Aloe vera gel is an abundant source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, its water content makes it beneficial for hydration.
Eating aloe vera on an empty stomach is recommended to maximize its absorption of essential nutrients and support your digestive system’s performance. Doing so can help enhance overall wellbeing too!
It’s easy to prepare
Aloe vera is an ideal addition to any diet, whether you’re trying to enhance your wellbeing, nourish your body or just get a delicious treat. Not only is it simple to prepare, it also tastes fantastic and contains antioxidants as well as vitamins C and B-12. So why not give it a try?
It is an effective natural diuretic, helping to reduce water retention in the body. You can make juices with this green plant or enjoy it raw in salads and smoothies.
It is essential to properly prepare and rinse aloe vera before consumption in order to avoid bitterness or stomach upset.
First, wash the leaf thoroughly to remove any yellow latex (you want to drain it out so it doesn’t irritate your skin). Do this by placing the leaf upright in a bowl and letting drain for around 15 minutes.
Next, trim away the bottom and top 1-2 inches of the leaf with a small paring knife. Doing this will remove any hard, spiky sides to the aloe leaf, allowing you to easily extract its gel within.
Though cutting an aloe leaf by hand may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite straightforward. Just be careful and stay close to the edge when cutting. Beware that cutting into hard spiky parts of an aloe can cause pain so take your time and be gentle when doing so.
It’s rich in water
Aloe vera has become increasingly popular due to its topical uses in skin-care and sunburn treatment. Additionally, it’s often included in dietary supplements and health foods due to its abundance of beneficial nutrients for the body.
The inner gel of a leaf contains an abundant concentration of water, essential for keeping the body hydrated. This enables normal bodily processes like pumping blood, controlling temperature and digestion to take place more effectively, according to NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health).
Aloe vera’s high water content makes it particularly beneficial for those with dehydrated skin or who don’t get enough fluids through their diet. Drinking a glass of aloe vera juice can help keep you hydrated and increase energy levels.
Aloe vera can be an effective digestive aid, relieving constipation and diarrhea. However, there are a few precautions to remember: The National Institutes of Health advises people with diabetes who take medication to lower blood sugar levels to steer clear of aloe vera juice as it has been known to decrease glucose levels in the body and lead to dangerously low insulin concentrations.
Another thing to watch out for is heated aloe vera juice, as this can diminish its nutritional value. Instead, opt for a cold-pressed version of this popular drink.
Many companies are employing this technique because it makes their product thicker, with added vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, it prevents heat damage to the gel which could be hazardous when in direct contact with skin.
It’s good for digestion
Aloe vera juice is one of the best natural remedies for digestion. Not only does it relieve constipation and indigestion, but it’s also packed with Vitamins C, E, folic acid and calcium – not to mention low in calories – making it a great addition to your diet.
It is an ideal dietary supplement to help prevent diseases and health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Furthermore, its contents contain fiber, potassium and magnesium which may lower cholesterol levels.
Aloe vera not only aids digestion, but it can also improve the condition of your skin. Packed full of antioxidants which fight free radical damage and slow aging, it’s a rich source of vitamins A, B6, C and E too – helping reduce inflammation and dryness for a luminous glow.
Aloe vera also has the beneficial effect of decreasing gastric acid production, especially for those suffering from gastrointestinal problems like ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome. According to research conducted at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain, aloe vera extract significantly decreased gastric acid in rats suffering from ulcerative colitis and pyloric ligation.
There is also evidence to support the claim that aloe vera may help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels in those with diabetes; however, further study is necessary to verify this idea.
It’s good for skin
Aloe vera offers numerous benefits for skin and hair. It soothes itching and redness, reduces inflammation, evens out skin tone, and can even lighten dark spots or stretch marks.
Shah adds that chlorella is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which fight free radicals which can harm cells. Furthermore, it promotes collagen production – helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Aloe vera leaf can be eaten for maximum benefits, or it is often added to shampoos and other hair products. This is especially beneficial if you have dandruff or dry scalp as it helps reduce itching and irritation, according to Green.
If you’re seeking a more natural approach, cold-pressed aloe vera gel is an ideal way to reap the rewards of this plant. You can even purchase prepackaged formulas containing up to 99 percent pure aloe vera gel for added convenience.
Before consuming aloe, it’s wise to do an allergy patch test on your skin to confirm there are no allergies present. If there are, stop taking the product or consult with a healthcare provider right away if necessary.
Aloe vera gel can reduce itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions. A 2005 study demonstrated that using commercial aloe vera gel for 15 days significantly eased itching symptoms and reduced recurrences of these conditions.
Lortscher notes that hydrogen peroxide can also help treat laceration or other wounds as it’s antiseptic and inhibits fungi and bacteria. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide may boost your immune system to fight cold sores by strengthening it against viruses.