{"id":805,"date":"2017-06-21T03:54:23","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T03:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=805"},"modified":"2021-03-11T19:01:38","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T19:01:38","slug":"22-health-benefits-aloe-vera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/22-health-benefits-aloe-vera\/","title":{"rendered":"22 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There are a number of different healthy foods and products that you can keep in your cupboard if you want to be prepare for a large range of different problems. Garlic for instance can do everything from killing off infections to giving you a cognitive boost, while coconut oil is not only great for your energy levels but also for shaving and moisturising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is just one more product along these lines that has a surprising number of benefits both when ingested and when applied topically to the skin. In this post, we\u2019re going to dive into 21 different benefits of this amazing substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So just what is aloe vera anyway? Aloe vera is also known as medicinal aloe, as well as lily of the desert, burn plant and elephant\u2019s gall. This is a plant that comes from the genus \u2018aloe\u2019 and it is thought that its original use as a medicinal substance dates back over 6,000 years to Sudan. However, it has also been historically used everywhere from India, to Japan to Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with many of these traditional remedies though, science has now been able to back-up many of the purported health benefits. We now know that this popular panacea is able to lower cholesterol, improve heart health, reduce joint pain and even increase the lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part? Aloe vera can easily be grown indoors and outdoors and that means you can create your own never-ending supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that all out of the way, let\u2019s dive and see exactly what the benefits of aloe vera are\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  Amino Acids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is an excellent source of amino acids<\/a>, in fact it contains 18 different amino acids, all of which provide different benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amino acids are of course the building blocks of proteins and protein meanwhile is of course what the human body is made out of. Ever heard the expression: \u2018you are what you eat\u2019? Well that is truer than most people realize. When you eat protein, this is literally broken down and then recombined in order to create muscle tissue, bone, connective tissue and more. Amino acids also serve important different functions elsewhere: being used to create digestive enzymes for example, as well as neurotransmitters to improve your mood and cognitive function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>2.  Digestive Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already seen that amino acids play a role in creative digestive enzymes but the benefits for the digestive system go beyond this. That\u2019s because this is an adaptogen, meaning that it is able to help the body adapt to stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stress response when allowed to go unchecked is actually likely to suppress the digestive system, as well as the immune system, thereby leaving you less able to digest foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera can thus not only improve IBS<\/a> (irritable bowel syndrome) but also help to improve energy levels and more via its effects on digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>3.  Strengthens the Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is also able to strengthen the immune system thanks to its properties as an adaptogen. If you\u2019ve ever become really ill right when it\u2019s the least convenient time possible, chances are that\u2019s because stress caused your immune system to become suppressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you consume aloe vera<\/a>, you can once again reduce the impact of chronic and acute stress on the body, thereby reducing the severity of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only that, but aloe vera is also somewhat anti-bacterial and can give the immune system a helping hand in driving out bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>4.  Slows the Growth of Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One study published in Immunopharmacology in 1995, demonstrated that aloe vera may also have anti-tumor potential. This is because of the large amounts of nitric oxide<\/a> which are produced by macrophages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is also an antioxidant, meaning that it can help to reduce the damage caused to the cells by free radicals. As this is one of the cause of cancerous growths, that is one more method through which aloe vera may be anti-carcinogenic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>5.  Reduce Dermatitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the inner gel is extracted from the aloe leaf, it can then be used as a topical care in order to treat a range of issues. This works for a number of reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, aloe vera is demonstrably anti-inflammatory<\/a> thanks to a number of active ingredients such as campesterol, lepeol and b-sitosterol (plant steroids).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is also moisturizing and antibacterial and when you apply it to the skin, it can be very useful at preventing infections and soothing reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>6.  Vitamins and Minerals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are actually over 75 potentially active components in aloe vera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, it is packed full of nutrition and that makes it a very beneficial substance whether it\u2019s being applied to the skin or consumed. When applied to the skin, aloe vera is able to nourish with vitamins and minerals that help the skin repair itself and fortify against infection<\/a> and bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin E is present for example which is well known to benefit the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>7.  Psoriasis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve seen how aloe vera can benefit a number of different skin-related issues already. Now consider that it is also able to reduce psoriasis<\/a> specifically! That\u2019s because it contains the anti-inflammatory benefits of the plant steroids but also because it is able to reduce the effects of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psoriasis is actually closely linked with stress and if you can lower the body\u2019s stress response then you can often see marked improvements in the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>8.  Anti-Aging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One more benefit of aloe vera for the skin is that it may be useful for improving the visible affects of aging. This is partly due to the antioxidant effects of aloe vera which are provided by the many different vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only are free radicals responsible for damaging the DNA and eventually leading to cancer, but they can also cause damage to the cell walls which eventually adds up to result in visible wrinkles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is just one more reason that we so often see aloe vera included in the ingredients for popular skincare products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>9.  Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have an allergic reaction to any food or substance and it causes a skin rash, then no surprise: aloe vera can help. This is once again thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties as well as the mild analgesic<\/a> (painkiller) effects which will help to soothe and calm the reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I actually experienced this myself recently. At a party, I had an unusual reaction on my neck and had no idea where it came from. I tried applying a little aloe vera as my friends had a plant there and this immediately reduced the swelling and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>10.  Energy and Brain Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember that aloe vera is able to trigger vast amounts of nitric oxide? Well this can also increase energy and brain function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because nitric oxide is a vasodilatory, meaning that it is able to increase the diameter of your veins and arteries. Wheat this means in simple terms, is that it is able to increase the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen<\/a> around the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means that you get more energy to the muscles where you need it and it means that you get more oxygen to the brain which will wake you up and help you to work faster and more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>11.  Muscle Building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may have noticed that nitric oxide is also used as a bodybuilding\/athletic supplement. The reason for this is several fold. Firstly, nitric oxide can increase blood supply to the muscles, which in turn means more energy, more pump and general better performance in the gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subsequently, this greater blood supply will be useful for recovery. As the muscles recover and grow, they will need a supply of nutrients<\/a> and increased blood flow will help with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally though, nitric oxide has also recently been shown to increase the number of satellite cells surrounding the muscles. Satellite cells are what the body uses in order to restore and rebuild muscle tissue \u2013 these are recombined into the muscle fibers that make up muscle mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when you use nitric oxide you now have a greater supply of blood and nutrients, as well as more cells to help build that muscle mass!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>12.  Mood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve seen that aloe vera can help to reduce stress thanks to its adaptogenic properties. This is also further helped by the inclusion of vitamin C, which is well known to increase serotonin<\/a> \u2013 the body\u2019s natural feel-good hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you combine all the different effects together, you get something that is very effective at improving the mood and helping to ensure that you wake up on the right side of bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s good news for your friends and family, as well as for your productivity and focus!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>13.  Hair Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As well as being amazing for your skin, aloe vera is highly likely to be very good for the hair as well. That\u2019s because of the plant steroids<\/a>, which are useful for stimulating hair growth in the scalp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, it is also useful for moisturising the skin around the scalp, for killing off bacteria and for providing essential vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be mistaken: nothing is going to cause you to overcome male-pattern baldness and immediately start sprouting more hair. However, if you use aloe vera, it may well be effective at stimulating hair growth and the improved blood circulation is just one more benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>14.  Arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and this makes it highly effective at treating arthritis<\/a>. This is further helped by its ability to support the immune system, as well as its analgesic properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The great thing about aloe vera is that it can actually be used in two separate ways to treat arthritis pain. When applied topically it can help to reduce inflammation and pain, while also nourishing the skin. When consumed, it can help to limit inflammation throughout the body and also support the immune system and circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either way, this is an effective treatment and something you should keep to hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>15.  Cholesterol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera can help to improve cholesterol and replace \u2018bad\u2019 and \u2018unhealthy\u2019 cholesterol<\/a> with the \u2018good\u2019 kind of cholesterol (that means replacing LDL with HDL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also able to balance levels of glucose and generally is recommended by some as a way to improve \u2018blood quality\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>16.  Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is effective at improving blood pressure for numerous reasons. One is that it can help to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol causes fatty deposits within the blood vessels<\/a>, which can raise blood pressure and present heart problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, aloe vera is also able to increase nitric oxide and work as a vasodilator. This in turn means the veins and arteries widen which means that they have more space to move around. If you imagine pipes that are large rather than narrow, then of course the water is going to flow through them more easily and be less likely to be stopped by a blockage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, aloe vera is able to reduce stress which means that it can help to lower the heart rate. All this results in lower blood pressure and blood flowing more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>17.  Heart Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera is able to improve the flow of blood<\/a> around the body as mentioned and this means that the heart doesn\u2019t have to work so hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduced blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol, all mean that you are less likely to experience heart-health problems. This is important seeing as heart attack is actually the number one cause of death in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you add in the benefits of antioxidants which are able to protect the cells from free radical damage, then you have yet one more way in which aloe vera helps the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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18.  Gum Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The antibacterial properties of aloe vera make it highly effective when applied topically to an infection. Gum disease<\/a> is caused by an infection in the gums which can cause recession and eventually loss of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying aloe vera gel directly to the affected area will help to reduce inflammation while also fighting off the infection, helping to prevent tooth loss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>19.  Halitosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re applying aloe vera to your gums, consider that this can actually have another useful benefit too: treating bad breath!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because bad breath is actually caused by bacteria which releases unwanted smells. This is one reason that your breath smells bad first thing in the morning: because you haven\u2019t been producing as much saliva and thus the bacteria<\/a> has been able to build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solve this problem by adding a little aloe vera and breathe easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>20.  Dandruff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One more reason to put aloe vera on your scalp, is that it can be effective at treating dandruff<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is again a substance that is used in a vast number of organic haircare products and in this case, aloe vera is able to nourish and moisturise the scalp while at the same time killing off bacteria that can worsen dandruff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>21.  Preserves Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As an anti-bacterial, aloe vera can quite amazingly preserve food!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was demonstrated by a study from the University of Miguel Hernandez in Alicante, Spain, where aloe vera was used to preserve a bowl of grapes<\/a>. Incredibly, the grapes lasted for an entire 28 more days than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fridge broken? Reach for the aloe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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22.  Treats Wounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, aloe vera is the ideal agent for treating wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will not only reduce pain thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but it will also help to seal the wound and kill off any bacteria, thereby preventing an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try applying just a little aloe gel<\/a> to cuts and open wounds and then seal with a plaster to prevent further bleeding. It should accelerate the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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