You’ve probably stumbled upon a social media ad touting the benefits of aloe vera and have become curious about this seemingly magical plant. There are so many things you probably didn’t know about aloe vera — maybe you’ve been wondering if this natural resource will be beneficial to any of your health needs.
Most people know aloe primarily for its treatment of sunburns. However, these plants are used across the globe in a variety of ways. Aloe vera can be a healthy addition to your daily life.
The aloe plant contains over 75 different nutrients, minerals, vitamins, sugars, enzymes, phenolic compounds, and amino acids. It’s no wonder that people are seeking out its natural health benefits.
Let’s take a look at our list of the top 10 things you didn't know about aloe vera (but you’ll be glad to learn).
1. Aloe Vera May Aid in Some Illness Prevention
Aloe vera plants contain a significant amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to help the body resist free radicals — which are unstable, reactive molecules that cause aging and cellular harm — inside your body. The antioxidants neutralize these radicals, preventing the cells from evolving into illnesses like cancer.
According to a Chinese review, the older the aloe vera plant is, the greater the antioxidants’ ability to kill free radicals. A three-year-old aloe vera product with a 72.19% potency against free radicals was included in the report.
This data compared to two and four-year-old plants that were also tested. The data suggests that aloe vera contains varied active components and active antioxidant components in different degrees at different stages of development. Make sure to keep your aloe vera plants for 2-3 years to maximize those health benefits if you plan on harvesting at home.
2. Aloe Vera May Help Aid in Hair Growth
For some, aloe vera may be the way to go when it comes to new hair growth due to the enzymes it contains. Aloe vera can increase blood circulation to the scalp, which can in turn activate new hair growth over time.
Aloe vera can also help clean the scalp and balance its pH levels. This process allows the scalp to remain clean, maintain good blood circulation, and encourage hair growth.
3. Aloe Vera Has Amino Acid Benefits
Aloe vera contains 19 out of the 20 amino acids the human body needs. Our bodies themselves only produce 12 of these amino acids, leaving us to consume the rest. Therefore, it's not a bad idea to look for foods and drinks now and again that contain aloe vera.
4. Aloe Vera May Help with Digestion
Eight specific enzymes that may help digestion are present inside aloe vera. These enzymes help the breakdown of fats and sugars that improve nutrient absorption and help digestion. Some of the enzymes are known as proteases and lipases. Their job is to aid digestion and break down food.
5. Aloe Vera Can Bring Out Your Skin's Natural Glow
Aloe vera contains 10 of the essential minerals for your skin — and not just for sunburned skin. These minerals are calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chromium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. They aid in giving you more glowing skin. This fact makes aloe vera a great thing to add to your skincare regime.
6. Aloe Vera Can Be Used as an Acne Treatment
Of aloe vera’s many minerals, zinc is one of the most used in natural vitamin supplements and skincare products to help improve blemishes. Aloe reduces the amount of natural oil (sebum) the skin produces, and it can also heal irritated, burned, or damaged skin.
Some studies suggest that acne formation is due to a zinc deficiency. Applying aloe vera topically and taking it orally can help you with your acne. You can do both methods, or try just one.
7. Aloe Vera May Help With Pain Reduction
Among aloe vera's enzymes, kinase is well-known for pain reduction. It has been shown to reduce inflammation when applied topically and even expedite wound healing. Enzymes present in aloe vera stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production in the skin and increase levels of hyaluronic acid in healing wounds.
8. Possible Cancer Preventative
Researchers have uncovered findings that indicate aloe vera is an agent for prevention of carcinogenesis. The research is not complete yet, but there is evidence to support this theory.
One study in Japan had some interesting findings. They found that drinking aloe juice helped prevent pulmonary carcinogenesis (respiratory cancer) to a probability that was significant. Studies are ongoing as to how aloe may positively benefit other areas of the body in cancer prevention.
9. Blood Sugar Reduction Aid
When we talk about blood sugar, we often refer to diabetes. Diabetes is a disorder involving the carbohydrate metabolism of the body characterized by lower insulin secretion. Essentially, diabetes affects your body's pancreas, specifically in that it has a difficult time converting sugar into energy.
The symptoms, causes, and treatments of diabetes vary and need to be carefully separated. Wound healing is an issue with diabetics, and aloe vera is often used to help with this process.
One study showed that aloe vera could be helpful for diabetes patients. The study involved over 3,000 mildly diabetic Indian patients and reduced blood sugar levels in 90% of the cases.
Choose an Aloe Vera Company Who Has Total Process Control
The best way to ensure that you're getting the highest quality aloe gel possible is to choose a company with complete control over the manufacturing process, from growing to harvesting and processing.
At Aloe Laboratories, we maintain our own aloe vera farm and production site, allowing us to craft the most satisfactory products possible while keeping bulk and wholesale prices low. We pride ourselves on producing aloe vera gel, juice, and powder specific to each customer's needs.
If you'd like to learn more about how aloe vera gel can enhance your products, or if you have some ideas of your own, reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you make your product a reality.