Aloe vera is a plant with large green gel-filled leaves known specifically for its nutritional and medicinal properties, it’s one of the aloe plant species which is edible.
This plant has been cultivated for its soothing gel for thousands of years.
Today, aloe vera juice has become immensely popular among women for its potential benefits.
This article further elucidates the benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.
Nutrition per serving
30 ml of pure aloe juice contains:
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Calories: 8kcal
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Sugar: less than 1 gram
• Fibre: 2 grams
Aloe vera constitutes 96 per cent water content and is filled with vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, folic acid, and choline, along with micronutrients like minerals calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc which are necessary for our body’s daily functioning.
Aloe vera juice has levels of magnesium which is vital for more than 300 types of enzymes in our body, including those which help to regulate blood pressure.
It also helps control heart rhythm.
Aloe vera: rich in antioxidants
Aloe vera juice is enriched with polyphenols which are packed with antioxidants.
Antioxidants help the body to fight free radicals which lower the oxidative stress on the body; reducing the chances of chronic conditions which include heart diseases, diabetes, etc.
Increased oxidative levels can also lead to respiratory diseases. Antioxidants in aloe vera include beta-carotene which helps maintain the glow on your skin and protects against UV radiation of the sun.
Benefits of Aloe Vera juice for skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel make it ideal for skin burns and other skin disorders like atopic dermatitis.
Aloe vera gel has moisturising properties which help to unclog the pores and softens the skin. It leaves the skin with a radiant glow.
Aloe vera also helps fade stretch marks as well as reduces any other kind of scar marks.
It is also used on cuts and burns as it provides a cooling effect on it and helps the wounds heal faster as it forms a kind of shield between an atmosphere full of bacteria and skin.
It can be used as an aftershave treatment. This is because the Aloe Vera gel helps to keep the skin hydrated and heals burns by razors and smaller nicks & cuts. It also helps treat dry skin.
Being rich in vitamins C and A, drinking aloe vera gel also eradicates visible blemishes, and acne and helps fade scars. It also has visible anti-ageing properties.
Aloe Vera is also known to penetrate the epidermis, i.e., the outer layer of the skin faster than water.
Aloe vera juice for Digestive Issues
Aloe vera has shown laxative properties as well which makes it obvious for helping digestive issues in a person. Diarrhoea coupled with constipation are regular digestive problems that often result from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the aloe vera plant is widely known to provide easy healing solutions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera may help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, which can contribute to IBS symptoms.
When ingested, aloe vera juice has a relaxing effect.
Taking too much laxative may make your symptoms worse. Other symptoms of IBS include cramping, abdominal pain, flatulence, and bloating. Aloe has shown potential for helping these problems as well.
Aloe vera juice on improving dental and oral health
Aloe vera used as a mouthwash has a great effect on oral health. As it helps to make the gums stronger and prevents the weakening of teeth.
It is also speculated that aloe vera gel could help reduce dental plaque and manage pain and swelling following oral surgery.
Also, aloe vera is helpful in eradicating cavities from teeth. This also helps in improving pain associated with lip and mouth blisters and sores.
Aloe vera juice provides freshness to the mouth hence it gives relief to toothaches and other gum-related pains.
Aloe vera juice for improving blood sugar levels
Various research has concluded that consuming aloe vera juice can improve blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetic conditions. However, it doesn’t have the same effect on people with type 2 diabetes.
Aloe vera juice also helps to regulate the blood fatty acid. A further connection between diabetes and aloe vera requires much research.
It usually takes 2-3 months of continuous consumption of aloe vera juice to see effects on the body.
Aloe vera enriched with vitamin C
Vitamin C has a variety of specific benefits, from reducing a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease to improving immune system function.
Getting enough vitamin C also enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant-based foods.
About 8 oz of fortified aloe vera juice contains 9.1 grams of vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for a person’s overall health, as it is a natural antioxidant and helps fight inflammation.
Various other benefits of Aloe vera juice
• Promotes hair growth
• Reduces hair fall
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Relieves eye irritation
• Fades stretch marks
Aloe vera juice has several benefits as stated which makes it rightly considered the ‘miracle plant’.
Conclusion
Aloe vera juice contains high amounts of antioxidants and various other nutrients which accelerates healing as well as strengthen the immune system.
Due to its diverse visible benefits on the skin, it is highly sought after and is incorporated into diets by health coaches and dieticians.
Because of the various properties of the aloe vera plant the juice works wonders on many health conditions. Aloe vera must be included in one’s diet in order to improve an individual's health.
FAQs
How do you get aloe vera gel out of the plant?
With clean hands, snip one of the leaves close to the bottom of the plant.
Put the cut side down in a glass to allow the latex to drain for about 10 minutes.
Then remove the leaf spikes and use a vegetable peeler to get to the clear gel inside. Scoop it out and store in a clean container.
How do I care for an aloe vera plant?
Plant it in a potting mix for cactus and other succulent plants.
Keep the aloe vera in bright, indirect light. Let the top third of the soil dry out before watering so the roots don't rot.
Can I use aloe if I have a latex allergy?
It may not be a good idea. If you use aloe vera and you have a latex allergy, you may experience a reaction.
These range from mild skin rash or hives to nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
It's rare, but aloe latex can trigger a serious and potentially fatal, whole-body reaction known as anaphylaxis
What are the side effects of aloe vera juice?
According to reports, decolourised whole-leaf aloe vera is considered safe.
However, decolourised is known to have a number of side effects including diarrhoea and cramping.
Researchers suggest that the impurified aloe vera juice has anthraquinone, a laxative which is known to be harmful and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, aloe vera juice is known to interact with a few drugs. Thus, before deciding on the quantity, it’s best to consult your doctor.
Do I have to drink pure aloe vera juice?
No, you can consume Aloe vera juice in other various forms as well.
Like you can add the juice to your smoothies, and mix it with cocktails and lemonades.
You can also make aloe vera gelatin.
How much aloe vera juice should be consumed in a day?
Aloe vera juice should be consumed only in small quantities that are less than 30 ml at a time.
But yes you can consume it 3 times a day. However, do not consume it all in one go.
Does aloe vera juice contain sugar?
Aloe vera juice is mostly water with a minimal amount of carbohydrates that too in the form of sugar.
So it is consumable by diabetic patients and is also beneficial for them in various forms.