Most of us have heard of the aloe vera plant especially as being useful in battling nasty sunburns. However, the aloe vera has so much to offer us that it is truly a shame that it only comes out of the cupboard for a sunburn once or twice a year. Some beauty influencers are beginning to show its uses for skin and hair care, but it goes even farther than that! First, we need to know: what exactly is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent that is used often in alternative medicine. The aloe vera plant actually has about 420 plant species. The plant first gained popularity for its beauty, health, skin care, and medicinal properties. Aloe vera thrives in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa. The aloe vera leaf contains three main layers: the inner layer (a gel containing 99% water with the other 1% being amino acids, glucomannans, sterols, lipids, and vitamins), the middle layer (a latex made of sticky yellow sap containing glycosides and anthraquinones), and the outer layer (composed of 15-20 cells called the rind which protects the inner layers and synthesizes proteins and carbohydrates). While at least 160 important ingredients can be identified in the aloe vera leaves, some experts say it contains 300-400 vital components.
Now let’s talk about the incredible power inside this plant. It’s uses span from food to beauty to medicine and so much more.
- Beauty
- Prevent wrinkles and skin aging by aiding the elasticity of skin cells and fibers.
- Clear skins by reducing appearance of acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis through its rich source of antioxidants and vitamins. It also reduced erythema or redness of the skin.
- Beauty hacks have taken over the aloe industry and here are just a few:
- Makeup primer
- Makeup remover
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Hair mask
- Face mask
- Health
- The first and most researched health benefit is for your digestive system. Aloe vera does several things for the digestive system:
- Smoothen and cleanse the digestive tract.
- Boost digestion.
- Help with constipation and diarrhea.
- Help regulate bowel movements.
- Help with acid reflux and heartburn.
- Eliminate bad bacteria in the gut.
- Contains anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties.
- Help people with irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory disorders of the intestines.
- Also beneficial for people suffering from ulcerative colitis.
- Aloe vera can be a powerful healing tool for things like wounds, burns, sores, and canker sores.
- The juice has been found to be a powerful mouthwash and fight against plaque buildup.
- Aloe vera can be huge with basic maintenance of our bodies. These things include:
- Balanced alkalinity.
- Hydration.
- Jam packed with nutrients like vitamins B, C, E, B-12 folic acid, calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and zinc.
- Antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Contains powerful antioxidants that are part of a large family called polyphenols which help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Aloe vera is sometimes used as a traditional diabetes remedy. It enhances insulin sensitivity and improves blood sugar management.
As you can see, aloe vera is definitely a super plant. Whether you are using it topically or ingesting it, it is going to do wonders! Give it a try and be a happier, healthier you!
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Aloe-Vera.aspx
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