Aloe Vera is a tropical plant with spiky edges and gel-filled centre. It is used externally as a gel and internally as a juice. Aloe has been a staple in traditional natural medicine for many years but now is gathering attention in the Western World for its incredible benefits in the digestive, metabolic and even weight-loss processes.
So what is there to gain from drinking fresh Aloe Vera Juice?
The Top 8 Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
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Aloe Vera Juice contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3,B6, B12 and folic acid and choline. It also contains almost 20 minerals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and selenium.
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It is high in Amino Acids which are building blocks for protein and Fatty Acids. The Fatty Acids found in Aloe are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion.
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Poor digestion which is related to many diseases, is soothed by drinking aloe vera juice regularly. It has been shown to be a great remedy for people who suffer from IBS, acid reflux and regular illness/infection. It increases the probiotic count which keeps our gut healthy and aids in the process of digestion. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps get rid of intestinal worms and parasites!
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Aloe helps in detoxification. Just like seaweeds and chai seeds, it’s a gelatinous plant meaning it absorbs toxins as it moves through the body and eliminates this waste.
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According to a study published in the 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, aloe juice helps lower cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart disease.
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Aloe is great for the skin. It is actually one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry!! It is great for applying to burns, abrasions and even bug bites and of course sun-burned skin. It also fits in with the well-known motto “Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat”.
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It helps reduce inflammation which can improve joint flexibility, arthritis and stiffness. If you work out a lot, aloe helps the body to recover at a much faster speed.
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AND it aids weight loss!!! It improves your digestion, detoxifies the body and gets rid of unwanted bacteria and waste. This makes the whole digestive tract and inner-body healthier, cleaner and more functional which promotes faster digestion and detoxification. This lightens the workload on the body and gives us more energy.
According to the American Chronicle, aloe vera juice actually single-handedly has the capacity to stimulate the body’s metabolism and increase metabolic rate. In particular, it is reported to be able to increase the rate at which the body metabolizes its stores of carbohydrates and fat.
It really is a miracle food!!
Using Aloe Vera/Aloe Juice
This plant is incredibly medicinal, but be careful not to overdo it when using it day-to-day. Like everything, it is great in moderation. Overuse can result in a loss of electrolytes; especially potassium. Obviously due to the increasing popularity of this juice, demand for the product has inevitably led to the introduction of poor quality juices to the market.
Selecting the right juice can definitely be tricky. A few things you should watch out for: Check the Aloe Vera content is high, with ‘Aloe Vera’ appearing as the very first ingredient on the bottle. Also always make sure that the juice you’re buying carries the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) seal of approval. The IASC is an independent regulatory body which monitors the quantity of Aloe Vera in products. They operate on a non-profitable basis for the Aloe Vera industry and ensure good quality products are being supplied on the market.
So give Aloe a try. Mix it in with your morning smoothies or juices or even drink it alone. It has been an incredible addition to my diet and hopefully it will be to yours also.
Be smart, eat smart!
Further Reading:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22028505
http://www.livestrong.com/article/231409-the-benefits-of-aloe-vera-juice-for-weight-loss/
Megan O'Neill is a musician, psychologist, nutrition advisor and an absolute health-nut! She currently resides in London, but - as you may have guessed from the name - is originally from Ireland. Six years ago, following an incredible trip to Asia, she suddenly became very ill with IBS, food intolerances and chronic fatigue. No-one could have predicted how that fateful trip would... Read More
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