What is the Aloe Plant?
Aloe Vera, a popular medicinal plant, is also known as Gheekanvar. It was originally found in Africa, and some parts of the Mediterranean including Greece and Southern Italy. Additionally, it grows across South East Asia in the Philippines, China, Malaysia, and has been naturalised to grow in various parts of India.
Aloe vera has become a household name due to its medicinal properties.
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What Does Aloe Vera Really Do?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa. The gel inside the leaves contains hundreds of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants, and other compounds.
It has been used for thousands of years to treat burns, wounds, ulcers, and digestive problems. In recent times, scientists have discovered that aloe vera also helps prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and even acne.
The benefits of aloe vera are endless. But how can you get all these health benefits from this one little plant? Read on to find out more about what makes aloe vera so special!
How Does Aloe Vera Work?
Aloe veras gel contains over 90 different active ingredients, including polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. These components work together to promote healing and fight infection.
Here are 10 Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera:
Here are 10 Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera:
1. It's Good For Your Skin
One of the most important uses of aloe vera is as an ingredient in cosmetics. It's often added to moisturizers, lotions, creams, and shampoos because it provides soothing relief from dry or irritated skin.
2. It Can Help With Digestion
Aloe vera juice is commonly taken by people who suffer from stomachaches and indigestion. It works by stimulating the secretion of bile and gastric juices. This helps break down food and relieve gas pains.
3. It May Fight Cancer
A study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that aloe vera extract was effective at fighting cancer cells in mice. Researchers believe that aloe vera may be able to stop cancerous tumors from growing and spreading throughout the body.
4. It May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
A study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis showed that aloe vera could lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. They concluded that aloe vera might be useful in controlling blood glucose levels in humans suffering from type 2 diabetes.
5. It May Protect Against Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. However, it can damage healthy tissue and cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores, and loss of appetite. A study published in the journal Anticancer Research suggests that aloe vera extracts may reduce some of those side effects.
6. It May Treat Acne
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that may help clear up acne. The gel inside the leaf contains antibacterial properties that help keep your pores clean. You can apply aloe vera directly to pimples or mix it into a facial scrub for extra exfoliating power.
7. It May Improve Hair Growth
Aloe vera has been shown to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair quality. In fact, many women use aloe vera products to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.
8. It May Strengthen Bones
The gel inside aloe vera leaves contains compounds called saponins which have been linked to bone health. Studies suggest that these compounds may prevent calcium loss and increase bone density.
9. It May Boost Immune System
The gel inside aloe veras leaves contain polysaccharides (carbohydrate molecules) that are believed to boost the immune system. These carbohydrates act as "antibodies" that fight infection and disease.
10. It May Relieve Constipation
Aloe vera gel contains high amounts of fiber, which makes it easy to digest. It also promotes regular bowel movements and relieves constipation.