Aloe Vera
Proven Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
- Aloe vera prevents inflammations by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase pathway.
- Aloe vera helps in the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Aloe vera prevents necrosis and helps to destroy cancer cells.
- Aloe vera has incredible antiseptic properties, making it effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
- Aloe vera binds moisture into the skin and makes it look younger.
- Aloe vera shields the skin from the effects of harmful radiation
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant, although, it said to be in the family of onions, asparagus and garlic. Aloe vera is one of the oldest plants to have been known to have potent health benefits. Several writings and references from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greek thinkers like Aristotle and the bible attest to that. The plant is made of an insignificant stem, the roots and long, thick fleshy leaves with pointy teeth at the edges. Through the ages, the plant has been beloved for its leaves. The leaves are made up of green outer skin, a thick mass of gel, and thin strip of bitter, yellow sap. The gel is mainly water and energy compounds. The active ingredients in aloe vera are polysaccharides, anthraquinones, chromones and enzymes. They are found in the gel and sap, which can be collected by breaking the outer skin.
What is the Usefulness of Aloe Vera?
Throughout the ages, top of aloe vera’s claim to fame has been the wonders it works on the skin. Research show that Mannose-6-phosphate in the gel interacts with collagen to form more cross links to shrink and pull broken skin together, in the process of wound healing.1 Another important polysaccharide in the gel, acemannan, is instrumental in protecting the skin against radiation, and also in wound healing. Studies show that anthraquinone, which is key in the moisture-retaining abilities of aloe vera, has similar effect on skin, and hence, its extensive application in the cosmetic industry. Talk of products like moisturizers, sun lotions, shaving creams, shampoos and cleansers. Aloe vera also features as a food supplement in many functional foods like yoghurts and healthy beverages.
Health Benefits:
- Rejuvenated, healthy skin
- Prevents radiation damage to skin
- Analgesic Anti-inflammatory
- Fights against tumor and cancer cells
- Laxative
- Boosts immune system
- Anti-bacterial
- Arthritis
Nutrition
Aloe vera does not contain much of macronutrients, and in food applications, it is sought for its active ingredients. Aloe vera is rich in anthraquinones, complex polysaccharides, sugars such as glucose and mannose, enzymes, vitamins B1, B2, B6, c, β-carotene and folic acid, and light molecules such as arachidonic acid, gibberellin, lignin and steroids. These are found in the gel and sap, which are the main substances of interest in aloe vera. It also contains minerals such as Calcium, Chromium, Selenium, Potassium, Sodium, Copper and Zinc.
Toxicity
In modern times, sap and gel of aloe vera may be collected and packaged or active ingredients may be extracted to add to other products. The US FDA stipulates that these active ingredients do not exceed 50ppm in cosmetic products.
Aloe vera may cause redness, burning sensation and irritation to a few sensitive individuals, hence it is recommended that it be applied to a small area first for first-time users. When ingested, individuals who react to aloe vera may experience abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine or worsened constipations. Prolonged use for laxative effect has been linked with colorectal cancer. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised against oral use of aloe vera due to several complications.3