When your blood has high oxygen levels, it can transfer essential nutrients to your blood much easier.
Then, as your blood cells become healthier with regular consumption, this strengthens and improves your immune system so your body isn’t as affected by harmful bacterias as it once was.
3. Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera soothe the inflammation caused due to abrasions, sunburn, razor burns, radiation burns, wounds and cuts. It is of great help in alleviating inflammation caused due to other ailments such as psoriasis, tendinitis, Crohn’s disease, etc.
4. Alkalizes the Body
Though aloe juice tastes acidic, but it has alkalizing effect on the body. Starting the day with aloe vera juice is a good way to maintain the hydration levels and keep a balance between acidity and alkalinity of the body.
5. Aids in Digestion
Aloe vera repairs the lining of the digestive tract, thereby curing constipation. It is a great remedy for people with digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and acid reflux.
If you suffer from ulcers, consume aloe vera regularly for one month, and you’ll notice some amazing results with your digestive system.
6. Assists in Weight Loss
Aloe vera allows the sugar to enter into the cells at a slower rate without being accumulated as fat, thus decreases the levels of blood sugar. It makes you feel fuller for a long time and also helps burn those unwanted calories.
7. Takes Care of Dental Health
Aloe vera is an excellent remedy for healing mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. It improves periodontal conditions and provides relief in gum abrasions, gum abscesses, cracked lips, and mouth sores.
8. Prevents Heart Attack and Stroke
Aloe vera prevents clumping of the blood cells, making it less sticky. It maintains healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels, consequently, improves the cardiac performance and reduces the risk of developing heart attack.
9. Manage Diabetes
Aloe vera has been an integral part of several sugar-lowering formulations. Cycloartenol and lophenol present in aloe vera reduces glucose levels, which keeps diabetes under control.
10. Eliminates Cancer Tumor
Aloe vera is one of the promising remedies to obliterate the cancer cells. Polysaccharides in aloe trigger the production of nitric oxide which, in turn, weakens the cancer tumors. It also aids you recover from lethal cancer treatments.
11. Protects from Gynecological Problems
This herb assists the proper functioning of uterus. It treats ovarian and fibroids cysts, and regulates menstruation. It keeps a check on vaginal itching by obstructing the viral, bacterial and fungal infections such as Candida and herpes.
12. Relieve Muscle Pain
Aloe vera has many anti-inflammatory properties that make this plant extract ideal for soothing muscle pain. Simply apply the gel directly to the affected area, , drink aloe vera juice or consume capsules, to relieve muscle pain.
13. Keeps Food Fresh
You wouldn’t consider aloe vera as a food preservative, but this plant extract naturally prevents food from ripening too quickly and can make fresh fruit last longer than one month. Dipping food in aloe vera gel improves its freshness but can also prevent E.coli from forming as this ingredient prevents harmful microbes from growing.
14. A Perfect Makeup Remover
Aloe is a perfect substitute to oil-based removers. Since it is gentle for the delicate skin, you can use it to remove your eye makeup. Refrigerated aloe vera gel soaked in cotton balls also provides a great compress for puffy eyes.
15. Wrinkle Repair
Vitamins E and C present in aloe vera are beneficial for the skin. It improves the skin’s firmness and keep it hydrated. A few drops of virgin coconut oil mixed with aloe vera gel – is a great remedy to get rid of those fine lines. Aloe vera gel penetrates the skin almost four times faster than water, and its super emollient qualities deep moisturize the skin.
16. Lightens Skin Complexion
Aloe vera gel removes dark patches and gives a brighter and glowing complexion. You can use it as a face wash, scrub or an exfoliator. It supplies oxygen to your cells and softens your skin. The best part is that it equally works wonders for any/every skin type.
17. Strengthens Your Nails
Give a good massage to your weak and lusterless nails with aloe vera gel. This will strengthen them and restore their shine.
18. Stretch Marks
Aloe vera is a superb home remedy for stretch marks. It pampers your skin and helps restore its lost sheen.
19. Cures Pigmentation
Aloe vera gel reduces dark spots, dry flaky skin and freckles, and renders a healthy glow to the face.
20. Dandruff
Aloe vera effectively treats the problem of dandruff. Simply give a massage to your scalp with aloe vera gel and see the effect. Besides, it also prevents flaky and itchy scalp.
21. Stimulates Hair Growth
If you wish for long silky hair, start drinking aloe vera juice. The keratolic action of aloe vera removes dead scalp cells and breaks down the sebum that stimulates further hair growth. Moreover, the alkalizing properties of aloe maintain the pH level of hair and scalp which is also helpful in hair growth.
22. A Good Conditioner
Aloe vera acts as an excellent conditioner. It helps you manage your locks and makes them voluminous and attractive.
23. Reduces Acne
Another of our favorite health benefits of aloe vera is that this plant extract can reduce acne, and can be used in numerous ways. The gel within aloe vera leaves soothes your skin and treats any irritation and inflammation, something that those with acne-prone skin often need assistance with.
Most importantly, the antibacterial features within aloe vera create an effective acne treatment that is gentle enough to use directly on your skin.
