(NaturalNews) Aloe vera, a common household plant, does more than provide a home decor boost. In fact, it does wonders in the ways of healing, helping with everything from halting cancer tumor growth and ending constipation to protecting from oxidative stress and treating candida infections.(1)

Natural News' very own Mike Adams says he's " . . . a strong proponent of the health benefits of aloe vera," often enjoying adding aloe vera gel that he gets directly from the plants he grows in his own yard to his smoothies.(1)

There are many benefits of both the gel and the plant itself. Let's take a closer look.

Major health benefits of aloe vera

Fights cancer. Published studies have shown that aloe vera has properties that increase anti-tumor potential and, when coupled with superfoods such as spirulina and alternative therapies as suggested by a naturopathic professional, its health benefits can be even more profound.(1)

Regulates blood sugar levels. Aloe vera can be helpful in managing blood sugar levels, making it particularly ideal for those with diabetes. Some studies have indicated that juice from the gel may help lower blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.(2)

Boosts skin health. The succulent plant has substances called polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), help to ease pain and inflammation while also playing a role in skin repair and growth.(2) It's for this reason that using it as a face cream can improve skin's appearance and that it's also effective in providing relief from burns, insect bites and even poison ivy.(3)

Reduces arthritis pain. Aloe vera can reduce pain associated with inflammation internally, making it a go-to option for those seeking relief from conditions such as arthritis.(1)

Improves air quality. Rather than rely on commercial air freshening products in which sprays and oils contain toxic chemicals that are bad for the body, consider buying a few aloe vera plants. They act as an air purifier, capable of clearing formaldehyde and benzene, toxins that are eye and lung irritants typically found in the home primarily in pressed wood and other products.(4,5)

Consider reaping the many benefits of aloe vera today. The plant is an affordable, effective way to boost overall health naturally.

Sources for this article include:

(1) https://www.naturalnews.com/021858_aloe_vera_gel.html#ixzz38DBkXhnp

(2) http://www.livestrong.com/article/395374-how-to-eat-raw-aloe/

(3) http://www.gardenguides.com/123266-indoor-plants-clean-air.html

(4) http://wakeup-world.com

(5) http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/formaldehyde.htm

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia