Aloe Vera – Uses and Benefits

Aloe Vera – Uses and Benefits

Aloe Vera – Uses and Benefits

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Introduction

Aloe-Vera is an evergreen perennial succulent plant found in tropical and semi-tropical arid climates around the world. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant. The leaves are green coloured, thick and fleshy having serrated margins. The species is relatively resistant to most of the common pests and require little water to survive. Aloe Vera plants require well drained loose sandy soil and bright sunny conditions.

Aloe Vera gel is extracted from freshly cut leaves and used in many cosmetic, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements.

Nutritional Value

Aloe Vera is a very potent medicinal plant that offers a wide variety of dietary and topical application benefits. Nutritional profile of Aloe vera includes vitamins, minerals, nutritional enzymes and fatty acids.

Aloe-Vera gel production

Although there are various methods for gel production, most commonly used method is “inner leaf processing method”. In this method, inner leaf extract obtained from stripping away the outer rind and washing away latex is used for gel production.

Aloe vera is a wide spread plant across globe and is cultivated in almost all the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Biggest exporters of aloe vera products are USA, Australia, India, Cuba, Mexico and Spain

Dietary Benefits of Aloe-Vera

1. Constipation treatment– Aloe Vera Gel can be consumed in form of juice to get rid of constipation. Anthraquinones present in Aloe vera gel act as natural laxatives and offers considerable relief in irregular bowl movements.
2. Stay Hydrated– Aloe vera juice is a great alternative to sugary and fruit drinks. Aloe vera is low on calories and sugar and thus can be consumed directly to keep body hydrated.
3. Oral Hygiene– Antibacterial compounds found in aloe vera gel prevents growth of bacteria and yeast thus preventing cavities and other dental issues like gingivitis. Aloe vera juice can be used effectively as a mouthwash.

Cosmetic benefits of Aloe-Vera

1. Skin Moisturizer– Aloe Vera gel is an excellent skin moisturizer that unclogs pores and softens the skin. Since it is an excellent skin hydrating compound and also heals minor cuts and burns, it can also be used as after-shave treatment.
2. Reduces acne and infection– Antimicrobial properties of Aloe vera gel helps in gentle cleansing and treat pimples without causing any skin damage. Aloe vera gel also has polysaccharides and gibberellins that help in reducing redness and at the same time helps in growth of new skin cells.
3. Reduces skin aging– Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene present in Aloe vera gel has anti-aging properties for skin. These compounds help in increasing collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Aloe vera gel also diminish age lines and eradicate skin blemishes.
4. Hair growth and scalp nourishment– Aloe vera gel contains proteolytic enzymes that help repair dead skin on the scalp thus improving blood circulation to the scalp and activate new hair growth. Just like skin, aloe vera gel conditions and soften hair. Since Aloe vera helps in healing dry skin, fungal infections and excessively oily skin, it is an excellent treatment for dandruff and rough hairs.

Author Credit : Dinesh Singh