Aloe
vera is a plant species with several medicinal and nutritional uses. The plant
has green, gel-filled leaves. Many people use the gel to treat burns and
wounds, and it is also available as juice.
People who experience
periodic constipation may use aloe vera juice as a natural laxative.
The outer portion of
the plant contains compounds called anthraquinones, and these have a laxative
effect.
If a person is trying
aloe vera juice for the first time, they may wish to start with a small
serving. One serving is usually 1 cup or 8 ounces (oz) of juice.
While researchers are
aware of aloe vera's laxative effect, the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) have not established that the plant is safe to use for
this purpose.
People who are
frequently constipated should speak to a doctor about appropriate laxatives for
long-term use.
2. Providing vitamin C
About 8 oz of
fortified aloe vera juice contains 9.1 grams of vitamin C.
This vitamin is vital for a person's overall health, as it is a
natural antioxidant and helps fight inflammation.
Vitamin C has a
variety of specific benefits, from reducing a person's risk of cardiovascular
disease to improving immune system function. Getting enough vitamin C also
enhances the body's ability to absorb iron from plant-based foods.
While the vitamin is
naturally present in foods such as oranges, green peppers, broccoli,
grapefruit, and tomato juice, fortified aloe vera juice is another excellent
source.
3. Staying hydrated
Drinking plenty of
fluids throughout the day can help a person stay hydrated, and aloe vera juice
can be a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juices. An 8-oz
glass of aloe vera juice contains just 36 calories.
However, it is
essential to check labeling for added sugar and other ingredients. These can
increase the amounts of calories, sugar, and carbohydrates in
the juice.
The American Heart
Association (AHA) recommend limiting added sugar to no more than 24 grams (g),
or 6 teaspoons, a day for females and 36 g, or 9 teaspoons, a day for males.
4. Reducing gum inflammation
A small
study found that swishing with an aloe vera juice mouthwash helped reduce
gingival inflammation in people who had recently undergone treatments to remove
plaque.
In the study, 15
participants swished with an aloe vera juice mouthwash, and 15 used none.
At the study's
conclusion, those who had used the mouthwash reported less gum inflammation.
The researchers
proposed that aloe vera's antimicrobial and antibacterial properties helped to
achieve the results.
5. Controlling blood sugar levels
According to a 2016
meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and
Therapeutics, aloe vera may have "some potential benefit" in
controlling blood sugar among people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The analysis examined
studies that collectively included 470 participants. They had ingested
different preparations of aloe vera, including juice and powders.
The researchers noted
that supplementation with aloe vera juice helped improve fasting blood sugar
levels among participants.
However, they pointed
out that conclusively establishing the effects of aloe vera juice on diabetes will
require larger studies.
6. Preventing stomach ulcers
Aloe vera juice may
have additional digestive benefits, such as reducing the incidence of stomach
ulcers and improving digestion, according to research from 2014.
The many
anti-inflammatory compounds in aloe vera juice, such as vitamin C, may
contribute to these digestive effects.
INTRODUCING FOREVER ALOE BARBADENSIS MILLER
There are hundreds of species of Aloes and they are not all as effective medicinally. Since there are so many varieties how do you know which is the most beneficial Aloe vera? The Aloe vera barbadensis miller variety is commonly mentioned as the most beneficial but is this true? Is there any research to determine the most medicinally beneficial aloe variety?
Aloe vera is well known in the health field for its many benefits. The medical benefits of Aloe vera have for ages been researched and used repeatedly for health conditions. There is a long list of benefits from using Aloe vera internally and topically. It is generally agreed by health experts worldwide that the Aloe vera barbadensis miller variety is the best for both internal and topical use.
If you live in a part of the world where it may grow wild please have an expert help you identify it before you use it for any purpose. There are some individual species of aloe that are toxic to humans and animals. Once you have access to the correct plant it is easy to cut a leaf and make Aloe vera gel.
The Aloe Barbadensis Miller thrives in warm, dry climates. It is an exceptionally adaptable plant, though, and can also live in areas that have low temperatures.
Multiple scientific studies confirm that aloe vera contains phytonutrients and other compounds that have extreme health advantages.
Aloe vera barbadensis miller is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic plant. It also contains 20 amino acids (of the 22) and 7 essential amino acids (of the 8 your body needs). It contains 12 anthraquinones that are compounds that act as laxatives. Aloe vera contains emodin and aloin that work as antivirals, antibacterials and analgesics.
Aloe supplies fatty acids in the form of four different types of plant steroids. The enzymes found in Aloe vera include amylase, aliiase, catalase, carboxypeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, cellulose and bradykinase.