The Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is a very popular plant all over the world. It has been used as an ingredient in the production of many medicinal plants and cosmetics.
People attribute many health benefits to aloe vera, so it is often included in their life in many different forms. One of the most popular ways to consume it is as aloe vera juice.
According to the experts at the World Health Organization, it’s important to not to confuse aloe vera gel with aloe vera juice. The gel is viscous and transparent, while the juice is yellowish and bitter.
It’s also important to clarify that the juice is made from the flesh of the aloe vera plant.
The properties of aloe vera
Studies show that aloe vera is the only plant-based source of vitamin B12 that we know of. It’s also a source of proteins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and essential fatty acids.
Other sources show that aloe vera also contains sugars, enzymes, anthraquinone, and phytohormones like gibberellin.
Because aloe vera is rich in these substances, the properties that people attribute to aloe vera gel are that it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regenerative, and antibacterial.
Preparing aloe vera juice
Fresh aloe vera gel oxidizes quickly once it comes into contact with air. As such, you should extract it just before starting. Then, make sure to process it once you’ve opened the leaf.
- First, cut off the outer spines of the leaf with a very sharp knife. Then, wash the knife right away. Split the stalk and extract its gel.
- Put a fair amount of the aloe vera gel in a blender. Then, add some citrus juice (from oranges or grapefruits, for example). Lastly, blend all the ingredients for a couple of minutes.
- The citrus fruit juice helps to briefly stabilize the exposed gel. As a result, it will have a better flavor.
- Pour the processed juice into a sealed container and refrigerate it.
- Then, use two tablespoons in a glass of water to make a glass of aloe vera juice.
- Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to a week. To get the most benefits, drink it in the next couple of days.
How to consume aloe vera juice
- It’s best to drink fresh, recently prepared juice.
- You shouldn’t drink more than 1-2 glasses a day.
- If you have a gastrointestinal disorder, you should talk to your doctor before drinking this juice.
- Likewise, if you are taking some kind of medication, talk to your doctor to avoid adverse drug interactions.
- You should never drink this juice as a substitute for a meal or doctor-prescribed treatment.
- Patients with Chrone’s disease should avoid this juice.
Side effects from aloe vera juice
Lastly, aloe vera juice has very few side effects, but some people might have adverse reactions. Some of those are:
- The loss of electrolytes, which can turn your urine yellow.
- A fluid imbalance
- Intestinal cramps
In addition, those taking medications to treat Crohn’s disease, or intestinal problems, could have adverse reactions.
The same is true if you are menstruating, have appendicitis, or colitis.
In all these cases, the best course is to consult a doctor before taking it.
Keep in mind
While researchers have done several scientific studies (on animals) with aloe vera that have showed it has positive health benefits, they emphasize that more research still needs to be done to be sure about its effectiveness and safety.
Aloe vera juice has medicinal potential, but until experts tell us the best way to consume it, you should always proceed with caution.
