Know The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
by Madhumati Tyagi and Sunil Kumar D. 

Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant that grows in hot climates and contains more than 75 active ingredients, including enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, some of which could make it useful for treating diseases. It is used as a home remedy to treat burns and other skin conditions and heal wounds. As per several studies, Aloe juice extract is effective in increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing fasting blood glucose and promoted as a natural remedy for diabetes, heartburn, and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). Its laxative properties can help aid digestion and boosts metabolism. Research has found that intake of Aloe Vera gel can aid in reducing body fat accumulation by stimulating energy expenditure.

Aloe vera plant is used extensively for various purposes. The sword like plant with long, spiky and prickly leaves of Aloe Vera plant store a powerful gel loaded with amazing nutrients that are useful for skin health as it is enriched with vitamin A, B, C and E, digestion, detoxification, weight loss and various disorders.

 

Aloe Vera Nutrition: 8-ounce serving of pure Aloe Vera juice includes:

How much aloe vera should you use?

Aloe vera creams, gels, and liquids contain different amounts. For example, some creams for minor burns have just 0.5% Aloe Vera; others used for psoriasis may contain as much as 100% aloe vera. Oral supplements have no set dose. The suggested amount to use varies by the product:

• Leaf gel cap: 50 to 200 milligrams/day
• Liquid: 30 milliliter 
• Tincture: 15 to 60 drops a day mixed with juice or water
• Topical: Apply three to five times a day

High oral doses of aloe vera extract or aloe vera latex can be dangerous. These are not official doses. Ask your doctor for advice on how to use aloe vera and how much to take.

How aloe vera helps in weight loss?

1. Helps digestion: Aloe Vera has laxative properties and when consumed in small quantities may aid in digestion. An unhealthy gut is commonly linked to weight gain; a healthy digestive system turns to proper metabolism of food and an optimal discharge of waste from the body that helps in losing weight.

2. Helps in improving and controlling blood sugar level: Aloe Vera juice keeps the blood sugar under control by stimulating the secretion of insulin. By preventing sudden rises and falls in blood sugar levels, Aloe Vera also helps to control food cravings and keeps hunger pangs away. Researchers say the medicinal substances in Aloe Vera repair damaged cells in the pancreas that make insulin — the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Aloe Vera might also lower blood sugar by helping the body’s cells respond better to insulin.

3. Combats water retention: Water retention condition can lead to weight gain. The laxative properties of Aloe Vera juice is ideal for fighting water weight. However, it is important to avoid over consumption of aloe vera juice.

4. Boosts metabolism: Aloe Vera to help in boosting metabolism, which further enables the body to burn fat. Aloe Vera's fat burning abilities are credited to the presence of vitamin B, which converts the fat stored in the body into energy and aids weight loss. Aloe vera is also extensively used in many dietary and fitness supplements for its rich protein content.

5. Helps detoxify the body: Aloe Vera gel contains a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan, which facilitates the absorption of nutrients by the cells, nourishes them and helps detoxify them.

6. Controls acne: Pimples are formed when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog up hair follicles, which then get inflamed and form small bumps. Aloe Vera is enriched with vitamin A, B, C and E, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help boost skin health and reduce acne problem when combined with the acne medicine tretinoin that improved breakouts of acne with fewer side effects.

7. Lowers cholesterol: This plant extract might help lower the unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and fats called triglycerides while boosting heart-healthy high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that reduces the amount of bad cholesterol that the intestines absorb.

8. Improves constipation:  Aloe Vera contains a substance called barbaloin that act as laxatives by increasing the amount of water in the intestine, which could make poop easier to pass and help digested foods move more easily through the intestines. Aloe Vera juice and latex are use as constipation drugs.

9. Heals burns: Aloe Vera’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects make it useful for treating burns. Applying a layer of aloe vera to minor burns and sunburned skin might help the skin heal faster, and reduce redness, itching, and pain. Aloe Vera gel feels soothing on sunburned skin and moisturizes skin while it heals.

10. Reduces heartburn: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a painful condition where stomach acid travels up the esophagus and causes heartburn. Aloe Vera may help with reflux by lowering inflammation in the esophagus and reducing stomach acid.

11. Aloe vera for IBS symptoms: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes symptoms such as diarrhea and belly pain. Aloe Vera may help with IBS by improving the good and bad bacteria in the gut, and by reducing inflammation in the intestines.

Ways to consume aloe vera gel for weight loss: Always be sure to remove the latex layer.

The gel and leaves of the Aloe Vera plant can be consumed in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, soups, salsas, salads, and stir-fries. Drinking Aloe Vera juice stimulates your metabolism, helping your body burn calories more quickly. You can also reduce the amount of time food stays in your system by drinking aloe vera juice, which helps move food through your digestive system, giving your body less time to absorb calories from the foods you eat

·      Take a spoonful of Aloe Vera juice about 14 minutes before your meal every day to lose weight.

·      You can take Aloe Vera juice by mixing it with vegetable juice. If you are not able to drink aloe vera juice easily because of its taste.

·      Take a spoonful of Aloe Vera juice in a glass of warm water every morning on an empty stomach to get most of its benefits.

·      Aloe vera juice can be consumed by mixing it with honey to reduce weight faster and making its taste better as well.

·      Consume Aloe Vera with a few drops of lemon for quicker and better results. You must consume in moderation as a part of healthy diet.

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