What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It produces two substances that provide health benefits - clear gel and yellow latex. The gel contains active compounds like polysaccharides and antioxidants while the latex has more than 75 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugar, and amino acids.
Key Components of Aloe Gel
Research shows aloe gel offers therapeutic properties thanks to bioactive ingredients such as:
- Aloesin - anti-inflammatory
- Aloe-emodin - laxative effects
- Acemannan - enhances immunity
- Gibberellins - anti-inflammatory and healing
- Lignin - penetrates skin to deliver nutrients
- Saponins - cleanses dirt and microbes
- Salicylic acid - eliminates dead skin cells
- Vitamin C, E, A, and B - support healthy skin
Common Uses for Aloe Gel
Thanks to these powerful elements, topical and oral aloe vera provide benefits for:
- Burns, cuts and wounds
- Skin conditions like eczema and acne
- Dental and oral health issues
- Constipation and digestion support
- Blood sugar regulation
- Heartburn relief
Evaluating Different Forms of Aloe
Aloe vera gel products range from organic pure filleted gel to more processed drinks with added ingredients. Understanding the pros and cons helps determine which is right for you.
Pure Aloe Gel
100% pure aloe gel comes directly from the inner leaf pulp. It retains the highest level of nutrients. Reputable brands flash freeze or cold press leaves shortly after harvesting to prevent oxidation and activity loss. Consider:
- Pros: Very concentrated, nutrient-rich option ideal for topical use.
- Cons: Messy application and unpleasant taste make pure gel less suitable for internal consumption.
Drinkable Aloe Juice
Aloe vera juice offers purified filleted gel diluted with water plus natural flavoring and stabilizers for easier drinking. Advantages and disadvantages include:
- Pros: Convenient way to gain internal benefits. Added citric acid stabilizes and preservesnutrition.
- Cons: Dilution reduces potency somewhat. Added ingredients may cause reactions.
Aloe Supplement Capsules
Encapsulated aloe offers consistency but has some key tradeoffs:
- Pros: Standardized dose in easy take-along pill form removes taste/texture issues.
- Cons: Heat processing degrades delicate enzymes and drying reduces bioavailability for reduced efficacy.
Consider intended use, potency needed and personal preference when deciding which aloe vera product fits your needs.
Benefits of Using Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Pure aloe gel retains the highest concentration of healing compounds for maximum topical and internal effects including:
1. Hydrates Skin
Hyaluronic acid, amino acids and lignins in aloe vera penetrate skin to provide deep long-lasting moisture without oiliness. This helps reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, more vibrant skin tone and texture.
2. Soothes Burns
Multiple studies demonstrate aloe vera gel’s superior ability to treat first and second degree burns by alleviating pain and quickening healing time without side effects compared to standard drug therapies.
3. Treats Acne
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory aloe compounds like saponins, gibberellins and salicylic acid clear acne by removing dirt and infecting bacteria, reducing redness and swelling, unclogging pores and sloughing off dead skin cells.
4. Lightens Skin
Aloe vera inhibits tyrosinase production to prevent skin darkening from sun exposure allowing more even tone. Antioxidants combat free radicals for reduced hyperpigmentation and liver spot formation as well.
5. Boosts Oral Health
Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash support periodontal health thanks to antibacterial activity helping treat mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, canker sores plus plaque and tartar removal.
6. Aids Digestion
Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides that intervene to stimulate intestinal contractions, increase water content and encourage regular bowel movements providing constipation relief.
7. Regulates Blood Sugar
Evidence indicates aloe gel enhances insulin sensitivity by improving cell response and glucose uptake to reduce excess circulating blood sugars in prediabetics and type 2 diabetics.
8. Supports Immunity
Immune-boosting acemannan gets absorbed into macrophages and intestinal cells to accelerate wound closure and new tissue formation while stimulating release of interleukin and other infection-fighting cytokines.
How to Select and Use Pure Aloe Gel
With aloe’s incredible versatility, adding pure aloe vera gel to your personal care repertoire and supplement routine makes sense. Follow these tips for making the most of pure aloe gel.
Choosing a Quality Gel
Read ingredient lists carefully and select certified organic, 100% pure inner leaf aloe gel for maximum purity and potency. It’s best if gel is made from fresh leaves processed rapidly after harvest too. Consider adding a pure aloe leaf spray as well.
Using Gel Topically
Apply liberal amounts directly to clean skin or affected areas as needed to treat conditions like acne, rosacea, burns, rashes etc. For anti-aging effects, use consistently morning and night. Covering gel with gauze can prevent transfer onto clothing or bedding.
Taking Aloe Gel Internally
Add 2 tablespoons aloe gel to smoothies, juices or water once a day. Refrigerate unused portions for up to 10 days. Can also freeze aloe cubes for easy use. Start with small amounts and discontinue use if any stomach discomfort arises.
Pair aloe vera gel with positive lifestyle choices like proper diet, hydration and exercise to enhance overall wellness support too.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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