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What are the benefits of aloe vera?

By Joe Leech

Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years.

It is best known for treating skin injuries, but also has several other beneficial effects on health.

This is a list of the benefits of aloe vera:

1. Contains healthful plant compounds

Aloe vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves.

It is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, and has an estimated annual market value of $13 billion globally (1).

Aloe vera is well recognized by its thick, pointed and fleshy green leaves, which can grow to about 12-19 inches (30-50 cm) in length.

Each leaf is full of a slimy tissue that stores water, which makes the leaves thick. This slimy, water-filled tissue is the "gel" we associate with Aloe vera products.

The gel contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.

Summary: Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that is used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. Its leaves are full of a gel-like substance that contains numerous beneficial compounds.

2. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Antioxidants are important for health.

Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols (2).

These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in Aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans (2).

Summary: Aloe vera contains various powerful antioxidant compounds. Some of these compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

3. Accelerates the healing of burns



Aloe vera is most commonly used as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin rather than eaten.

It has long been known as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns.

In fact, the FDA first approved Aloe vera ointment as an over-the-counter medication for skin burns back in 1959.

Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns.

A review of 4 experimental studies found that Aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared to conventional medication (3).

The evidence for Aloe vera helping to heal other types of wounds is inconclusive (4).

Summary: Applying Aloe vera to burn wounds appears to accelerate the healing process. The evidence is inconclusive for other wound types.

4. Reduces dental plaque



Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems.

One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to reduce the buildup of plaque (bacterial biofilms) on the teeth.

In a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, 100% pure Aloe vera juice was compared to the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine.

After 4 days of use, the Aloe vera mouth rinse was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque (5).

Another study found similar benefits of Aloe vera mouth rinse when used over a 15- to 30-day period (6).

Aloe vera does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans (7).

Summary: When used as a mouth rinse, pure Aloe vera juice is just as effective at reducing dental plaque buildup as regular mouthwash.

5. Helps treat canker sores



Many people have experienced mouth ulcers, or canker sores, at some point in their lives.

They usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about 7-10 days.

Studies have convincingly shown that Aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.

In a 7-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, an Aloe vera patch applied to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers (8).

However, it did not outperform the conventional ulcer treatment, which is corticosteroids.

In another study, Aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them (9).

Summary: Application of Aloe vera, either as a patch or gel, has been shown to aid in the recovery of mouth ulcers (canker sores).

6. Reduces constipation



Aloe vera has often be used to treat constipation.

This time it is not the gel, but the latex, that provides the benefits.

The latex is a sticky yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf.

The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects (10, 11, 12).

However, some concerns have been raised about safety issues with frequent use. For this reason, Aloe latex has not been available in the US as an over-the-counter medication since 2002.

Contrary to popular belief, Aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13, 14, 15).

Summary: Aloe vera latex has strong laxative effects, making it useful to treat constipation. It does not appear to be beneficial for other diseases of the digestive tract.

7. May improve skin and prevent wrinkles

There is some preliminary evidence that topical Aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin.

In one study of 30 women over the age of 45, topical application of the gel was shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity over a 90-day period (16).

Another study found that Aloe vera reduced erythema (redness of the skin), but was also found to dehydrate skin cells (17).

There is very little evidence that Aloe vera can treat skin conditions like psoriasis and radiation dermatitis (18).

Summary: Early evidence suggests that Aloe vera may have anti-aging effects on the skin, but more research is needed.

8. Lowers blood sugar levels



Aloe vera has sometimes been used as a traditional diabetes remedy (19, 20).

It is said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.

Several animal and human studies in type 2 diabetics have actually found promising results from consuming Aloe vera extract (21, 22, 23).

However, the quality of these studies was fairly poor, so it is definitely premature to recommend Aloe vera for this purpose.

Additionally, there have been some cases of liver damage reported with long-term ingestion of Aloe vera supplements (24).

Summary: Early evidence suggests that Aloe vera may help with blood sugar management, but more research is needed. Ingesting Aloe vera supplements in the long term could also be hazardous.

The bottom line

Aloe vera definitely has some unique therapeutic properties, especially when applied as an ointment for the skin and gums.

Various aloe vera products are available to purchase in health food stores or online, including aloe vera gel, juice, supplements, oil, and powder. Speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a condition.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318591.php

Revolutionary Blood Clot Remover

15 Amazing Guava Benefits: Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly and More

Aashna Ahuja , NDTV | Updated: December 14, 2018

Highlights

• Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber.
• Besides immunity, guava do wonders to skin and also promotes fertility.
• Guava also helps in regulating metabolism which leads to weight loss.

Have not all of us enjoyed a plateful of guavas sprinkled with chaat masala atop? Nothing else can match up to the luscious jams, jellies and murabbas laced withan intoxicating strong-sweet fragrance. Undeniably, it is one fruit which always got enough lauding from our grandmothers. Guava, known as amrood in Hindi, comes loaded with tiny hard seeds at the center. It is believed to have its genesis in Central America where it is alternatively known as "sand plum". It is round or oval in shape with light green or light yellow skin, and the colour of its flesh varies from white or pink to dark red and has edible seeds. Besides its unique flavour and fragrance, guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “Thishumble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that arebeneficial for skin. Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas benefits are credited due to the presence of folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water it helps keep your skin hydrated”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda Hospital.

Guava Nutritional Value

Benefits of guavas are aplenty and now we're going to talk about guava's nutritional value. A 100 gm serving of the fruit contains just 68 calories and 8.92 gm sugar, according to the data of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Guavas are also rich in calcium as they contain 18 gm of the mineral per 100 gm of the fruit. It also contains 22 gm of magnesium per 100 gm of the fruit, as well as significant amounts of phosphorus and potassium- 40 and 417 gm per 100 gm, respectively.

Here are 15 mind-blowing guava benefits for health and skin you need to know: (Also Read: Do Guavas Help You Lose Weight?)

Guava is termed to be a powerhouse of nutrients.

Benefit of Guava for Skin

1. Immunity Booster
Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It's true. Guava fruit contains 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens. Moreover, it keeps your eyes healthy.

2. Lowers Risk of Cancer
“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells. Guava fruit has shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich in lycopene”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

3. Diabetes-Friendly
Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, thefibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

(Also Read: 5 Vegetables You Must Include In Diabetes Diet)

^{The fiber content in guava ensures the sugar levels are regulated}
4. Heart Healthy
Guava fruit helps improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Treats Constipation
It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

6. Improves Eyesight
Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.

(Also Read: Foods For Eyesight: 6 Foods You Should Add In Your Daily Diet)

^{Guavas help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration .}
7. Guava During Pregnancy
Guava's benefits pregnant women too as it contains folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby's nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

8. Beats Toothache
Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus, consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache. The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers.

9. Stress-Buster
The magnesium present in the fruit is responsible for one of the many benefits of guava, helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress and give your system a good energy boost.

(Also Read: 6 Expert Tips To Overcome Mental Stress At Work)

^{Guavas can combat stress.}
10. Good for Your Brain
“Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulatingcognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

11. Weight Loss
Want to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber, guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It's a win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.

12. Cough and Cold
Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.

(Also Read: 6 Home Remedies For Cough To Give Your Instant Relief)

^{Guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cold and cough.}

13. Anti-Ageing Properties
Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day, keeps fine lines away!

14. Improves Complexion
Guava helps regain the skin's radiance and freshness. Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.

15. Improves Texture
Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher. Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!

https://food.ndtv.com/health/15-amazing-guava-benefits-heart-healthy-weight-loss-friendly-and-more-1244242

The Restoration of Mother Mary

Guava Leaves for Hair Growth: How to Use This Ancient Beauty Remedy

Eba Khan | Updated: October 23, 2017

Winter mornings are beautiful; the dewy grass, foggy sky and piping hot masala chai. But as much as I love the season, I dread it for the beauty woes it brings along with it, particularly hair fall. It’s hard to put in words my struggle with hair fall over the years. From undergoing various salon treatments to using expensive hair products claiming to bring respite, I have tried it all. Yet none of them have brought me any luck. And just when I was giving up, I discovered a miraculous natural ingredient that seemed promising to bring back my crowning glory.

Guava leaves, yes, that’s right! Growing in abundance around you, these leaves have the ability to stop hair loss and make it grow back with vigour. Even if you are suffering from minor hair loss at the moment, you must not neglect it. Having to deal with it when it gets severe is not only stressful but expensive as well. So why not opt for a natural remedy that work’s great and is cheap at the same time? Like they say, prevention is better than cure.

Benefits of Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are as great as the fruit, which is credited for being a powerhouse ofnutrients and is widely popular too. Just like the fruit, the leaves too contain vitamin B and C, which help boost collagen activity required for hair growth.

Dr. Sapna V Roshni, Cosmetic Surgeon and Hair Specialist, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, says, “Its benefits are many fold. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which help to maintain a healthy scalp. The vitamin C content improves collagen activity aiding in hair growth and the lycopene content gives protection from sun's UV rays. In short, guava leaves helps one to have a good hair growth solution without burning one's pocket.”

Dr. Anshul Jaibharat, a Delhi-based Nutritionist, says, "guava leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants like vitamin C, and flavonoids such as quercetin that are known to bring about various benefits for our health and beauty."

_{Guava leaves are a natural remedy for hair growth.}

How to Use Guava Leaves

While most of us are unaware about the health benefits of guava leaves, it has been traditional medicine for centuries in Mexico and parts of South America. Including guava leaves in your regular hair care regime can help you see substantial hair growth. Besides its 100% natural, which mean that you needn’t worry about any harmful reaction.

You can use guava leaves to make a cup of tea and drink it regularly or make a lotion to apply it on your hair and scalp. Follow the steps below to make your very own guava leaf hair care solution that will battle hair fall and promote hair growth.

All you require is a handful of guava leaves, one litre of water and a pot for boiling the ingredients.

1. Start by boiling guava leaves in water for 20 minutes, strain the concoction and let it cool down to the room temperature. You must ensure that your hair is product free, so it might be best to use this solution after showering.

2. Once your hair is almost dry, section it and start applying the guava leaf solution. Massage the solution into your scalp for at least 10 minutes and ensure that it’s well spread. Massaging improves blood pressure, which helps the follicles receive more nutrition.

3. Pay extra attention to the roots and tips while you apply the solution. You can leave this solution on for up to two hours. Optionally, you can wrap your hair with a towel and sleep with it.

4. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, and not hot water as it dries out your hair and scalp.

If you are facing a hair fall problem, use this guava leaf solution thrice a week. If you are using it to speed up hair growth and keep your hair shiny, use it twice a week.

Apart from this amazing remedy, eating guava supplies a number of vitamins and minerals to the body, and the unique constituent of this fruit also promotes better absorption of nutrients from the food, which helps in treating hair and scalp problems.

3

COMMENTS

Note: If you are facing severe hair loss, please consult a doctor.

https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/guava-leaves-for-hair-growth-how-to-use-this-ancient-beauty-remedy-1629193

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20 Health Benefits Of Vinegar

Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid and water. The word vinegar is derived from a French word meaning sour wine. Since the time of its discovery, vinegar has been put to a lot of uses. The health benefits of vinegar are aplenty.

Vinegar is used in medicinal practices, scientific research and experiments, and culinary practices. Vinegar is a food product that contains a lot of nutrients. In this aspect, vinegar can be considered as a complex food type and hence, it has a wide range of medicinal uses.

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But, too much of any good thing is bad. Vinegar should be consumed in small portions or after diluting in water. Knowing the amazing health benefits of vinegar will be quite interesting.

Here we are going to list 20 of the most important vinegar benefits related to health and medicine.

Nutrient content

Vinegar benefits can be understood by examining the nutrient content in it like vitamins, amino acids and non-volatile organic acids.

  

Against infection

Even from ancient times of Hippocrates, vinegar benefits included its ability to fight infections.

  

Blood pressure

The calcium and potassium content in vinegar helps to regulate blood pressure level.

  

Cardiovascular diseases

Because of the vinegar benefits of lowering blood pressure, it is also helpful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  

Fight against cancer

The health benefits of vinegar also include its anti-tumour properties, which makes it an effective medicine to fight cancer.

  

Anti-oxidant properties

Vinegar is supposed to be high in anti-oxidants and is among the health benefits of vinegar.

  

Glucose level control

The health benefits of vinegar include its ability to regulate the glucose level in our body.

  

For diabetic patients

Health benefits of vinegar help to suppress our appetite. It is very useful for diabetic people.

  

Cholesterol levels

Health benefits of vinegar are also due to the presence of pectin in it, which helps to get rid of cholesterol in the body.

  

Absorbing calcium

Vinegar contains calcium and also helps to absorb it from other food stuffs consumed.

  

Anti-aging

The anti-oxidant properties of vinegar control the free radical level in the body and fight aging.

  

Bone strength

The presence of calcium in vinegar and the ability to help the body absorb it helps in the formation of strong bones.

  

Reducing obesity

Health benefits of vinegar include its ability to suppress appetite and hence help in reducing obesity.

  

Common cough

Even from ancient times, vinegar is mixed with some honey and taken as medicine for common cough.

  

Disinfectant-resistant mycobacteria

The acetic acid in vinegar helps to fight disinfectant resistant mycobacteria as in tuberculosis.

  

Clotting agent

Health benefits of vinegar also include its ability to function as a clotting agent.

  

Against sore throat

If you have a sore throat, just drink a spoonful of vinegar diluted in a glass of water.

  

Skin inflammations

Vinegar is beneficial in treating skin inflammations and in healing burned skin.

  

Detoxifying substance

Traditional Islamic medicine uses vinegar as a detoxifying substance in case of poisoning.

  

Nausea

A little vinegar can go a long way in clearing up any nausea you may be suffering from.

https://www.boldsky.com/health/nutrition/2014/20-health-benefits-of-vinegar-039967.html