Health Benefits of Using Aloe Vera on the Face

Aloe Vera serves as one of the most widely used herbal remedies for tropical skin conditions. The gel-like components contained in the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments. For instance, people use it for sunburn, minor cut, or mall abrasions. Despite its healing powers, it is safe for using on the face where it can help with a variety of ailments that may affect ones skin. Below 10 of these benefits on the face:

Aloe Vera plant

1

   Burns – In case of minor burns, a person can apply aloe Vera gel to the affected area up to three times a day for optimal results.

2.      Sunburn – The aloe Vera plant can be used to soothe sunburn. However, it is important to wear sun protection every day for the individuals who are overly sensitive to excessive sun rays.

3.      Small abrasions – Aloe Vera acts as a quick relief for pain and burning sensations.

4.      Cuts – For minor cuts, the molecular structure in aloe Vera helps heal wounds quickly and minimizes scarring by boosting collagen and fighting bacteria.

5.      Dry skin – Aloe Vera gel absorbs quickly, making it ideal for oily skin. Nevertheless, it serves as an effective cure for dry skin.

6.      Frostbite – Frostbite is a severe condition that calls for emergency medical intervention. Aloe Vera serves as a perfect remedy for this condition.

7.      Cold Sores – Unlike canker sores which develop inside the mouth, cold sores develop outside ones mouth. Aloe Vera helps to treat the herpes virus, which is also the underlying cause of cold sores.

8.      Eczema – The moisturizing effects of aloe vera helps to alleviate dry, itchy skin that is associated with eczema.

9.      Psoriasis – Just as with eczema, aloe vera may help alleviate inflammation and itchiness from psoriasis. For excellent results, it is advisable to apply aloe vera gel twice daily to the affected area of the skin.

10.  Inflammatory acne – The anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera, the gel may help treat inflammatory forms of acne, such as pustules and nodules. For optimal results, one should apply the gel with a cotton swab directly to the pimple three times daily.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Honey

Since the historic days, people have used honey as both food and medicine. Since bees collect nectar from almost every plant, honey is very high in beneficial plant compounds and offers several health benefits. Basically, honey is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar, which is 100% empty calories. Below some of the most notable benefits of honey:

1.      Honey contains essential nutrients – From a nutritional point of view, 1 tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. Honey contains virtually no fiber, fat or protein, and has several vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants.

2.      High-Quality Honey is rich in Antioxidants – Honey has numerous important antioxidants which include organic acids and phenolic compounds such as flavonoids. Therefore, honey increases the antioxidant value of a person’s blood leading to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer.

3.      Honey is “Less Bad” than Sugar for Diabetics – Researchers about honey have mixed evidence regarding the relationship between honey and diabetes. On one hand, it is prone to lower several risk factors for heart disease common in people with type 2 diabetes since it eliminates bad LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, some studies reveal that it can also increase blood sugar levels, but not as much as refined sugar. In this case, people with diabetes should consume honey with caution.

4.      The Antioxidants in Honey can help lower Blood Pressure – Studies in both rats and humans show that the exposure to antioxidants in honey reduce blood pressure.

5.      Honey is Essential in Improving Cholesterol – Evidently, high LDL cholesterol levels is a strong risk factor for heart disease because it plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the fatty buildup in your arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Other studies show that honey may improve your cholesterol levels.

6.      Honey can lower Triglycerides – Consequently, elevated blood triglycerides are another risk factor for heart disease. They are also associated with insulin resistance, a major driver of type 2 diabetes. Triglyceride levels tend to increase on a diet high in sugar and refined carbs. Regular honey consumption is associated with lower triglyceride.

7.      The Antioxidants in it are linked to other Beneficial Effects on Heart Health – Because honey is a rich source of phenols and other antioxidants compounds, it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Antioxidants compounds help the arteries in your heart to dilate, increasing blood flow to your heart. They also help to prevent blood clot formation.

Aloe Vera 

8.      Honey promotes burn and wound healing – Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt and is still common today. Studies show that honey is one of the most effective compounds for healing partial thickness burns and wounds that have become infected after surgery. Apart from that, honey is an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which are serious complications that can lead to amputation.

9.      Honey helps to suppress coughs in children – Coughing is a common problem for children who suffer from upper respiratory infections. While mainstream medications for cough are not always effective and can have side effects, honey is a superior choice because it reduces cough symptoms and improves sleep more than cough medication. However, children under one year of age should not consume honey due to the risk of botulism.

10.  Honey is delicious, but still high in calories and sugar – While honey is delicious and healthier than alternative sugar, people are advised to choose a high-quality brand, because some lower-quality ones may be mixed with syrup. You should also keep in mind that honey should be consumed in moderation because it is still high in calories and sugar.

8 Health Benefits of Guava Fruit and Leaves

Guavas are tropical trees that originate from Central America. Guava fruits are amazingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Such a remarkable nutrient content gives them a lot of health benefits. The leaves are also beneficial as people use them as herbal tea and the leaf extract as a supplement.

1.      Guava helps to lower blood sugar levels – Studies have demonstrated that guava improves blood sugar control, especially for people with diabetes or those at risk.

2.      Guava boosts heart health – the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves help to protect the heart from damage by free radicals. Apart from that, the guava leaf extract has been associated with an ability to lower blood pressure due to a decrease in bad LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol.

3.      The guava fruit or leaf extract has the capacity to relieve painful symptoms of menstruation – for many women, it is common to experience dysmenorrhea (painful symptoms of menstruation, such as stomach cramps). Health experts and scientists have provided evidence that shows guava fruit and the leaf extract may reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps.

4.      Has crucial benefits to the digestive system – guavas have sufficient amounts of dietary fiber