Aloe Vera Benefits & Side Effects Fitness Tips

Aloe vera juice

Aloe Vera is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. It is a very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80–100 cm tall The Aloe Vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. Aloe Vera is a desert lily and there are more than 200 varieties. Aloe vera (“true aloe” in Latin), is generally the most widely used and most effective species of aloe. Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egyptian civilization, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Aloe Vera is known as “a pharmacy in a plant.” Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to traditional uses, there is strong scientific evidence linking the benefits of aloe vera with a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. Topical uses for aloe include osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns. . It is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, burn gels and even aftersun lotions.

Aloe Vera’s Composition and Health Benefits

Aloe contains at least 140 substances which control cell growth and division, reduce inflammation, stimulates the growth of white cells and other immune-function cells. Aloe vera contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in Vitamin C, amino acids, enzymes, and germanium. B-sitosterol is a powerful anti-cholestromatic which supports healthy cholesterol levels. Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants and play a major role in reducing harmful free radical activity and supporting the immune system which is the body’s first defense against many diseases.

Shows Antiseptic Properties

Aloe Vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulphur. All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they are reported to kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

Shows Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Studies have indicated that Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids…cholesterol, campersterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols) which helps to explain why research leads us to believe that its benefits may be effective in the treatment of burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas.

Helps Digestion

The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe’s ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62).

Helps Stimulates the Immune System

Aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators) which help our immune systems and digestive tract. This is because it contains a glyconutrient, in the form of mannose. In 1992, Dr. C Pittman, founder and medical director of the Carolina Center for Bio-Oxidative Medicine in Raleigh, N.C., wrote a short review and summary on aloe vera’s stimulatory nature on the immune system. He concluded, “Acemannan, (a polysaccharide fraction found in Aloe) has direct effects on the immune system, activating and stimulating -macrophages, monocytes, antibodies and T-cells.” Although ongoing studies suggest promising research, more research on human studies is required before any conclusive claims can be made.

Quick Healing of Burns

Studies have shown that aloe vera speeds the healing process, particularly in burns, including those from radiation. It is also used by dermatologists to speed healing after facial dermabrasion, which removes scars from the skins top layers. Experts generally agree that no single agent is responsible for aloe vera’s ability to heal, and therefore the most effective products are made from the whole leaf. Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist and researcher, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. This makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances but it also means that Aloe vera’s effects cannot be easily synthesized in a laboratory. Because various elements that make Aloe effective are nutrients rather than drugs, Aloe juice may complement medical treatments.

Aloe Vera Products

Some people keep a potted plant in the kitchen. A leaf spike may be cut open and the gel applied directly to a cut or burn. Aloe vera products include aloe vera juices, gels, aloe vera drinks, and tablets. (It is always recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any supplements.) There are also skin creams for topical application.

For further reference:

Ref. Effect of aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound a clinical and histologic study.PMID: 7561562
Ref. Processed Aloe vera administered topically inhibits inflammation, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Vol 79, Issue 8 395-397, Copyright © 1989 by American Podiatric Medical Association
Ref. Topical effect of Aloe with ribonucleic acid and vitamin C on adjuvant arthritis. 1985. J. Am. Podiatric Med. Ass. vol.75. p 229-237.
Ref. Tumor preventive effect of Aloe vera leaf pulp lectin (Aloctin I) on Ehrlich ascites tumours in mice. PMID: 17685385 Ref. Effect of aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound a clinical and histologic study. PMID: 7561562
Ref. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. PMID: 17026654

Disclaimer:

Despite the confidence and optimism expressed by the researchers, and the weight of evidence gathered from numerous studies, according to FDA standards, the findings expressed here should still be considered as inconclusive and further studies must be done before a positive health claim can be made. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. New Vitality is a health supplements company. It develops supplement products which are carefully formulated under the guidance of an elite panel comprised of renowned doctors, nutritionists, chemists and researchers. Whether you want a nutritional supplement, pet health supplement, a personal care product or a health care product,
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