A powerhouse of medicinal properties, Aloe vera has many health benefits. The cosmetic perks of this plant is well known, but do you know that it has some amazing benefits for your body too?
It is rich in nutrients and has more than 75 potentially active compounds. It contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides. All these natural components make it a potential healer.
So, if you are already using the gel for external use, it’s time you bring home the juice for internal consumption. Check out these amazing health benefits of eating aloe vera.
Also Read: 6 Super Healing Actions of Aloe Vera
Benefits of eating Aloe vera
1. Reduces blood sugar levels
Aloe vera can help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. A randomized control study examined the use of Aloe vera extract in pre-diabetic patients. The study concluded that aloe vera could revert impaired blood glucose within four weeks.
2. Suppresses inflammatory signals
Aloe vera is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory agent. The extract of this plant can suppress the inflammatory signals. That’s why Ayurvedic doctors often recomment it in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBS).
3. Reduces dental plaque
Many people don’t know this, but Aloe vera juice is an excellent mouthwash. Gliding the gel on your teeth can help remove tartar and plaque build-up. It’s antibacterial and anti-microbial properties also help in fighting cavities.
4. Boosts memory
Aloe juice can enhance learning and boost memory power. A study estalished the protective effects of Aloe vera extract on mitochondria of neuronal cells. It can also reduce symptoms of depression.
Further, aloe is effective in reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. It also has a preventive effect on neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, studies validate aloe as an effective drug for brain health and memory.
5. Rich in antioxidants
When eaten regularly, Aloe can help raise antioxidant levels in the body. Antioxidants help to fight the damage caused by free radicals in our body, which lead to various chronic diseases.
How you can include Aloe in your diet?
Aloe vera leaves
The leaves of this plant are safe to eat. These leaves comprise of three parts—skin, gel and latex. The gel, which has a refreshing taste, is the most beneficial and can be added to a variety of recipes, including smoothies and salads.
Aloe vera gel
This gel which can be added to different recipes can be prepared at home. To prepare it, cut off the spiky edges on both the sides and top of each leaf. Then slice off the skin on the flat side, and remove the clear gel from within.
The gel can be cut into dices. Wash the gel cubes thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt, mud and particularly latex residue, which can give the gel an unpleasant bitter taste.
Please note that this gel is different from Aloe vera skincare gels and products, which are not meant to be eaten.
The latex
The latex that is found within the leaf is a thin layer of yellow liquid which tastes bitter. Although it contains compounds with powerful laxative properties like aloin, eating too much latex can have serious side effects.
Aloe vera skin
The skin is also safe to eat. It has a mild flavour and a crunchy texture. It can be added to a variety of salads. The skin can be enjoyed raw by dipping it in salsa or hummus.
To prepare the skin, you have to cut off the spiky edges on the sides and slice off the skin on the flat side. Wash thoroughly before you eat. If you find it too tough to chew, soak it in water for 10–20 minutes.
Aloe vera juice
This juice should be consumed on an empty stomach. You can mix 20ml in a glass of water and drink it in the morning. Alternatively, you also can mix eqaul quantities of the juice with tulsi, amla, and giloy juice.
You can buy the juice directly from a store or make it at home.
- To make Aloe vera juice, cut some healthy leaves, and remove the outer thorny layers.
- Also, remove the latex of the leaves.
- Scoop out the gel with the help of a small spoon.
- Transfer the gel into a small bowl.
- Now put the gel into a blender, and add water to it while you blend it.
- Pour out your juice in a glass.
- You can add a little lemon juice or ginger for added taste.
- You can also add orange juice or other fruit juices with Aloe vera juice for new flavours.
- Honey is another ingredient that enhances the taste.
You can take the juice twice a day to reap the best health benefits. While you can refrigerate the gel and make fresh juice when you want to consume, you can also store it in a jar and refrigerate it.
Conclusion
This miraculous plant has amazing health protective and nutritive properties. Be it keeping chronic diseases at bay or fighting harmful intruders, Aloe is a powerful natural medicine that you must add to your diet.