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Published on: Dec 10, 2021
4 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera?

What are the benefits of Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a plant with "healing" properties. It's been known to heal burns, wounds, and other skin ailments for centuries now. The Aloe vera plant thrives in hot, dry environments making it well-suited to desert regions of the world which are also among the poorest areas of the world where less access to healthcare eliminates many injuries before they can get better on their own. The benefits of aloe vera are quite straightforward - lower infection rates accelerated healing time, and lower health care costs because aloe has demonstrated superior results when left untreated or without expensive pharmaceuticals that provide little benefit.

Aloe Vera helps to soothe skin during sunburns, lessen the appearance of scars after pimple/wart removal or laser surgery, soften dry skin on elbows and heels, reduce itching caused by insect bites/eczema allergies. Aloe Vera's antibiotic properties help control acne inflammation. The gel can be used as a cleanser for oily skin with mild acne due to its natural anti-bacterial properties. It is also believed that aloe vera assists in repairing unhealthy follicles which can lead to dandruff if left untreated. The soothing properties of Aloe Vera are useful for people who have an itchy scalp due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Aloe Vera is a remarkable plant found in desert regions around the world. It has been used as a folk Medicine, as an English drugstore, as a native remedy for many conditions and diseases.

The Aloe plant's gel has been widely applied to burns and wounds because of its antibacterial properties
The gel is high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium which seem to promote healing of affected tissues - There whether being a direct effect on tissue from the application or from the effect on inflammatory cells that arrive at the site
In addition, some nutrients might have local effects that are not mediated by inflammation. Thus again one of our reports shows that Aloe Vera helps with skin repair processes

Aloe Vera is used most commonly as a natural remedy for burns. It contains alo-emodin and carrageenan, the two substances that stimulate the productivity of scar tissue and promote faster healing. Aloe can also be used to help heal ulcers, athlete's foot, ringworm, and other skin conditions.

There is one type of aloe that we know really well — aloe vera — with its broad leaves shaped like a rosette on tall stalks. More than 2500 species exist in all, but they grow mainly in Africa and Australia; they’re found mostly near rivers or seacoasts where moist mud collects below tall trees such as those found at waterholes.

Aloe vera has been used for centuries to Treat skin problems, burns, and various other ailments. Some of its more successful applications include treatment for minor cuts and burns, sunburns, rashes due to eczema or allergic reactions, psoriasis prevention, and reduction of ear wax buildup.

It is one of the few plants that humans don't seem to be capable of hurting with the use (i.e., it's perfectly safe). And because it can grow anywhere in the world (even next to an asphalt road), there are numerous studies on its various uses including reducing nerve regeneration delays after surgery or neuropathy treatment, anti-aging effects on aging cells due to DNA repair properties (potentially useful for cancer prevention)

Aloe Vera is an herbal dietary supplement that has been used for centuries in many cultures to support wellness and balance. Traditionally, Aloe vera gel has been used as a topical application to promote the healing of wounds and burns, soothe sunburns, and relieve associated pain such as caused by insect bites or stings. It is said that its health benefits depend on your state of mind when taking it. "One study suggests that aloe vera may reduce stress hormones".

The future of studies suggests developing whole plant extracts with standardized properties (extract concentration, preparation methodology). The benefits of Aloe Vera come from the aloeride polysaccharide, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Aloe is a cactus native to Africa and southern Asia, but it grows all over the world including much of South America. Aloes have been used to treat many different issues for centuries including stomach pains, burns, epilepsy, lacerations, and more.

There are two types of Aloe Vera - Planta or barbadensis- as well as four varieties: Milleri, Briggsiana, Needlepoint and Woodii. In studies on Milleri aloes there were no statistically significant differences in clinical efficacy among these four varieties with regards to reducing inflammatory markers.

Aloe vera has been shown to help with joint and pain relief, pimples, radiation treatment side effects, frostbite care, and hair growth.Aloe Vera is a plant that grows in arid climates like the southwestern United States and northern Africa for instance. It's most known for its "miracle" healing powers when applied externally to people with poisoning or wounds because it speeds up the healing process without having any negative side effects. The inner gel is used medically topically on skin wounds and burns as well as in some cases orally in order to heal ulcers in the stomach which can help give an injured person their appetite back so they can eat again.

Aloe vera is a plant that has been found to be quite beneficial. It can treat some skin conditions including sunburn, and some people even use it on their face before going out in the sun this way they know it's already protected. One of Aloe vera's benefits is detoxification and it can help lower the risk of diseases like cancer, malaria, and high blood pressure because of increased levels of red blood cells. Aloe Vera helps expel excess fluids from tissues by lowering inflammation and irritation, which reduces water retention in tissues such as breast tissue for women who want to get rid of excess chest fat without surgery or invasive procedures. The most common health benefit is the ability to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, impetigo, cuts, burns, and frostbite.

The gel contains polysaccharides that have been shown to have anti-tumor effects by interfering with cancer cell proliferation. The benefits of Aloe Vera are being studied for people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A major role of these treatments is to help remove unhealthy cells from the body however it also means they affect all of the healthy cells as well and can cause additional side effects like hair loss and chronic fatigue because the treatment inhibits cell growth in order to kill them off.

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Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
Vitamin D Deficiency
Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

Dietary Factors
Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
Socioeconomic Constraints
Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
Living Conditions and Health
Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
Weak immune system ? more infections
Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
Lab tests:
- Haemoglobin & complete blood count
- Serum ferritin for iron stores
- Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
- 25-OH vitamin D test
- Serum B12, folate
- Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
- Protein / albumin levels

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
Bone deformities or pain
Severe or recurrent infections
Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

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