Aloe vera has been used by the Khoi San people in Africa for centuries as a medicinal plant. The bitter yellow juice has many uses and the health benefits of aloe vera include anti-inflammatory effects, digestive health and chronic disease protection. As a health supplement, it is often sold as a juice, either with or without aloe pulp. Aloe vera extracts are also sold in capsule form.
Aloe Vera Nutrition
Aloe vera contains B vitamins, vitamin C and 18 amino acids. It is a very rich source of fibre.
Aloe vera as an Anti-inflammatory
Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the anti-septic and anti-inflammatory health benefits of Aloe vera. Its gel can be used topically to treat skin inflammations, rashes, cuts and other wounds. It is also very useful in treating inflammation of the digestive tract and studies have shown that it can help patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, like ulcerative colitis.
Aloe vera for Chronic Disease Prevention
A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (2007) concluded that aloe compounds might show promise in helping to alleviate symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration and diabetes. Studies have identified aloe vera as one of the top plants for use in both diabetes and heart disease prevention and management. One study found that using aloe vera together with immune modulating drugs for cancer, showed better results then using just drug treatment alone. Aloe vera can also help reduce drug side effects.
Aloe Vera for Digestive Health
The special fibres in aloe vera act as a natural laxative, helping to relive constipation. It is also very alkaline, making it useful in treating heartburn and peptic ulcer disease. It can also be taken for infections, like gastritis. Care should be taken when using aloe for diarrheal disease because of its laxative effects.
Aloe vera Improves the Absorption of Other Vitamins
A study in a highly respected journal showed that taking aloe vera actually improves the absorption of many other vitamins into the bloodstream. Another study showed that aloe vera might improve the bioavailability of vitamin C and vitamin E.
Due to the variety of health benefits there has been increase in production of Aloe vera drink in market with different flavors and is being accepted pretty well.
Note: Aloe Vera Gel or Juice should be used daily for long term as some dependency might be harmful when it comes to treating constipation.
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