एलोवेरा
एलोवेरा (ग्वार पाठा) को घृतकुमारी के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। इसमें एमीनो
एसिड और 12 विटामिन
भरपूर मात्रा में मौजूद होते हैं। यह शरीर में खून की
कमी को दूर करता है और शरीर की रोग-प्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढ़ाता है। यह जितना
आपके स्वास्थ्य के लिए लाभप्रद होता है उतना ही आपके बालों और त्वचा के
लिए भी।
एलोवेरा का रस सनस्क्रीन का काम करता है। धूप में निकलने
से पहले एलोवेरा का रस अच्छी तरह से अपनी त्वचा पर लगाने से सूरज की हानिकारक किरणें आपकी त्वचा को नुकसान नहीं पहुंचा पातीं।
एलोवेरा अपने एंटी बैक्टेरिया और एंटी फंगल गुण के कारण घाव को जल्दी भरता
है। चोट लगने या जलने पर इसका जेल निकाल कर लगाने से आराम मिलता है। जलने
के तुरन्त बाद इसके जेल को लगा लेने से छाले नहीं पड़ते और साथ ही जलन भी
समाप्त हो जाती है।
अगर आप का वजन बढ़ रहा है और इसके कारण आप
हमेशा आलस और थकान का अनुभव भी कर रहे हैं तो एलोवेरा जूस का सेवन करें।
एलोवेरा जूस को नियमित रूप से पीने से आप भरपूर तंदुरुस्ती का अहसास करते
है। इससे एनर्जी लेवल भी बढ़ता है और वजन नियंत्रित रहता है।
एलोवेरा जूस पीने से पेट की कई रोग दूर होते हैं। यह पाचन तंत्रिका को
मजबूत बनाता है। इसके रोजाना उपयोग से अपच और कब्ज जैसी समस्या भी दूर
रहती है। पेट में पैदा होने वाले अल्सर को भी यह ठीक करता है।
मोटापे और प्रेगनेंसी के कारण हुए स्ट्रेच मार्क में भी एलोवेरा उपयोगी
होता है। स्ट्रेच मार्क को हल्का करने के लिए रोज सुबह एलोवेरा जैल से
मालिश करें । यह काफी हद तक आपके स्ट्रेच मार्क को कम कर देगा।
झुर्रियों आपको समय से पहले बूढ़ा बना देती हैं इससे बचने के लिए रोजाना
एलोवेरा जॅल से मालिश कीजिये। यह त्वचा को अंदर से मॉइश्चराइज करता है।
इसका रस स्किन को टाइट बनाता है और इसमें मौजूद विटामिन सी और ई के कारण
त्वचा हाइड्रेट भी बनी रहती है।
एलोवेरा शरीर में रक्त की
मात्रा बढ़ाता है और साथ ही रक्त प्रवाह को भी सुचारू बनाये रखने में मदद
करता है। एलोवेरा हाई ब्लड प्रेशर को सामान्य करता है, जिससे हार्ट अटैक
का खतरा कम होता है।
बालों की समस्याओं में उपयोगी
बालों के
लिए एलोवेरा चमत्कारी रूप से असर दिखाता है। बालों संबंधी जितनी भी
समस्याएं हैं एलोवेरा के प्रभाव से दूर हो जाती हैं जैसे- बालों का गिरना,
रूखे बाल, बालों में डेंड्रफ आदि। हफ्ते में दो बार शैंपू करने से पहले
चमेली,सरसों या नारियल तेल में एलोवेरा का यह रस मिलाकर अच्छी तरह से अपने
बालों में लगाएं।
एलोवेरा शरीर से विषैले पदार्थों को बाहर निकाल
कर शरीर की अंदर से सफाई करता है। जिससे त्वचा में चमक आती है तथा
दाग-धब्बों से भी दूर होते है। इसके अलावा एलोवेरा के जैल को त्वचा पर
लगाने से एक्जिमा, पिंपल और सिरोसिस की समस्या भी दूर होती है।
एलोवेरा, मुंह और मसूड़ों के लिए बहुत फायदेमंद होता है। इसके इस्तेमाल से
मसूड़ों की तकलीफ और ब्लड आना बंद होता है। साथ ही मुंह में अल्सर की
बीमारी भी ठीक होती है!
Benefits Of Aloe Vera
The extract of the plant is used in
numerous health and skin care products – some of which include skin
lotions, oils, cosmetics, and certain other medicines.
Also
called ghritkumari in Hindi (and sothu kathalai in Tamil), the plant, in
its various forms, has been widely propagated as a healthful
ingredient. Especially the juice of the plant, about which we are going
to talk about here.
Before we even answer that question, we
need to look at what the juice contains. Aloe vera has been found to
contain 75 potentially active constituents – these include vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, sugar, amino acids, salicylic acids, lignin, and
saponins (1). Briefly put, the vitamins in aloe vera juice include
vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline. It also
contains minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium,
sodium, zinc, and potassium.
There is research that speaks
loads about the goodness of aloe vera juice. But there is some
contradictory evidence too – which carries equal importance. Some
studies have been performed on animals, and similar beneficial results
on humans are uncertain. Also, certain studies on animals have shown
harmful effects. But worry not, we will cover all of that in this post.
Aloe vera juice has digestive and immunity-boosting benefits. It helps
treat intestinal issues and builds immunity. The plant is good for the
heart too – it aids in cholesterol and blood pressure reduction. Other
benefits include balancing the body’s pH levels, improving skin health,
and treating bad breath. It can also stimulate the uterus and improve
menstrual conditions. In fact, aloe vera juice has been mentioned in
Ayurvedic texts too. As per Ayurveda, aloe vera juice can benefit the
eyes and help prevent various eye disorders. It is also useful in
treating jaundice and bronchitis.
You can consume aloe vera juice along with certain other ingredients as well – this can add up to the benefits.
One such ingredient is amla. Amla is rich in vitamin C (it contains
eight times the amount of the vitamin in one orange) and is a potent
antioxidant. Consuming the two can have great benefits on your skin and
prevent inflammation.
You can mix aloe juice with honey too –
it is low in sugar than most other drinks, and you have the advantage of
phytonutrients. So is the case with aloe juice and lemon – it can be
incredibly refreshing.
You can take aloe vera juice before going to bed as this has shown to aid belly fat reduction.
In some parts of the world, aloe vera juice is also called aloe water.
So, if you come across someone serving you aloe water, you know what
that is.
Now, we get to the details – the benefits of aloe vera juice drink, and what they can mean to you.
Uses of Aloe Vera
1. Treats Digestive Issues
The juice has laxative properties that can aid digestion. It encourages
gut bacteria and regulates bowel movements. It has also been found to
soothe and cure stomach ulcers.
Aloe vera juice can cleanse the
digestive tract, which is vital for the treatment of irritable bowel
syndrome (which occurs due to the build-up of toxins in the
gastrointestinal tract). Though other forms of aloe vera also help in
this regard, the benefit of the juice is it can be absorbed by the
stomach much easily. The juice also stimulates the production of bile in
the gallbladder – this breaks down the fats in the body that can
otherwise get accumulated and cause constipation.
According to
an Iranian study, aloe vera juice can reduce abdominal pain and
flatulence in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (2). However, more
research is required in relation to stool consistency in these patients.
And not just the juice, even the latex of the aloe vera plant can help
cure constipation (3).
As per another Indian study, aloe vera
is extensively used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. It exhibits
antibacterial properties against H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for
gastric infections (4). Another Indian study states that the use of
aloe vera for digestive ailments has no adverse effects (5). But a major
portion of this research is based on personal experiences (and not on
scientifically documented evidence), which is why more studies are
warranted.
Though the juice can have an anti-inflammatory
effect on people suffering from ulcerative colitis, it might also cause
diarrhea (6). Hence, practice caution.
As we have seen, the
juice has laxative properties – the anthraquinones and barbaloin in aloe
stimulate the bowel and increase its tone (7).
You can also use aloe vera to cleanse your colon by injecting it into the colon with water. This process is called an enema.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can help treat irritable
bowel syndrome (8). As per a Mexican study, the anti-inflammatory agents
in aloe vera can also treat edema (9). Decolorized aloe was also found
to reduce skin inflammation, especially when used by podiatric
(specialists in foot care) physicians (10).
Another German
study revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera on the
skin. The gel (and potentially the juice too) had reduced UV-induced
erythema (11).
A hormone called gibberellin in aloe vera juice
is found to fight inflammation in diabetic individuals. The study was
conducted on diabetic animals with poor anti-inflammatory capabilities.
With aloe vera ingestion, they were able to fight inflammation better
(12). And aloe vera helps cure not just internal inflammation, but also
the pain associated with it (13).
Aloe can immensely benefit
people with joint pains. According to one study, aloe vera can be used
in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, and particularly, one that
is caused by osteoarthritis (14). But still, long-term studies are
required to prescribe aloe vera juice as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Topical administration of aloe vera can also inhibit pain related to
arthritis (15).
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the
juice can provide relief from joint immobility. The aloe vera juice (and
the gel) also acts as an effective base to prepare a compound called
nimesulide emulgel, which possesses significant anti-inflammatory
properties and could be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Promotes Heart Health
As per a report, a set of 5,000 patients (suffering from chest or heart
pain for five years), upon consuming aloe vera, had shown a reduction
in the pain symptoms. And not just that, they also exhibited reduced
levels of cholesterol and blood sugar (in diabetic patients) (16).
An Indian study conducted on rats showed that aloe vera could mitigate
heart problems that usually were a side effect of the drug doxorubicin
(used for cancer treatment) (17).
In another study, patients
with higher blood cholesterol showed a 15% decrease in their cholesterol
levels post treatment with aloe vera for 12 weeks.
And another
Indian study had stated the cardioprotective activity of aloe vera
(18). Supplementation of aloe vera, along with appropriate nutritional
counseling, had lowered blood pressure levels in diabetics (19).
According to an Iranian study, aloe vera can prevent atherosclerosis
(20). The juice has been shown to prevent fatty streak development,
thereby halting plaque formation and ultimately protecting the heart.
Aloe vera had also shown to lower cholesterol levels of the liver (21).
In the study, the group supplemented with aloe showed a 30% reduction
in hepatic cholesterol levels.
Aloe vera juice also dilates the
capillaries and enhances the arterial walls – and the vitamin C in aloe
vera helps lower blood pressure. Vitamin C is important for the
synthesis of collagen, the protein required in the blood vessels.
3. Detoxifies The Body
One Italian study focused on the efficacy of aloe vera in
detoxification – stating that it helps flush the toxins out of the body
(22). The juice of the plant has also been found to be effective in this
process (23).
The liver is one of the important organs
involved in the detox process – and as per a study, aloe vera exhibits
hepatoprotective activity (24).
Also, as aloe vera possesses laxative properties, it can clear the ingested toxins from the digestive system (25).
As per another Turkish study, aloe vera has a protective effect on the
liver in diabetic patients (26). This is specifically true in the case
of patients with type 2 diabetes.
The potassium in aloe vera
juice helps it to stimulate the liver and kidneys, two vital organs of
detoxification (27). Aloe also contains uronic acid that eliminates
toxins within the cells.
4. Aids Weight Loss
What are
the benefits of aloe vera juice for weight loss? One way aloe juice
could help in weight loss is through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is linked to weight gain and metabolic issues, and aloe
vera juice could play its part in promoting weight loss.
Aloe
vera juice also contains aloin, which is a potent laxative (we already
saw aloe’s laxative effects). This could also aid weight loss. But hey,
there is not much evidence with respect to this.
Another animal
study found that aloe vera contains potent sterols that can improve
body composition. Obese rats fed with these sterols had lower levels of
body fat after 35 days. A similar effect is possible in humans as well.
And as per a Japanese study, ingestion of aloe vera can prevent
diet-induced obesity (28). It achieved this by stimulating energy
expenditure and reducing the accumulation of body fat.
Aloe vera also had beneficial effects on obese individuals with prediabetes or diabetes (29).
5. Supports The Immune System
Aloe vera juice can work great for your immunity. You can take a shot
of the juice before hitting the bed – the juice will work its way
through your system as you are asleep. You should be seeing the
beneficial effects (like improved overall well-being, reduced frequency
of sickness) in a month – if you are regular.
As per a Polish study, ingestion of aloe vera could stimulate cellular and humoral (related to bodily fluids) immunity (30).
According to the National Cancer Institute, aloe vera gel can act as an
immune system enhancer (31). And same could be said about the juice as
well.
6. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Preliminary research suggests aloe vera juice intake can help improve blood glucose levels (32).
As per another analysis, diabetics with fasting blood glucose of more
than 200 mg/dl can benefit the most from oral aloe vera treatment. Aloe
vera juice also contains chromium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese – all
of which improve the effectiveness of insulin. However, as we have seen,
further research is required.
Another American study talks
about UP780, an aloe based composition that has been found to aid in the
maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels (33). Similar effects could
be possible with aloe vera juice. And given its ability to reduce blood
glucose, aloe vera is commonly used for diabetes treatment (34).
7. Help To Fight Cancer
Most anti-cancer agents have their origins in plants, and aloe vera is
one of them. As per a UAE study, aloe vera can inhibit cancer cell
growth and increase the effectiveness of cancer drugs like cisplatin
(35).
Accumulating scientific evidence throws light on the
preventive and therapeutic potentials of aloe vera juice against various
forms of cancer. Aloe contains bioactive compounds like aloin, lectin,
and aloesin, which have shown antiproliferative effects (36).
Aloe vera juice can halt the growth of cancer tumors. It also lubricates
the digestive tract and prevents colon cancer. More importantly, aloe
vera can maximize the effects of anti-cancer herbs.
Acemannan, a
phytonutrient in aloe vera, is garnering attention in the recent times
in the scientific spheres. The study showed the cancer tumors shrinking
post treatment with the phytonutrient, along with enhancing
post-treatment survival of the individual.
Aloe vera also heals
precancerous lesions as per a study. The juice has also been found to
reduce the damage done to the body by radiation therapy. It even reduces
metastases, thereby halting cancer proliferation (37).
That’s
one part of it. On the other hand, it is important to note that there is
no extensive research on aloe vera juice and its cancer-curing
properties (38). Certain laboratory studies have also shown that intake
of aloe can enhance immunity that can, in turn, kill the cancer cells.
But again, we don’t have enough research.
8. Promotes Alkalinity
Aloe vera juice is alkaline, and hence balances your body’s pH levels. A body with an acidic pH can attract disease.
9. Hydrates The Body
Aloe vera juice contains nearly 200 active components, and it
undoubtedly replenishes the body (39). The juice is very much hydrating.
It holds off the thirst that might otherwise cause exhaustion and
fatigue (40). And since it contains a decent amount of potassium too,
you get an added advantage. Potassium can boost your energy levels.
Aloe vera can also be used to eliminate the disease-causing bacteria in
the mouth (42). One Indian study states that aloe vera could have
unlimited use in the field of dentistry (43).
Aloe vera juice
can also act as an efficient mouthwash, without any side effects (44).
It had significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis in one study.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can also play a role in treating plaque-induced gingivitis(45).
10. Enhances Skin Health
Aloe vera can heal wounds and soothe the skin. It has also shown its
efficacy in treating eczema, dandruff, skin ulcers, and canker sores. It
even helps treat sunburn – it exhibits its healing activity at the
epithelial layer of the skin. This is recommended by dermatologists to
remove tan as well.
The juice can also moisturize your skin without making it feel greasy. It also prevents the skin from drying.
The two hormones in aloe vera, auxin and gibberellins, help heal acne and treat the scars.
Aloe vera can also help hide the stretch marks caused during pregnancy,
or by rapid weight gain or weight loss. And its antibacterial
properties ease psoriasis.
Aloe vera has its uses in beauty as
well. You can use it to remove your makeup. It’s a better alternative to
all those other makeup removers that contain harsh chemicals. And not
just that – how about an aloe vera face wash? You can mix it with one
teaspoon each of almond milk and lemon, and use it as a face wash. Let
it sit on your face for a few minutes before you rinse it off.
What’s more – you can even use it as an eyebrow gel. Simply dip a clean
mascara wand in the juice and sweep it over your eyebrows.
As
per studies, aloe vera also improves wrinkles and enhances the
elasticity of photoaged skin (46). And according to an Iranian study,
aloe vera can accelerate the wound healing process (47).
Aloe vera can even promote the growth of new skin cells. And more interestingly – it can absorb 20 to 30% of the UV rays (48).
Aloe can be an excellent treatment for acne, given it contains
substances that can reduce pain and inflammation. You can simply dab a
thin layer of the juice on the affected areas of your face.
Not
just that, aloe vera can also act as an antiseptic (49). And it works
great in slowing down the aging process. The juice stimulates the
fibroblasts (that produce collagen and other elastin fibers), making the
skin much more elastic and reducing wrinkles. The juice can also heal
sunburns as aloe has good cicatrization (forming a scar after an injury
and accelerating the healing process) effects (50).
Aloe vera
could also help relieve eczema symptoms. Though most of the information
we have in this aspect is just from personal testimonies, logic supports
aloe vera. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, it is quite logical
to believe that it can aid eczema treatment. Eczema manifests itself as
dry patches on the skin – and since aloe vera juice is extremely
hydrating, it can work wonders in relieving the related itchiness. Aloe
vera juice also activates internal cleansing (it detoxifies, as we have
seen), and this can have a beneficial effect on psoriasis.
11. Treats Heartburn
One of the effective health benefits of aloe vera juice is treating
heartburn As per studies, aloe vera juice can be more effective than
certain medications for treating heartburn or acid reflux. This holds
true particularly with purified and decolorized aloe vera juice. In a
2015 study, aloe vera juice had reduced the symptoms of acid reflux
better than certain traditional medications, and that too, without any
side effects.
And since the aloe vera juice has the ability to soothe the gastrointestinal tract, it can assuage the symptoms of heartburn
The enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera juice soothe
and moisturize the scalp. This can treat itchy scalp and dry hair as
well.
The juice also contains protolytic enzymes that eliminate
the dead skin clogging the hair follicles. The alkaline characteristic
of aloe vera also balances the pH of the hair.
The juice can
also act as a good conditioning agent as it adds shine to your hair and
controls frizz. And the vitamins and minerals in the juice strengthen
your hair.
According to an Iranian study, the antibacterial properties of aloe vera help treat dandruff as well (52).
12. Provides The Essential Amino Acids
Aloe vera juice offers all the essential amino acids, which your body
cannot produce (53). These amino acids, apart from promoting overall
health, can also help in muscle building.
And because of its detoxifying effects, the juice also helps build lean muscle mass.
13. Improves Brain Health
In one study, individuals given diets including aloe vera performed
better on tasks of memory recall and recognition, and more importantly,
reported reduced incidences of tension or low mood (54). These effects
could be attributed to the saccharides in aloe vera.
That’s
about the superb benefits of drinking aloe vera juice. But how can you
enjoy its benefits if you don’t know how to prepare it?
कलम का तिलक इंटरनैशनल न्यूज पोर्टल से जुड़े अन्य अपडेट लगातार हासिल करने के लिए हमें फेसबुक ग्रुप और गूगल प्लस पर ज्वॉइन करें फेसबुक पर लाईक करें, टविटर पर फॉलो करे बच्चों की हिन्दी मनोहारी कहानीयां पढने के लिये यहां कलिक करें
