What Is Aloe Vera Juice?
Aloe vera has gained momentum globally for its abundant benefits and extensive use in the dermatological industry for the treatment of various skin problems like sunburn, rashes, allergies, etc. Yet, the list of its use and benefits does not end here. It is a boon for health and has been used since ancient times. Besides its topical application, it can also be consumed as a juice; that is the best way to reap its benefits and the worth of the amount spent on it.
The mere look at this plant does not allow one to believe about its myriad of merits. Its simple look adds more to its popularity. Aloe vera juice is more effective and powerful than its gel, and its efficacy does not get reduced on dilution.
Aloe vera juice is easily available in the market, and it can be simply prepared at home too. Aloe vera plant has leaves that are modified as fruits and contain gel. To make aloe vera juice at home, mature and healthy leaves are plucked. These leaves are then cut and the gel is extracted from them. On plucking and cutting the leaves, a lubricating liquid substance oozes out from them, so they should be left for some time to let the substance drain completely. This sticky substance acts as a toxin if ingested. The extracted gel is mixed with water, and the juice can be enjoyed.
What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice?
Aloe vera juice has a plethora of health benefits. It can be used as a preventive agent as well as for treatment. The following are some of its benefits:
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Aloe vera juice is rich in antioxidants and helps reduce the chances of developing health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
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Aloe vera juice is low in calories and does not contain added sugar, unlike other fruit juices, so it is a healthy option to add to the diet. It can be consumed as it is or can be added to other beverages like smoothies.
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Aloe vera juice aids in clearing up the skin as it holds plenty of moisture. Acne is usually caused due to dehydration, due to which the skin produces more sebum leading to acne breakouts. Aloe vera juice provides appropriate hydration to the body and gives the skin extra moisture. This decreases the instances of acne on the skin.
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Aloe vera juice carries a lot of fiber too. Its fiber content and consistency can add bulk to the stool and help relieve constipation.
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When the stomach acids reach the esophagus, they cause heartburn and inflammation. Aloe vera juice reduces heartburn by removing some of the stomach's acids and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
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Aloe vera juice maintains eye health as it is packed with beta carotene. Beta carotene gets converted into vitamin A by the body, which is responsible for general eye health. Beta carotene is also an antioxidant.
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Aloe vera juice improves liver health as it possesses phytonutrients. It also keeps the liver hydrated and nourished, ensuring its proper functioning.
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Aloe vera juice provides faster digestion of complex food like carbohydrates and fats due to its enzyme composition. The enzymes such as lipase, amylase, etc., assist in the easier digestion of these foods. It also supports the treatment of digestive issues, for instance, irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, indigestion, etc.
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Aloe vera juice boosts the intake of certain vitamins and minerals as it contains vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. Hence, it enhances immune function and replenishes their low consumption in the diet.
How Much Aloe Vera Juice Should Be Taken?
Aloe vera juice is preferred to be taken in an optimal quantity, which is around a cup per day. Its over-consumption should be strictly avoided. However, a beginner should start by consuming it in small amounts and if it is tolerated well by the body, then its dose can be increased. The purpose of taking aloe vera juice should also be considered while deciding its dosage.
Can Aloe Vera Juice Be Drunk Every Day?
It is safe to drink aloe vera juice every day. However, it can cause abdominal pain, cramps, or diarrhea, especially when over-consumed or when it is non-decolorized. It is safest to have it in its purest form as a decolorized juice. The gastrointestinal symptoms further lead to electrolyte imbalance. Such issues occur due to the presence of a natural laxative in the aloe vera leaves, called anthraquinone.
It is also advised to consult a registered physician or a dietician before adding it to the diet.
What Are the Possible Drug Interactions With Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera offers bountiful benefits to health but there are some risks associated with its use. Patients with certain medical conditions like kidney or heart disease should avoid its consumption. It may also interact and interfere with drugs taken for other medical issues. The oral form is more prone to drug interactions. It may either act as an adjunct to the drugs taken for existing health conditions or may add to their adverse effects. However, sometimes the drug interactions can be avoided by taking the prescribed drugs some hours apart from the juice intake, changing the drug dose, or swapping it with a better alternative.
The most common drugs that interact with aloe vera consumption are as follows:
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Diabetes medications, including insulin.
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Diuretics (water pills) like Furosemide.
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Heart rhythm drugs like Digoxin.
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Laxatives and stool softeners.
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Licorice root.
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The oral or injectable form of corticosteroids.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin or Ibuprofen.
The topical form of aloe vera can also cause interactions. It can either improve the absorption of steroid creams into the skin or may increase the chance of skin damage.
Conclusion:
Aloe vera consumption is an age-old treatment for various ailments and prevents certain conditions as well. It has been of utmost use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food and drug industries. It can be used by everyone, irrespective of their age. Yet, its use is restricted in specific conditions so care should be taken to prevent its side effects, and a healthcare provider should be consulted prior to initiating its oral use. Its use by mouth is stringently prohibited in children, pregnant and lactating women. More clinical research, data, and evidence will increase its use and specificity.
