Aloe vera is incredible for the
skin, hair and your health in general thanks to its large amount of vitamins,
minerals and nutrients. It is an indoor plant that has traditionally been used
topically to relieve skin burns, and orally to help speed intestinal motility
against constipation. It also contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants that stimulate the body's defense and adaptation mechanisms to
cope with physical, emotional and environmental stress.
Due to the healing properties of
aloe for the skin, it is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic
industry. Currently aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of products for skin
and hair.
There is evidence of the use of
aloe vera 6,000 years BC in the early times of the Egyptians, where it appears
represented in stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality",
it was presented as a gift in the funerals of the pharaohs. The queens
Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their beauty regime.
The aloe plant is part of the
Liliaceae family, the same family as garlic and onions. Aloe vera uses
different parts of the plant with both internal and external applications with
different effects on the human body. The
interesting thing about aloe vera juice is that despite the enormous marketing
effort to talk about the many health benefits in humans, there is no excessive
scientific data to support oral consumption. Moreover, some of the research
done on animals about their toxicity is alarming. It must be said, however,
that the researchers used the complete leaf of aloe vera extract, and not the
commercial formulas, which are already filtered from the laxative components.
There are also studies that
demonstrate the harmlessness of significant negative side effects experienced
by drinking aloe vera gel. In addition to that it could be effective in the treatment
of psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, minor burns and abrasions of the skin.
Properties and benefits of aloe vera for health
Among its millenary properties are found to be astringent,
antiseptic, moisturizing, softens the skin, and improves acne. Aloe vera has
been used both topically and orally for medicinal purposes in various cultures
for thousands of years: Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China.
Alexander the Great used it to treat the wounds of his soldiers. People have
used the gel to heal and soften the skin, as well as being a popular treatment
for constipation.
The aloe vera gel is obtained by
separating it from the green outer part of the leaf. If you have sunburn cut a
stem, place it in the fridge and rub it on the burnt skin, the calming effect
is immediate. Aloe is an emollient, which helps soften and soothe the skin.
Aloe vera is rich in vitamins such as A, C, E, folic acid,
choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6; and minerals including calcium, magnesium,
zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese. It alkalizes the body helping to balance our
excessively acidic eating habits (refined products, animal proteins, soft
drinks, alcohol, etc).
It is also high in amino acids
and fatty acids. It contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty
acids that lower fats in the blood and useful to reduce the symptoms of
allergies and acid indigestion.
Its strong taste flavor can be
mitigated by mixing it in your smoothie or with fruit juice.
Aloe vera contraindications: Is aloe suitable for human consumption via oral?
Aloe vera can be toxic and have certain contraindications and side effects
What are the risks of using aloe
vera? The topical use of aloe vera has no serious side effects. However more
information about how people use different types of aloe vera products is
necessary to determine the possible risks to humans.
People with diabetes should be
cautious if they take aloe by mouth, since aloe can lower blood glucose levels.
If you decide to drink aloe vera
check with your doctor first, and then make sure that any product you use does
not contain aloin, which is a powerful laxative. High oral doses of aloe can be
dangerous. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea can occur, caused by its laxative
effect. High doses of aloe vera have also been linked to kidney failure.
The topical use of aloe vera can
cause irritation, burning or itching of the skin in some people. Do not apply
aloe vera in deep cuts or severe burns without the supervision of a health
professional.
People allergic to garlic, onions
or tulips are more likely to be allergic to aloe vera. If you take medications
regularly, talk to your doctor before using aloe supplements as they can
interact with them.
Supplements with aloe vera should
not be used by young children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. In case of
liver and gallbladder degeneration they should also consult with your doctor.
Prolonged use can lead to the
loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. One of the ways in which we can
notice if we tolerate oral consumption of aloe vera is simply by checking the
immediate reactions of our body. If you experience any side effects after using
it for a short period of time (1-2 weeks), stop and wait at least a month
before starting again.
What are the benefits of aloe vera?
Aloe vera is used topically to
heal wounds and for various skin conditions: arthritis, burns, sunburn, psoriasis,
in the healing of deep surgical wounds, and even insect bites. It is excellent
for the skin. Due to the high water content, more than 99%, it is a great way
to hydrate and rejuvenate it.
Aloe vera is an immune booster
due to its high level of antioxidants that help fight free radicals that
contributes to the aging process. Aloe vera prevents the growth of
microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria eliminating many fungal and viral
infections.
A properly functioning digestive
tract is one of the keys to good health. Aloe soothes and cleanses the
digestive tract and helps improve digestion. It also keeps the intestinal flora
healthy and helps to decrease harmful bacteria in our intestines.
Aloe helps in weight loss by
lightening the toxic load on our body by giving us more energy. It helps in the
detoxification of our body through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins and
waste.
Orally also as a laxative and for
a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, or arthritis
(although medical results have been less clear).
Try to buy the best aloe vera
pure bio, organic, natural pulp aloe vera, or 100% natural juice
Currently you can buy products
with aloe vera almost everywhere. Especially if they are cosmetic products such
as gel, creams or shampoos.
To acquire aloe vera juice ready
to consume the best is to buy it in herbalists or online through health stores
on the Internet.
