Aloe vera is a versatile herb that provides several health benefits for skin, health, weight loss and more. Know the top health benefits of Aloe Vera here.

Aloe vera is extensively used in several beauty and health products. This cactus-looking plant may be unpleasant to see, but it has found a place in almost everything we use. From soaps, cosmetics, health drinks, and more aloe vera has become ubiquitous.

The Nutritive Content of Aloe Vera

The leaves of this plant hold a gooey translucent gel and possess unbelievable healing properties. It is made of 95% water content, a type of protein that contains 18 out of the 20 amino acids and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another crucial component found in this gel is a complex carbohydrate known as Acemannan. It enables nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and get rid of toxins.

Another part of the plant called the sap is a yellow-colored liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside. When dried and purified, the powdered aloe is often used as a laxative. Traditional medicine of Ayurveda, Naturopathy have all hailed Aloe Vera as a potent healer for skin ailments. Here are some of the benefits of Aloe Vera:

Benefits of Aloe Vera

For Skin

From treating burns, wounds, dry skin, acne and more, Aloe Vera can be applied safely to the skin. Using pure aloe vera gel can treat, exfoliate, nourish and restore the skin with its soothing and cooling properties. Here are some of the effects of aloe vera on the skin:

  • Anti-aging – rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-aging qualities
  • Moisturizer – Soothe dry skin without making it greasy and ease irritation, itching, and flare-ups
  • Sunburns – Aloe vera can also be used in the summer to remove tan, stretch mark,s and sunburns
  • Acne – the gel has salicylic acid, an exfoliant that unclogs pores and acts as an anti-inflammatory on acne-producing oil glands
  • Burns, Cuts, and Wounds – Its strong antibacterial properties speed up the healing process
  • Cold Sores – Dabbing on an aloe-containing cream could get that pesky lesion to go away faster due to those antiviral properties

For Weight Loss

Aloe Vera juice is used around the world and is well known for its weight loss effects. It helps to promote alkalinity in the body. A body with an acidic pH is an atmosphere where illness thrives. With an ample amount of nutrients, it helps to sustain weight loss and also improve the body’s absorption and utilization of nutrients.

  • Gut Health and Digestion – Aloe vera may promote gut health. It helps to coat and soothe the gut lining and its juice can be consumed to keep your digestion running smoothly
  • Helps Detoxify – Aloe vera juice can be ideal for the liver because it’s hydrating and rich in phytonutrients.
  • Boost Metabolism – The presence of Vitamin B in Aloe vera helps to convert the fat stored in the body into energy, thereby aiding weight loss

For Hair

Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It is also a great conditioner, leaving your hair shiny and smooth. According to a study, Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Aloe vera has a chemical make up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage.”

Aloe vera is a natural herb that brings with it a treasure trove of benefits. The best way to enjoy it, without the fear of added chemicals, is to grow it in your own home, kitchen garden or balcony. It takes very little maintenance effort to look after an aloe vera plant, but the benefits you can reap from the gel of this plant are many.

Contraindications of Aloe Vera Juice

The effectiveness of aloe vera juice is yet to be backed by conclusive evidence. Since the juice is extracted from the green outer leaf of the aloe vera plant, it tastes bitter and is slightly thicker than plain water. A lot of off-the-shelf aloe juice products also tend to have a lot of additives to make it sweeter and you can never assess if it’s 100% natural.

The majority of research surrounding aloe vera focuses on topical applications and it has been used for centuries to treat skin problems. Some studies also indicate that aloe vera juice is shown to interact with certain medications. Therefore, check with your healthcare provider if you can take it.

The Bottom Line – Even though we don’t know the effectiveness of the so-called wonder aloe vera juice that is trending on the health sector these days, the good old aloe vera gel is a reliable natural aid for skin and hair problems.