The versatile aloe vera plant does more than soothe sunburns and soften skin. Kin to super foods like onion, asparagus and garlic, aloe vera offers a bounty of health benefits when ingested.
A 2-ounce serving of aloe vera juice contains only five calories, mainly from carbohydrates, and boasts a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Some researchers say aloe vera juice is a way to work vital nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, B-1, B-2 and minerals into an every day diet. These minerals help to replenish the body after physical exercise or activity, by replacing electrolytes lost through sweat.
“Aloe vera gel is one of my own secrets to athletic performance,” said NaturalNews.com editor Mike Adams. “It makes my blood carry more oxygen to enhance the function of my tissues and organs.”
Aloe vera may improve the way the body processes nutrients by absorbing them directly into the bloodstream. Aloe vera also houses important amino acids that help detoxify the body and aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. These acids work to prevent the build-up of fat in the arteries and liver, fortifying the body against digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and colitis. Many studies have linked the success of aloe vera when applied to patients with AIDS, certain cancers and diabetes, revealing the plant’s ability to stimulate the immune system and decrease the level of blood glucose levels.
The internal use and benefits of aloe vera may be traced back to ancient civilizations. For centuries people would drink the gel or juice of aloe vera as a laxative and also use the plant as a natural food preservative. Today, there are many aloe recipes to make aloe vera gel drinks that are both nutritious and delicious. For a purist, aloe vera may be mixed with water or the sweetness of a fruit juice to complement its bitter flavor. With a recommended 2-ounce serving twice a day, some medical studies used aloe recipes that have baked aloe vera into bread and other savory foods. But, aloe vera’s health properties pack a punch when combined with a morning smoothie or afternoon vegetable juice.
Aloe Recipe #1
Aloe Berry Smoothie:
- 4 oz. Fresh Frozen Aloe #1® Health Drink
- 1 banana
- 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or combination)
- 1 tbsp. agave nectar (honey or your favorite sweetener)
- Splash of water or juice for consistency
Instructions: Blend all of the ingredients except the aloe vera. Once blended, add the aloe vera and mix for 5-10 seconds and enjoy!
Aloe recipe #2
Aloe Vera Veggie Juice:
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Frozen Aloe #1® Health Drink
- 4 carrots
- 1/2 green apple
- slice of fresh ginger
Instructions: Place carrots, apple and ginger in a juicer. Once juiced, add the aloe vera, mix and enjoy!
For those merely trying to quickly cover-up the taste of aloe, a tiny pinch of stevia can tremendously drown any bitterness. Some people like to order our raw aloe vera gel with cherry concentrate which not only helps with the flavor, but also adds many nutrition benefits.
References:
NaturalNews.com
Livestrong.com, www.livestrong.com/article.240015-aloe-vera-juice-nutritional-facts/#ixzz0zkfyz8gn
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
AmericanChronicle.com