Aloe vera is not only pretty to look at as a houseplant, it has also always been known for its health-promoting and healing active ingredients. Likewise in the cosmetics industry it is no longer to be imagined without and comes in numerous hair and skin care products before. What many may not know: The desirable desert lily is also suitable for consumption.
In this article I tell you why drinking aloe vera is healthy. Plus, learn how to make your own aloe vera juice, the history of the plant, and what you should know about aloe vera juice side effects. Aloe vera is native to desert areas. Appropriately accustomed to tropical temperatures. But even with us it can thrive, if it is properly cared for. After all, I myself have an aloe vera plant on my windowsill and it is still alive…😉
More than 200 active ingredients have been discovered in the true aloe so far. It can be used for both outside and inside application. Aloe vera juices, capsules and gels are suitable for ingestion, whereas ointments, lotions and creams are used externally.
The inside of fresh aloe vera leaves is particularly interesting for applications.
There are over 300 species of aloe, but most commonly the Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller variety is used. The thick-fleshed leaves of the true aloe are peeled or made whole into juice. When making aloe vera drinking gel or aloe vera juice, it is important to separate the laxative and bitter substances. Why this is so? More about this later. Now I don't want to deprive you of why drinking aloe vera has many benefits:
Why drinking aloe vera is healthy
1. Aloe vera is rich in valuable ingredients
As you already know, more than 200 different ingredients have been found in aloe vera leaves so far. Mainly mucopolysaccharides, anthraquinones, enzymes, salicylic acid, amino acids, saponins, minerals and vitamins. The desert plant is bursting with valuable ingredients, but it must be said that many domestic vegetables and fruits can also hold a candle to aloe vera. Did you know that the aloe consists almost entirely (about 99%) of water?
2. Aloe vera can have a positive effect on the intestines
The substance hydroxyanthracene derivatives contained in the desert plant is said to have a positive effect on the intestines. The intestine is one of the most important organs, because it not only eliminates unnecessary substances, but also pulls all the necessary nutrients from the ingested food, releases them into the blood and transports them to the necessary places in the body. Thus, the intake of aloe vera is said to improve bowel function. However, for this it is necessary to take 10 mg every day and not to exceed the amount of 30 mg.
3. Aloe vera can strengthen the immune system
The substance acemannan, which is found in aloe vera, can have a positive effect on the immune system. According to some reports, drinking aloe vera juice has beneficial effects on joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Amylases and oxidases as well as vitamin C can also support our defenses. Vitamin E is responsible, among other things, for protecting cells from oxidative stress.
4. Aloe vera can give you an energy boost
Since the power plant is full of minerals, such as sodium, copper, potassium, iron, calcium and zinc, which work perfectly together, the desert lily provides you with plenty of energy. The body is also supplied with 20 valuable amino acids by taking the desert plant.
5. Aloe vera can contribute to a better skin appearance
The desert lily is a real best seller in the cosmetics industry! No wonder it can be found in almost every cosmetic product. But not only as a cream or gel is the all-rounder extremely effective, as well as the positive aloe vera juice effect on the complexion is known.
This is especially due to the high content of collagen, which is in the leaves. Thereby your skin gains tone and elasticity. In addition, the power plant is an excellent companion in the fight against germs, inflammation, acne, psoriasis and eczema. Aloe vera can also be used as a natural sunscreen.
6. Aloe Vera juice helps to detoxify and purify the body
In addition, drinking aloe vera juice can help the body to purify and detoxify. The antioxidants contained in the desert lily, among other things, help to eliminate toxins from the body. Aloe Vera is also a real blessing when it comes to losing weight, as it boosts the metabolism so that fat deposits can be reduced.
Making aloe vera juice yourself
You can make both aloe vera juice and aloe vera gel yourself. The difference is that for the juice usually the whole leaf is used and for the drinking gel only the leaf pulp is used. The gel is considered to be of high quality. Contains many valuable nutrients. During the aloe vera juice processing, some substances must be sorted out, which can cause side effects. In order to prepare Aloe Vera juice yourself, you will need an Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller plant, a sharp knife, 250 ml of water, 250 ml of lemon juice, 15 ml of clear vinegar and a blender.
Instructions for making aloe vera juice:
1. First, carefully break off the leaf of the plant. 2. Take then the knife to the hand. Remove the peel from the leaf. Then take the knife. Remove the peel from the leaf. 3. The yellow layer must also come off. Take the vinegar for this. Mix it with the water. 4. Now add 2 tablespoons of the leftover gel to the blender. 5. In addition, the citrus juice. 6. Mix everything well until you get a creamy liquid. 7. You can then put this in a glass and drink the juice.
Already the ancient Egyptians knew about the benefits of the aloe vera plant.
Aloe vera side effects?
When buying an aloe vera product, you should make sure that it does not contain chemical preservatives and anthraquinones, which include aloin and aloe emodin. These substances are found in the aloe leaf. Are known for their laxative effect. Some people prefer this effect, but anthraquinones can promote cancer and damage the genome, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Therefore, avoid buying supplements that contain unpeeled aloe leaves (for example, the Aloe arborescens variety).
You should also make sure that your aloe vera plants are grown organically and do not contain chemical fertilizers, etc. were used. If you consume an aloe vera product, it is important that you also drink enough fluids. Also note that too much of the juice can cause digestive problems. Please also avoid taking aloin if you are pregnant, as this may cause premature labor.
Aloe Vera – Historical Background
Did you know that aloe vera has been used as early as 3000 years before Christ?. has been used as a medicine? It was used by the natives for various purposes even back then. Among other things, the plant is used as an ointment against skin eczema and sunburn. Also in the Egyptian hieroglyphics 5000 years ago, the desert plant was already mentioned. Cleopatra and Nefertiti are said to have benefited from the plant's beauty-promising active ingredients.
Cooking with aloe vera?
Aloe vera is not only suitable for external use, but also for cooking. Especially in herbal cuisine the gel or juice can be a real enrichment. For example, you can refine your pudding, yogurt or ice cream with the plant or give your sauce and dip with a little juice the extra polish.
Since the aloe vera juice is mild and neutral in taste, you will hardly taste it in your food. Especially in summer, you can serve aloe vera juice with your meals, because it tastes refreshing and provides you with a load of important nutrients. Mixed to a delicious fruit juice not only your palate is happy, but also your immune system! 😊
10 popular breakfast drinks at a glance
Breakfast: yes or no? – Opinions are still divided on this subject! But what about morning . Relaxing in the sun with friends in the afternoon. Enjoy a fruity spritzer. Either in a comfortable beer garden. Aloe vera gel or juice is more than just a refreshing drink. Provides your body with many valuable ingredients from the inside out. This way the juice can have a positive influence on your intestines, your immune system and on your skin condition. Furthermore, the plant provides you with power for the day and helps your body with detoxification, so that it can come back into balance. You can buy Aloe Vera juice or Aloe Vera gel or easily make the products yourself. But be careful not to exceed the daily dose of 20 to 30 mg. Aloe Vera is not a panacea, but this does not mean that you should not take advantage of the numerous active ingredients of Aloe Vera.