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.

Ice cream is a famous dessert of refreshment here in Singapore. Before the coming of yogo or gelato, ice cream is solidifying its presence here. With the coming of different desserts offering different nutritional contents, the popularity of ice cream is somewhat declining.

Despite its declining popularity, there are still Singaporeans who prefer ice cream. If we are health conscious but still love ice cream, there are certain ice creams that we can try. The good news is that there are ice cream treats for less than 150 calories.

Here are some:

• Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Cookies and Cream: If we love chocolate inside and out, this is the best choice. The ice cream boasts of high-fibre ice cream bars. Each bar is only 130 calories.
• Lucerne Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich: If we want to taste three flavours in one, we should try this ice cream. The ice cream will treat us with chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream. The sandwich is at least 150 calories.

• Creamsicle Orange and Raspberry Ice Cream Bars: A bar is at least 100 calories. This ice cream is refreshing because of its combination – sherbet and vanilla ice cream.
• Klondike Slim a Bear Vanilla Bars: A bar is at least 100 calories. This ice cream will indulge us – creamy vanilla ice cream concealed in milk chocolate coating.

We have to remember that too much of something is bad enough. When eating ice cream, it is imperative that we do not overdo it. Little servings or small portions can make a difference at the end of the day. The key here is discipline.

More and more Singaporeans are getting particular about their eating habits. We all want to be healthy and happy. Having this in idea, we should control our eating habits because it is one of the things that define health. Yes, you can just eat anything you want but would that make you better? Eating just anything you want will not make you better.

You have to make sure that you eat the right kind of food. If you do not like fruits and vegetables, you have to start liking it because they comprise a healthy meal. Remember that you can make a conscious effort to make your life longer. We know that as we grow old, our cells start to damage and deteriorate. We have to eat foods that can boost our immune system so it can fight ills and diseases. Here are some foods that you should consider:

• Leafy vegetables: Leafy vegetables contain the highest nutrition. It has fibre and antioxidants which are good for the body. You can consider kale, broccoli, mustard, spinach, lettuce and many more. If you have problems preparing it, you can research for recipes that are simple and manageable. Although greens can be bitter, you have to remember that the bitterness contains the important phytochemicals.
• Olive oil: Olive oil can be paired with almost any leafy vegetables. If you want a simple dish, you can make a salad and make sure that you put some olive oil. You must know that olive oil can narrow the arteries. It also contains antioxidants that can deter colon and breast cancer.

• Flaxseeds: You have to consume flaxseeds too. Flaxseeds are rich in fibre. Fibre is important because it can lower cholesterol plus it can prevent constipation. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is good for everyone. It cuts down the cholesterol. Oatmeal alone can be boring. You can add some fruits, vegetables and milk in your oatmeal if you want to reinvent it. It will taste better.
• Tea: Teas are perfect source for antioxidants. If you are fond of soda, it is time that you replace it with a healthier option. Teas do not taste bad.

Now that you know some foods that can help your body, you have to make sure that you take it in moderation. Do not overdo it because it can indirectly affect you. You can also take vitamins and supplements that can help your body get rid of free radicals that can result to cell damage and deterioration.

If you have a family, you need to encourage them to eat the right kind of food. While your children are young, you have good chances of integrating healthy living. That is not so hard. Also, you can share healthy living to your friends and co-workers. It feels good when you know that you made a difference.