What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is gel from the leaves of aloe plants which belongs to the Liliacea family. Scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis, Aloe pant, or commonly known as Aloe vera is a stout-stemmed succulent plant that stores water in its leaves. This short spiky plant grows naturally in dry, tropical climates in Asia, North Africa, Southern Europe, and the southern and western parts of the United States.
Its long history of usage for medicinal purposes dates back as early as ancient Egypt and have also long been a folk treatment for many ailments in many cultures around the world. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian holistic healing system, have used it for thousands of years for healing and skin treatments.
From relieving heartburn to potentially slowing the spread of breast cancer, researchers are just beginning to unlock the benefits of this universal plant and its many byproducts.
Aloe Vera Juice Benefits:
- Contains healthful plant compounds
Most of the plant’s beneficial bioactive compounds are found in the gel. It contains Vitamins A, C and E, which are rich in antioxidants. It also contains enzymes like bradykinesia that helps reduce excessive inflammation. Aloe Vera also contains minerals like calcium, selenium, magnesium, etc. essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways. Some of these compounds also act as analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents.
- Lowers Blood Sugar
A major Aloe Vera Juice benefit is the positive effect in lowering blood glucose level. Studies have shown that Aloe vera juice enhances insulin sensitivity and help improves blood sugar management. Its positive effects on glycaemic control also show potential benefits for people with prediabetes.
With this in mind, Preserva wellness’ Diabewell Juice contains the richness of Aloe Vera combined with other potent ingredients to offer the ideal solution for people with diabetes.
- Natural Laxative
The anthraquinone compounds present in Aloe Vera are a potent natural laxative that aid with digestion. They increase intestinal water content, stimulate mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis. An aloe vera juice supplement has a tonic effect on the intestinal tract, thereby promoting a reduced transit time with a decreased residence of faecal material in the colon. People with Crohn’s disease, colitis, or haemorrhoids should avoid taking aloe vera as it can cause severe abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.
- Potential Anti - Cancer
Although the role of Aloe with cancer treatment has not been evaluated well enough, several studies concluded that Aloe Vera Juice enables the body to heal itself from cancer and also from the damage caused by radio and chemotherapy that destroys healthy immune cells crucial for the recovery. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound in the plant’s leaves, shows an ability to suppress or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is also suggested that the plant shows potential in slowing the growth of breast cancer although more studies are required to further advance this theory.
- Fights Stress
Another Aloe Vera Juice benefit is that it reduces cell-damaging process during stress condition and reduces biochemical and physiological changes in the body and promotes the smooth functioning of the body machinery. Aloe's anti-inflammatory property also plays a significant role in protection from oxidative stress which can make us susceptible to diseases and dysfunction of organ systems
Uses of Aloe Vera
There are plenty of ways you can use aloe vera, both topically and internally.
Alternative to Mouthwash
Several studies have shown that Aloe vera extract to be a safe and effective alternative to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque formation on teeth in the short term. The plant’s natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque. It is also suggested that Aloe Vera provides relief to bleeding or swollen gums.
Pain Reliever
It is believed that salicylic acid in aloe vera, the same compound that gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory effects, can help treat inflammation and chronic pain. Several studies have been exploring the effectiveness of aloe vera in treating pain and some have suggested that oral aloe vera may help reduce chronic pain, such as pain in individuals managing osteoarthritis.
Digestive Aid
Studies have shown consuming Aloe Vera Juice has benefits for digestive health. It helps soothes and cure stomach ailments such as constipation, gas, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with no adverse side effects. Additionally, aloe vera may also help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract that can lead to ulcers.
Aloe Vera-enriched supplements like Diagemax Juice from Preserva Wellness contains all the nutrients required for a healthy digestive system.
Skin Treatment
Aloe Vera is one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetic and wellness industry globally. Aloe vera gel is used as a skin treatment against pimples and keeping the skin moist in harsh and dry weather. Aloe vera also shows extreme potential in treating acne. It is also proven that acne products with aloe vera show fewer irritants to the skin and significantly more effective than conventional acne treatments. Studies have also shown that aloe gel might be effective in treating skin conditions including skin abrasions, psoriasis, dandruff, seborrhea, minor burns, etc.
Oxyrich Juice by Preserva Wellness is the ideal Aloe vera-enriched supplement as it promotes smoother, hydrated, healthy skin- protected from free radicals and their degenerative activity, resulting in substantial anti-ageing effects.
Heals Burns
Aloe Vera has been used since ancient time to treat burns due to its soothing and cooling properties. The essential anti-inflammatory compound found in Aloe vera accelerates wound healing and reduces radiation-induced skin reactions. Topical use of Aloe vera gel can be beneficial in treating sunburn or mild burn.
Risks of Aloe Vera
Aloin Risks
Regular use of topical aloe vera remedy should be done with caution as it may contain Aloin (a substance found between the outer leaf of the aloe plant and the gooey stuff inside). According to scientific research, Aloin in aloe vera may be carcinogenic and can be harmful to health. Oral consumption of aloe vera with Aloin content can irritate the gastrointestinal tract as well.
Skin Irritation
Topical aloe vera may cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. It is recommended to avoid applying topical aloe vera to deep cuts or severe burns as it can worsen the problems.
Internal Health Risks
Consumption of aloe orally can cause cramping and diarrhoea due to its laxative effect. It can cause electrolyte imbalances in the blood of people who ingest aloe for more than a few days. It is advised to consult a doctor before incorporating aloe vera into one’s diet if you have intestinal problems, haemorrhoids, or kidney problems or if you are sensitive to certain foods.
Aloe Latex Risks
Aloe latex is a yellow gooey-substance obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf skin. Although just as useful as the gel, aloe latex can lead to some serious problems, too. It is likely unsafe to take aloe latex at any given dose as it cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhoea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. There is concern that chemicals in aloe latex and/or aloe whole-leaf extract may promote the development of cancer.
The Takeaway
The benefits of Aloe vera are not limited to those listed above, and there are countless ways on how you can use the aloe vera plant. With this in mind, most of Preserva Wellness' products contain Aloe Vera in its purest and most potent form to elevate and maximise its power for our advantages. Besides, it is also accompanied by a wide range of health-enhancing ingredients to make unique, complex formulations like never before.