Five health benefits of aloe vera

Aloe Vera is a spiky succulent plant that grows naturally in dry, tropical climates like Africa, Asia, Europe, and southern and western parts of the United States. Over the years, this scrubby and pointy plant has been cultivated for its medicinal purposes.

Here are the health benefits you get from aloe vera as gel and juice.

• Aids digestion

Aloe vera, particularly aloe vera juice, has been proven to be a natural laxative.

The outer part of this plant contains a compound called anthraquinone glycosides which has laxative effects.

A study discovered that this compound can help relieve constipation while another research found that aloe vera could help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a digestive disorder that often results in heartburn — and irritable bowel syndrome.

However, when trying aloe juice for constipation for the first time, consume little amount of it.

• Reduces blood sugar levels

Both the gel and juice of aloe vera can help lower and control one’s blood sugar levels.

Several studies have indicated that taking aloe vera juice has some potential benefits for people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes due to its effect on glycemic control.

• Rich in antioxidants

Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidants are important to health as they protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants have benefits ranging from reducing one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases to improving the immune system.

Aloe vera also has antibacterial and antiviral properties which is why it is used to treat and relieve burns and wounds.

• Promotes dental health

Due to its antibacterial properties, aloe vera juice and mouthwash improve various dental and oral conditions.

Aloe vera mouthwash is effective in reducing dental plaque. A study also showed that aloe vera mouthwash help reduces gum inflammation in people who had recently undergone tooth surgery to remove plaque.

• Skincare

Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments.

This plant is also a natural moisturizer that helps soothes dry skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a potential treatment for skin conditions like burns, acne, and eczema.

Aloe vera also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.

A 2009 study of 30 females over the age of 45 also prove that taking oral aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over 90 days.