Green is the color of nourishment and prosperity. It is a marker of growth and resilience. It is also the color of the multi-beneficial aloe Vera growing in your windows.
Like all these examples, aloe Vera plants are quite magical. They may look stiff and spiky, but they can add so much good to your life. We can use it to moisturize your skin, soothe sunburns and bug bites, replenishing your scalp health, etc. Aloe gel has been widely praised for its advantages.
But did you know that drinking aloe Vera is possible too? Aloe Vera juice contains several components that can contribute to your body’s health. But it is essential to know how to consume it to reap its benefits with minimum risk safely. Today, we are going to tell you all about the possible advantages and risks of drinking aloe Vera juice.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera, also known as aloe barbadensis, is a succulent plant belonging to the Aloe genus. It is a short-stemmed and thick plant that grows mostly in tropical climates. It tends to store water inside its leaves to survive in arid conditions. It is this leaf tissue and internal pulp that gives aloe Vera its magical attributes.
Aloe Vera has been hailed as a natural medicinal plant for centuries. In Ancient Egyptian civilization, it was called the “plant of immortality.” Evidence also suggests that it was grown every close to the Arabian trading routes and might have been regularly transported.
Today, there are several aloe-based products available in the market. From skin-care products to aloe-based food, you can access the natural remedy of aloe in so many ways. Amongst these is the infamous aloe Vera juice which can soothe your body and mind.
Aloe Vera Juice Benefits
Now that you know the brief history of medicinal aloe, you probably only need a little convincing for drinking aloe Vera juice. Worry not because we are here with a list of aloe Vera juice benefits that will leave you tempted and eager to try.
1. Relief from Heartburn
Heartburn is the burning sensation in your chest that happens when stomach acid rises in your oesophagus. Aloe Vera juice can give you relief from this by controlling the secretion of these acids and preventing them from causing you any discomfort. It reduces the pain and leaves a soothing sensation in its wake.
2. Eases Digestive Troubles
Aloe Vera has enzymes that can break down fats and sugars in your body while supporting digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve the symptoms of inflammatory intestinal conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). However, more research is needed on this, and you should always ask your doctor before using it. Aloe Vera juice’s effect on your stomach acids might also prevent gastric ulcers from growing bigger. Hence, it can benefit different parts of your digestive system and aid in overall functioning.
Eases Digestive Troubles 3. Relieves Constipation
The properties of aloe Vera juice can boost bowel moments. But keep in mind that these properties come from external aloe latex, and consuming this in excess can upset your stomach. If consuming aloe Vera juice that contains this laxative-like latex, make sure to be cautious.
But aloe Vera juice can help even without the latex. Drinking aloe Vera juice hydrates your digestive system and its intestines, which helps ease constipation. It also helps in maintaining healthy stomach bacteria. All this can aid in resolving bowel movement problems.
4. Good Hydration
The water content in aloe Vera hydrates your body quite well, helps flush out the excess toxins from your body, and supports liver health. However, the juice must be free of the aloe latex that comes from the skin of leaves. Hydration also helps your skin and renews its vitality. Aloe Vera juice can keep you from being dehydrated and replenish your body’s fluid content.
5. Boosts Skin Health
Aloe Vera has long been a part of skin-care products and applied externally. However, the vitamins and antioxidants of aloe Vera juice could also contribute a little towards skin health. It can also neutralize the effects of UV radiation on the skin. Plus, its hydration and endless benefits can be rejuvenating.
Boosts Skin Health6. Provides Nutrients
Aloe Vera might not be a green vegetable, but its juice still contains many nutrients. It contains considerable amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin B, C, E and also has folic acid. Aloe Vera juice also contains small amounts of copper, magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, etc. Clearly, this plant has such a good reputation for good reason.
Is it safe to drink Aloe Vera?
Even natural remedies must be consumed with safety and caution. Yes, there are endless aloe Vera juice benefits, but they come with a few risks that you must keep in mind. There are two kinds of aloe Vera juice, depending on the preparation method. Decolorized whole leaf aloe Vera juice is purified and the aloe latex present in the leaves is removed, making it safe to consume.
Also Read: Aloe Vera Juice: The Elixer Of Life
However, non-decolorized aloe Vera juice still contains this latex, which has anthraquinones. These anthraquinones can cause discomforting side effects, such as diarrhoea and electrolyte imbalance. High amounts of aloe latex can also affect the kidneys negatively.
Hence, it is important to choose aloe Vera juice that is decolorized and free of these compounds.
When you buy aloe juice from the market, make sure to check the other ingredient added, such as preservatives and other things you might be allergic to. Natural and pure 100% aloe juice which has been decolorized in the safest to consume.
Aloe VeraAloe Vera juice can also interact with certain medications and interfere with their work. It might interact with diuretics, diabetic medications, blood thinners, etc. For example, it can dangerously increase the effects of sevoflurane, which is often used as an anesthetic, and cause too much blood loss during surgery.
Also, although it is applied externally over pregnant bellies, consuming it could increase the risk of uterine contractions and reduce blood sugar which could cause dizziness. Hence, it is always necessary to ask a doctor about the safety of adding aloe Vera juice to your diet, especially if you have any medical conditions. If you want to reap aloe Vera juice benefits, you must take care of yourself and be safe in the process.
Planting Greens in your Diet
A little green in your diet can go a long way. Be it through a glass of aloe Vera juice, slices of ripe pears, or delicious steamed broccoli, green plant-based foods can do wonders for your health. It might be hard to accommodate all this nutrition in your daily meal habits, but you will be able to do it with time and practice. Try making your favorite dishes or deserts by replacing some ingredients with these. Or balance nutrients and temptation in your food quests.
Ultimately, the way to good health is filled with hurdles. It is okay if you stumble or if a remedy doesn’t work the way you expected it. Even if you take detours, someday soon you will surely find your way back to this self-care path once again.
Also Read: 20 Surprising Aloe Vera Benefits
