In various countries and cultures, aloe vera has been popular as a traditional medicine, and there have been countless testimonies to its healing powers. It is used to treat various ailments and even prevent cancer. It is a common ingredient in beauty and health products.
Aloe Vera Latex
The most useful part of the aloe vera are its leaves. The thick green leaves has three layers. The latex is found just beneath the uppermost layer. It’s a yellowish sap, also called juice, and has a bitter taste.
Aloe vera latex gives the same benefits as the aloe vera gel; however, it is mostly known for its ability to treat constipation and hemorrhoids. If the proper daily dosage is observed, it is an effective laxative. They are taken orally and usually takes 10 hours to be effective.
Be careful about extracting aloe vera latex to get aloe vera gels in Singapore yourself because it contains a high level of anthraquinones, which can cause diarrhea. Only purchase products that have been approved and are regulated.
Aloe Vera Juice
Considered one of the oldest superfood to be documented, aloe vera juice has become more popular among the health-conscious lately. The juice includes both the gel and the latex of the aloe vera leaves. It is made by grinding or crushing the whole leaves. The juice is then filtered and mixed with other juices to make it tastier. Some dining establishments in Singapore also make shakes or smoothies containing extracts of the plant.
Its benefits include improved hydration, balancing the alkalinity of the body, nutritional boost, clearing skin problems, detoxification and improved bowel movement, and relief of digestive problems.
As long as correct preparation is observed, aloe vera juice is safe. Choose nondecolorized juice as it has a lower level of anthraquinones. Ask your doctor about possible drug interactions if you are on medication.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera in Singapore is used to treat different health conditions. The gel is very safe to use when proper daily dosage is observed. It is most useful for healing skin problems. Ask your doctor about using the product. Take care not to ingest the product and keep it away from children. In case the product is ingested orally, take the person to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure that you’re not allergic to aloe vera before using any products.
Before applying the aloe vera gel, clean the area first. The skin must be dry before applying the ointment or cream. Wash your hands thoroughly after the application. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and to consult your doctor if you experience allergic reactions. Do not use the product for a prolonged period unless advised by a doctor in Singapore.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular treatment for burns and other skin conditions. But it has more beneficial properties besides its soothing effect. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, and E. Vitamin B1 helps in digestion, B2 is an antioxidant, B3 cleanses the body, B6 maintains the cardiovascular and digestive processes, and B12 is needed to keep blood cells healthy.
Minerals such as calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper are also present in aloe vera. Calcium makes the bones stronger, sodium is used in maintaining blood pressure, iron is used for energy, magnesium is needed for different processes in the body, potassium cleans the cells and protects blood vessels, and copper keeps the heart healthy and prevents osteoporosis.
Anthraquinones are also present. These are organic compounds with laxative properties. Twelve in all, they are also valued for their antiviral and antibacterial characteristics. They are removed by manufacturers from the product, however.
The fatty acids, which are plant-based, have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used to alleviate body pain.
Polysaccharides, such as acemannan, are valued for their antiviral properties can also be found in aloe vera. They are used to treat gastrointestinal ailments.
Other components include amino acids and hormones. It has 2 essential amino acids and 20 required amino acids. The hormones are used to heal wounds faster.
Side Effects and Interactions
There are conflicting evidences about the benefits of aloe vera, however. Its critics point out that the only evidences of its effectiveness are anecdotes. When ingested orally, aloe vera can do more harm than good. Even topical creams should follow the correct daily dosage so that they’re safe to use.
While some will not experience side effects, other might see the following symptoms: skin irritation or rashes, hives, difficulty breathing and swallowing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the face especially around the mouth, eyes and tongue. These might be symptoms of an allergic reaction. Take the person immediately to the nearest hospital.
If you want to include aloe vera in your supplements, you should consult a Singapore doctor first. Like any type of medicine, aloe vera has side effects.
The aloe latex can cause complications if you don’t follow correct instructions on the label. It’s a laxative, which means that it induces bowel movement. Be careful with using laxatives to treat constipation and hemorrhoids because they can also cause diarrhea.
There are also products sold in the market that do not have aloe vera at all. These products were tested and found that some did not contain the three chemical markers of aloe vera. These are malic acid, glucose and acemannan. Be wary of purchasing products from suspicious suppliers. Some manufacturers substitute maltodextrin for aloe vera. Check the product label and ingredients. It should not only list the ingredients but indicate the amount of each ingredient. Check the label for certifications and testing.
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