Aloe Vera is a spiky succulent plant that grows in dry tropical climates. It also has a few other unusual names. It is alternatively called the ‘burn plant’, ‘lily of the desert’, and ‘elephant’s gall’. In ancient times, it was called the ‘plant of immortality’ because of its healing properties. Over the years, aloe vera has become extremely popular. It has various beauty, health, and medicinal benefits. The plant has more than 300 species but ‘Aloe barbadensis’ is what we know as aloe vera. Aloe vera juice is extracted from the innermost part of the aloe leaf. The juice is thick and gooey and has various health benefits. It is bitter but many brands mix sugar in it to make it sweet. Aloe vera juice is full of antioxidants and medicinal properties.
Nutritional Facts of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is loaded with nutrients. It contains essential vitamins and minerals for our body.
Aloe Vera juice is also an excellent source of:
- Vitamin C, A, and E
- Beta-carotene
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
One glass of pure aloe vera juice contains:
- Calories: 8
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fibre: 2 grams
- Sugar: Less than 1 gram
9 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
1. Relieves Constipation
People suffering from constipation can use aloe vera juice as a natural laxative. Aloe vera juice also increases the water content in the body. A hydrated body ensures a smooth bowel movement, making it easier to pass the stool.
2. Relieves Heartburns
Heartburn or acid reflux is the condition where the acid leaves the stomach and travels up the esophagus. Aloe vera juice can ease heartburn and provide relief to the stomach. It is also helpful in treating gastric ulcers.
3. Provides Hydration
Our body requires fluids to flush out harmful toxins. Aloe vera juice provides instant hydration to our bodies and helps treat dehydration. Aloe vera juice provides hydration along with essential nutrients.
4. Keeps Liver Healthy
Aloe vera juice hydrates the body and is rich in phytonutrients. Our liver can only function properly if the body is sufficiently hydrated. Aloe vera juice maintains the water content in the body and helps the liver detoxify the body.
5. Clear skin
Aloe vera juice is full of antioxidants and is great for the skin. Aloe vera prevents fine lines, fades scars, and keeps the skin firm. It also protects the skin from the harmful UV rays from the sun. Drinking aloe vera juice will help to flush out all the toxins from your body and give you clear and glowing skin.
6. Aids Digestion
Aloe vera helps in breaking down the sugar and fat in our body. It controls acid production in the stomach and keeps our intestines healthy. It promotes the growth of good bacteria in our gut. If you have any digestive issues, include aloe vera juice in your diet regularly.
7. Rich in Vitamin C
Aloe vera is enriched with vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to boost our immunity. Vitamin C is also essential for the absorption of iron in the body.
8. Reduce Inflammation in Gums
Swishing with aloe vera juice can help reduce inflammation in the gums. Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to keep the gums infection-free.
9. Control Blood Sugar Levels
Regular consumption of aloe vera juice can help control blood sugar levels in pre-diabetic patients. It aids better absorption of glucose in the blood.
The thick and green leaves of aloe vera are the real powerhouse. They contain all the essential medicinal and healing properties. Aloe vera juice is easy to extract at home and is made from the pulp of the aloe leaves. Homemade juice ensures that all essential nutrients are present without any added sweetener or artificial color.
What do you need?
- 1 large aloe vera leaf
- A sharp knife
- Spoon
- Small bowl
- Blender
- 3 cup water
Method of Preparation:
- Cut one large and healthy leaf from your aloe plant
- Remove the outer thorny layer of the leaves with the help of a sharp and pointy knife. This step will expose the latex of the leaves (a yellow layer that resides directly underneath)
- Cut through the latex of the leaf with the same knife and scoop out the inner clear aloe vera gel with the help of a small spoon
- Transfer the gel into a small bowl
- In the next step, examine the gel for any latex remnants
- Removing the latex is important as they carry strong laxative properties
- For making the juice, take out two tablespoons of the aloe gel and put it into a blender
- Add water and blend it on a low setting for 2-3 minutes
- Pour out your juice in clear glass. You can add a dash of lemon or ginger for added flavor.
- Your soothing glass of aloe juice is ready. If you wish, you may also dilute this juice with any other fresh vegetable/fruit juice or coconut water to enhance its taste or flavor
- You can also consume it in its natural state, but be aware of its laxative effect
How to Store Aloe Vera Juice?
- It is very important to know how to store aloe vera juice properly. The fresh juice made at home should be consumed immediately or refrigerated to keep it fresh. But consume as soon as possible to avoid any degradation of nutrients.
- If the juice is store-bought, then read the label of the bottle carefully to know storage instructions. Readymade aloe vera juice contains preservatives to increase its shelf life. They can be stored for several months depending on the manufacturing date.
- Fresh aloe vera juice should be consumed within 30-40 minutes before it is contaminated. Old or expired aloe vera juice can cause serious health problems like diarrhea, hypersensitive reactions and so on.
Natural Drinks Made Using Aloe Vera
Recipe 1: Aloe Vera Lemonade Slush
A soothing and refreshing drink to uplift your mood
Ingredients:
- Raw honey – 1 tbsp
- Filtered cold water – 2 cups
- Aloe Vera Juice – 12 oz
- Lemon juice – ¾ cup
- ice cubes – 2 cups
- A small handful of fresh mint
Preparation:
- Pour honey, aloe vera juice, lemon juice, and water into your blender along with a small handful of fresh mint. Blend well until smooth.
- Add the ice. Blend on low speed to break up the ice, then increase the speed and blend until reached a uniformly slushy texture.
- To serve, use a spoon to scoop the slush into glasses.
- Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Recipe -2: Green Drink with Aloe Vera Juice
A healthy green drink to detox your system
Ingredients:
- aloe vera juice – 1 cup
- baby spinach – 1 cup
- Banana – 1
- Cucumber – ½
- Fresh blueberries or any seasonal fruit – ½ cup
- protein powder (Optional) – 1 tablespoon
- Ginger – 1-inch piece
- Salt – 1 pinch
Method of Preparation:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth.
- Serve immediately
Summary
Aloe vera juice is one healthy drink to start your day. It is full of health benefits and essential nutrients. You can take aloe vera juice twice a day to reap all the good benefits. Removal of the gel from the aloe leaf and the process of making juice must be done as quickly as possible as aloe vera gel tends to oxidize quickly.
Though aloe vera juice has great health benefits, it also comes with some side effects. While making aloe vera juice make sure to remove the latex from the leaves as it can cause severe diarrhea and stomach problems.
Pregnant women should avoid aloe vera juice as it can cause contractions and labor. If you face an allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting, or stomach problems, consult a doctor before drinking aloe vera juice. Therefore, always consume it in small quantities to avoid side effects. Too much aloe vera juice can lead to diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney issues.
Like all things good, aloe vera juice should be drunk in moderation. Also, please be aware that internet chatter is not to be trusted always. So, understand your health and include the good things, only if they are good for you.