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10 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice 

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a popular succulent and perennial plant which grows in the wild in the arid, semi-tropical and tropical climates around the world. There are many benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.

It is native to the south-west Arabian Peninsula, though it can be cultivated in many places across the globe, especially, Canary Islands, Sudan, North Africa, and South Europe.

The aloe vera plant is 1-2 feet high and has thick and prickly leaves, which act as a defence mechanism against animals. 

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

When sliced open, the leaves of the plant contain a thick gooey, green gel, which has unbelievable medicinal properties. 

It also contains a yellowish liquid which is attached to the skin of the plant. This liquid has latex-like properties which impart a bitter taste to the plant. It can cause many health issues when it is ingested frequently, and hence, must be avoided.

Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine, for decorative and agricultural purposes for thousands of years. It is often called the ‘plant of immortality’ because it can live and bloom without soil. 

The aloe plant contains more than 75 potentially active compounds which include vitamins, enzymes, sugars, minerals, lignins, salicylic acid, saponins and amino acids. 

Additionally, it provides 20 out of the 22 amino acids required by our bodies, which include the 8 essential amino acids.

Though the aloe vera gel has become more popular for treating burns or other skin diseases, it has many other uses. 

Let us check out the health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.

Skin Tonic:

Aloe vera is also full of antioxidants and vitamins that can help your skin. The gel present in the leaves displays many antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the skin from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, fix the UV damage, and reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Aloe vera juice also prevents the breakout of surface acne. It can control some skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.

This gel is used in a great range of cosmetic products, especially for the skin as it has moisturising, hydrating, exfoliating and soothing effects. 

It is generally used on burns, cuts, abrasion scars, stretch marks and sun-tanned skin. It also gets rid of redness, pimples and oily skin. 

Aloe vera has been used for many decades for treating wounds and sores. It is also used as a good topical treatment for even first- and second-degree burns. 

Due to its amazing skin benefits, many people keep aloe vera plants in their kitchen as a living first aid box!

Anti-Ageing:

With progressing age, the skin loses its natural elasticity and becomes dry, which increases the occurrence of wrinkles or fine lines. 

Aloe gel helps in removing the dead skin cells and moisturizes the skin. 

10 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is called “Natures Botox” since it contains hormones called auxins and gibberellins which stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen fibres. This makes your skin healthier and leaves your looking younger.

Some researchers stated that aloe vera gel improved the skin elasticity and delayed the onset of ageing.

Anti-oxidising and Anti-inflammatory compounds:

Many diseases affecting our bodies are caused due to the inflammatory reactions caused by the presence of the reactive oxygen species, like arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, Diabetes Type 2, etc. 

Aloe vera juice contains many vitamins like Vitamin A, C and E, Vitamin 12, Choline and Folic acid, which are known antioxidants. 

Furthermore, it also contains anti-inflammatory compounds like C-glucosyl chromone, Campestrol, Lupeol, and Salicylic acid which decrease the inflammation in the body. 

A topical application of the aloe gel reduces swelling and redness around the affected area and eases the pain.

Aloe vera juice inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and decreases the Prostaglandin E2 production, thereby decreasing the inflammatory effects in the body. 

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel shows many benefits for the skin

Hydration: 

The aloe plant gel contains around 99% water, which prevents dehydration. 

Aloe vera juice contains many nutrients which ensure the proper working of your organs. 

This juice is very helpful after a heavy workout session since it helps us get rid of lactic acid that builds up during exercise. 

Instead of coconut water, try drinking aloe vera juice after your next workout!

Alkalinity

Our fast lifestyles have also affected our eating habits. 

We are constantly on the run and prefer acidic foods like carbonated beverages, junk foods etc on a day-to-day basis. This decreases the pH of our blood and makes it more acidic. 

If your body has an acidic pH, it becomes a breeding place for many diseases. 

You need to drink or eat alkaline foods such as aloe vera juice for maintaining the alkaline pH in your blood. 

Aloe vera juice balances the blood’s Ph and increases oxygenation.

It must be taken as soon as you get up in the mornings on an empty stomach for embracing its buffering capabilities.

Heart health:

Aloe vera Juice contains a soluble fibre called Beta-Sitosterol. 

This binds with the unhealthy cholesterol molecules in the blood and flushes them from the bloodstream. 

This boosts cardiovascular health, helping you to maintain a healthy heart. 

A significant decrease in the serum cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipid levels, along with an increase in the HDL levels after a long-term administration of Aloe vera gel has also been reported.

Hair:

The pH of the scalp is acidic, i.e., 5.5. The commercial shampoos and hair products are alkaline in nature and change the scalp pH. 

Any change in the scalp pH causes hair-related problems, like hair fall, dandruff, oily hair, etc. 

Aloe vera maintains scalp pH, soothes the scalp, removes the dead cells from the scalp, reduces infections and soothes the scalp. 

Aloe vera has been clinically proven to naturally thicken hair.

Detoxification:

Aloe vera has shown many hepatoprotective activities against many drugs. 

The liver is the main organ in the body which is involved in the detoxification process. 

Aloe vera juice is hydrating in nature and also contains many phytonutrients, which play a vital role in improving your liver health. 

A well-hydrated and healthy liver is necessary for increasing the detoxification of harmful toxic compounds. 

Digestive Health:

Aloe vera juice increases the water content in your intestines, which improves the peristalsis. This is the main process which aids in passing stools. 

Thus, if you have a poor bowel heath or are constipated, you can include aloe vera juice in your regular routine. 

Furthermore, this juice normalises your gut bacteria, which helps in better digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

It is an adaptogen which soothes your digestive system and decreases acid reflux and other symptoms of IBS

Decreases Your Blood Sugar Levels:

Drinking aloe vera juice is a sure-shot technique for decreasing your blood sugar levels. 

It improves blood circulation and increases the oxygen levels in the blood. 

Studies have shown that Aloe gum increased glucose tolerance in diabetic mice.

Another study showed that administration of 5 phytosterols isolated from Aloe vera, i.e., cycloartenol, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, lophenol, 24-methyl-lophenol and 24-ethyl-lophenol, for 28 days reduced the blood glucose fasting levels. 

How to prepare aloe vera juice?

You need-

1 Large Aloe Vera Leaf
700 ml Spring Water
Blender

Method: 

Slice the aloe leaf in half using a sharp knife and leave it on a flat surface. You will see a yellow liquid which drips out of the leaves. This is the latex sap which is very bitter and can be harmful for health.

After all the sap has drained off, scoop out the aloe vera gel found inside the leaf. 

Cut it into small cubes and wash them to remove the debris and remaining latex.

You can store this gel in an airtight container.

When you want to drink aloe vera juice, blend 2 tablespoons of the stored gel with the spring water on a lower setting for 3 minutes, or until the gel is fully mixed with the water.

This juice can be taken as it is or added to other smoothies and juices for enhancing its flavour. Drink this once a day in the mornings on an empty stomach.

Caution:

Do not use any more than 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel at one time as it has many laxative properties. 

Where to find Aloe vera gel or Aloe Juice?

You can buy Aloe vera gel or Aloe Juice online or in many health food markets. 

Check out some of the products here

Bottom Line:

Aloe vera is a wonder plant and there are many health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.  

Incorporate it into your daily lives for deriving all its benefits. 

However, pregnant and lactating women must avoid drinking this juice since it shows a laxative property.

Consult your doctor before you start a regular aloe vera juice course.

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