Aloe Vera Benefits

Relatively well known for use in a variety of therapeutic applications; aloe vera benefits both humans and animals; whether it is used externally or ingested.

For example, aloe is commonly used to boost the immune system, improve absorption of nutrients during digestion, reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body, relieve uncomfortable gastrointestinal problems and constipation, and has even been used to help fight tumors and cancer.

Further studies have also highlighted this plant's ability to actually lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes, improve and ease the symptoms of colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

There is also strong evidence that aloe applied topically can provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, as well as moisturizing benefits in the treatment of some types of psoriasis and dry skin conditions.

Furthermore, skin problems such as acne respond well when treated with aloe. Cystic acne which is sometimes caused by a hormonal imbalance often responds positively when treated with aloe due to the plants antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The Components of Aloe Scientific analyses conducted on the plant have discovered a wide variety of components and properties that may help to explain the many benefits of aloe vera.

It is also interesting to note that when the plant's biological construct was examined it was found that its leaves and pulp contained the following elements:#

Amino acids- These support growth and help the body to breakdown food and synthesize proteins.

Anthraquinones- Stimulates the bowels, helps the body absorb nutrients during digestion, fights bacteria and viruses, and offers painkilling (analgesic) properties. Anthraquinones in aloe include aloin and emodin which can help with constipation.

Enzymes – These help the body to break down proteins into amino acids. Enzymes in aloe include amylase, bradykinase, catalase, cellulose, creatine phosphokinase, lipase and oxidase, to name a few.

Lignins- Allows aloe vera to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to heal skin conditions.

Monosaccharides and polysaccharides- Boost the immune system and protect against parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and tumor growth. Aloe contains acemannan, a mucopolysaccharide that can be extracted from the plant and used in the treatment of AIDS and feline leukemia.

Salicylic acid- Reduces inflammation and fights bacteria.

Saponins- Antiseptic properties that fight bacteria, viruses, yeast, and fungi.

Sterols- Relieve pain and inflammation and fight bacteria.

Vitamins and minerals- Necessary for many body processes to regulate metabolism and ensure optimum health. Daily intake is important, and aloe contains zinc, selenium, calcium, choline, magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12.

Benefits of Aloe Based on scientific studies involving humans and animals, there is strong evidence that ingested aloe vera exhibits laxative properties that can be beneficial to people suffering from constipation or other gastrointestinal issues.

As if all the above attributes were not enough for one humble plant the results of a dentistry study published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry (the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal) stated that aloe vera gel worked as well as regular toothpaste to keep teeth clean and to eliminate the bacteria responsible for causing cavities.

To conclude it would appear that aloe vera benefits are many and varied making the regular consumption of the juice of this plant will certainly provide the user with a wide and varied range of health benefits.