10 Surprising Aloe Vera Benefits for Health and Wellness
That pointy green plant on windowsills has a tale that goes beyond its odd appearance. Most folks know aloe vera helps with sunburns, but this special plant has many proven health perks that might surprise you. So Let’s explore proven aloe vera benefits of aloe.
Aloe vera’s incredible qualities extend past simple skin care. The succulent has an influence on over 75 active ingredients with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Research shows good results when people apply it as a topical gel or drink aloe vera juice. The advantages range from improved blood sugar control to enhanced immune system support.
We’ll look at how its active ingredients affect our bodies and the most effective ways to use this plant for better health.
The Science Behind Aloe Vera’s Healing Properties
The way aloe vera heals is impressive. My studies of natural remedies show that this plant acts like a tiny chemical factory.
Understanding active ingredients
Aloe vera catches the eye due to its wealth of active compounds. The plant’s gel is 99% water, but the remaining 1% has a complex mix of compounds that give it healing properties [1]. The plant contains over 75 active ingredients [2]. My research points to these key bioactive compounds:
- Glycoproteins – help healing and lower inflammation
- Polysaccharides – boost skin growth and repair
- Acemannan – improves immune function
- Anthraquinones – natural agents to reduce inflammation
- Glucomannan – helps create collagen
Main antioxidants and nutrients
My research reveals that this plant is full of key nutrients. This plant has an influence on antioxidant levels through vitamins A C, and E [2]. You’ll discover crucial minerals in it too such as calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc [2]. What I find amazing about aloe vera is that it contains 20 of the 22 amino acids humans need and all but one of these essential amino acids [2].
How aloe vera works in the body
The way this plant interacts with our bodies amazes me. Its glucomannan and gibberellin compounds have an influence on growth factor receptors in fibroblast cells to boost collagen production [3]. Studies show that aloe vera gel is more effective than 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation [1].
Aloe vera has a healing influence through several processes. The plant stops the cyclooxygenase pathway and lowers prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid [2]. It also boosts our immune system by encouraging cytokine production [3].
Evidence-Based Internal Health Benefits
My look into natural cures shows that aloe vera’s best perks happen inside our bodies. Science backs up the amazing plant’s internal benefits, and I’m keen to share what I’ve found with you.
Blood sugar regulation mechanisms
Aloe vera shows good results to manage blood sugar. Research suggests it can lower fasting blood glucose levels by up to 46.6 mg/dL and A1C levels by 1.05 percent [4]. People who took 200mg of vera gel powder saw a big 15.4% drop in their fasting blood glucose levels [5]. The plant fixes damaged pancreatic cells and makes insulin work better.
Digestive health improvements
Aloe vera has an impact on digestion in amazing ways. The plant has enzymes in it that help your body break down sugars and fats [6]. These properties to aid digestion are pretty cool:
- Cuts down on inflammation in the gut
- Helps to manage IBS symptoms
- Keeps good gut bacteria in check
- Helps move things along in your digestive system
The plant has anthraquinone glycosides that show laxative effects [7]. To avoid any unwanted side effects, I suggest you use purified or decolorized aloe vera juice [6].
Immune system support
Aloe vera has an impressive impact on boosting the immune system. Studies indicate it spurs macrophage cytokine production and nitric oxide release [4]. Research has shown that (400 mg/kg) enhanced secondary humoral immune response [4]. The plant contains vitamins C and E that strengthen immunity, plus zinc – a key element to produce white blood cells [8].
One thing I like is how aloe vera has an influence on immune function in the gut. It helps beneficial bacteria to grow while it stops harmful bacteria from growing [8]. It also contains an enzyme called Lupeol that fights viral, bacterial, and fungal infections [8].
Clinically-Proven Skin and Hair Benefits
My deep dive into aloe vera’s topical uses has shown strong clinical proof of its healing abilities. Let me tell you about these incredible findings on how this wonder plant helps our skin and hair.
Wound healing acceleration
Aloe vera has an amazing ability to heal wounds. Research shows it helps wounds close faster by turning on specific cell processes. This plant does its work through MAPK/Rho and Smad signaling pathways, which are crucial to:
- Help cells move and tissues grow
- Form new blood vessels
- Build up collagen
- Create granulation tissue [9]
I dig how aloesin, a crucial component helps macrophages release more healing agents like IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α [9]. Studies indicate that aloe vera heals wounds more than standard treatments such as silver sulfadiazine and thyroid hormone creams [10].
Anti-aging effects
Studies on aloe vera’s ability to slow down aging have shown promising outcomes. Tests in clinics reveal big improvements in face wrinkles and skin bounce after people put on aloe gel [11]. The plant has an impact on the tiny building blocks of our body. It boosts the making of collagen while cutting down on MMP-1, a substance that breaks collagen apart [11].
The plant contains unique sterols that have an influence on the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid [12]. These substances help the skin to hold water and minimize the visibility of wrinkles.
To optimize scalp health
Aloe vera has a big impact on making hair and scalp healthier in many ways. The plant has vitamins and minerals that are essential to keep hair healthy, like copper and zinc [13]. You’ll see great results if you have seborrheic dermatitis – research shows it helps to reduce scaliness, itchiness, and the areas affected [13].
The plant has an influence on blood circulation to hair follicles and enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery [13]. African-American hair gets great benefits from aloe vera because it tends to be dry. The plant keeps moisture levels optimal without causing buildup [13].
Research-Backed Safety and Usage Guidelines
Let me tell you what I found out about using aloe vera and well. My research and talks with experts helped create these guidelines that will help you get the most good with the least risk.
Recommended dosages
A good internal dose begins with 3-5 tablespoons (50-90ml) of aloe vera juice each day before eating [14]. Gel capsules are effective at 15mL for up to 42 days [15]. You can put aloe vera gel on your skin as needed but always test it on a small area first [16].
Possible exchanges
When using aloe vera with some drugs, more caution is required. If you take any drugs, you should speak with your doctor, especially:
- Due to aloe’s ability to reduce blood sugar, diabetes drugs [15]
- Blood thinners because of the higher risk of bleeding [18]
- Digoxin because potassium levels are impacted by aloe [15]
- Risks of high potassium loss from diuretics [18]
Aloe vera used internally should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of twelve. For these populations, topical usage is still safe.
Aspects of purity and quality
Verifying the quality of aloe products is essential. I base my product selections on the stringent guidelines provided by the International Aloe Science Council (IASC). Keep an eye out for these characteristics:
- Anthraquinone content was eliminated [19]
- The right amount of aloe (100:1 for the entire leaf, 200:1 for the inner gel) [19]
- Labels that make it obvious which plant component was utilized [19]
- Glass bottle packing in a dark color [14]
Good goods properly describe their contents and always indicate their anthraquinone levels [19]. For optimal effects, keep opened aloe vera juice in the refrigerator and use it within three weeks.
In conclusion
My investigation into aloe vera studies demonstrates how this age-old plant may be a potent contemporary health ally. Because of its abundance of bioactive substances, scientific data supports its effectiveness for both exterior and interior wellbeing.
Aloe vera strengthens the immune system and aids with blood sugar regulation. The herb combats the effects of aging and speeds up wound healing. It’s unusual combination of vitamins, minerals, and specialty substances like acemannan and glucomannan provides these amazing advantages.
According to research, following the right use rules has a significant impact. To achieve optimal outcomes safely, users should check quality, adhere to dosage instructions, and comprehend any interactions. Pure, well-processed aloe vera products from reliable producers yield the finest results.
This straightforward succulent shows to be nature’s all-purpose cure. Its efficacy is supported by both contemporary research and conventional thinking. Whether used topically or consumed as a beverage, aloe vera consistently provides benefit as a natural remedy for health and wellbeing issues.
References
[1] – https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/aloe
[2] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/
[3] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/
[4] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4557234/
[5] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3857397/
[6] – https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/conditions/digestive-health/is-aloe-vera-good-for-your-bowels/
[7] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
[8] – https://www.starhealth.in/blog/immunity-boosting-properties-of-aloe-vera
[9] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711317300375
[10] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3315193/
[11] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2883372/
[12] – https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/conditions/skin-health/is-aloe-vera-good-for-aging-skin/
[13] – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319114
[14] – https://fushiwellbeing.com/blogs/health/how-to-choose-a-good-quality-aloe-vera-juice?srsltid=AfmBOoq4TCxzrnM-yjbpG4lVpIxrqPMJrz4QI6F8VAdSszA1OZdyGtsZ
[15] – https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe
[16] – https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/supplements/what-is-aloe-vera/
[17] – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/aloe
[18] – https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267
[19] – https://www.tinypioneer.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-good-aloe-vera-capsules