Aloe Vera is a skin power food for these reasons

We all keep on looking for hours and hours for that one good recipe to heal our problems. But little did we know that the solution lies in our balconies and windows. The benefits of aloe vera, some known and some unknown are many and definitely a must-know for all!

Aloe vera is a succulent native to the Arabian Peninsula. It is an evergreen perennial plant that is usually found in the tropical, subtropical, and arid climate. This plant is widely cultivated for its medicinal benefits and exceptional healing properties. Apart from that, it is also a very sturdy and resilient house plant that can go days without watering and thrive in very nominal care. Here's a list of benefits of aloe vera that you must know - 

Benefits of Aloe Vera 

1. Beauty Hacks

The leaves of the aloe vera plant hold a gooey, translucent gel that holds many enriching elements like Vitamin A. B, C, and E, 18/20 amino acids, and some organic and inorganic compounds. These can help in the following ways - 

• The gel is a moisturiser. That too without the heaviness that comes with most regular moisturisers. 
• Acts as a completely natural makeup remover.
• Because of its water-retaining qualities, aloe vera gel can soothe sunburns too. 
• Some people also apply it before the foundation as a makeup primer. 

2. Excellent for skincare

Aloe vera juice is proven to reduce acne. Being a great source of antioxidants and vitamins that make the skin healthier. Many recipes and combinations suggest the use of aloe vera with the ingredients like turmeric, rose water, honey, and milk that heal dry skin, sensitive skin and also act as a scrub.

In fact, the benefits of aloe vera can also be applied to the lips. Lips being the softest and sensitive yet the most exposed part of the body needs extra special care. 

3. For improving hair fall

Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that are known to heal and repair the dead skin cells on the scalp. This in turn reduces dandruff along with hair fall. The gel can also be used as an effective conditioner for adding shine and smoothness to the hair. Diane Gage, author of  Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer says, "Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Aloe vera has a chemical make-up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage."

4. Has digestive benefits

Some of the main benefits of aloe vera are the natural antioxidants and healing properties that keep our liver healthy. And a healthy liver means a detoxified body. The juice keeps the liver functioning at the best when the body is nourished and hydrated right. 

Aloe vera also keeps the stomach healthy by breaking down certain sugar and fats and making the functioning of the stomach smoother. This results in better absorption of the nutrients that we consume.

5. Reduces constipation

The latex rather than the juice or the gel is what helps reduce constipation. It is a sticky yellow residue present just under the skin of the leaf. While the juice also helps keep the water content of the intestines high resulting in better absorption of nutrients and reduces constipation. It is also found that it helps keep the healthy bacteria in the gut balanced.

6. Lowers the blood sugar levels

Aloe vera is also credited for increasing insulin sensitivity in the body which in turn manages the sugar levels. A study suggests that has glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Hence, why not start incalculating such a rich drink in our diet to prevent the silent killer of diseases.

7. Reduces dental plaque

Due to Aloe vera's antioxidizing and antibacterial qualities, it works like an excellent solution for dental plaque and gum diseases. It is also suggested that the magic plant can heal canker sores. 

Apart from the above hacks, a study suggests that the plant could also be used to slow down breast cancer. Though there are more advances to be researched, there is definitely a ray of hope here. So if you haven't got the Aloe vera already, get it like NOW!

Picture Credit: naturalsociety.com