The latest form in which the seemingly miracle herb aloe vera is being made available is aloe juice. Many believe that aloe vera juice (made from the plant’s gel) can treat a long string of physical conditions ranging from poor immunity, diabetes, high blood pressure to constipation and even cancerous tumors. The gel contains a whopping 75 different nutrients and more than 200 active compounds that are good for people.
While some aloe vera remedies have scientific research to back them, others are teachings from experience. But it is widely acknowledged that 2-4 ounces of the juice twice daily can keep the body healthy. One must be cautious not to overdose, however, as it can result in stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Aloe vera juice improves circulation
The excess grease from junk food and free radicals produced by stress and environmental pollution can clog your capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels that carry blood from the veins to the cells. If these get clogged, they narrow down, and this cuts down the amount of oxygen that can pass through them. Aloe vera contains compounds that have the ability to lower inflammation and break down the free radicals to clear the way for blood to pass. Therefore including aloe vera juice in your diet at the recommended dose can help to keep your circulatory running smoothly.
If taken in combination with silicon, the effect is even stronger. With age, capillaries lose their firmness and sometimes they sag. This can constrict blood flow as well. Silicon has the power to strengthen tissues, and it helps the capillary walls keep its form. You’ll find many aloe juice manufacturers that add silicon to their product.
It keeps blood pressure under control
One of the causes of high blood pressure is a narrowing artery. Aloe vera has been found to reverse the process. When the walls of the arteries and capillaries are clean of obstruction, the pressure of the blood on the artery walls automatically goes down. It dilates the capillaries as well.
While many of the studies on aloe vera and its benefits, when taken internally, have remained inconclusive, some research has shown that aloe vera gel (and juice) treats the root cause of blood pressure and not just its symptoms. It can strengthen blood vessels so they can regulate steady blood flow. Additionally, aloe vera also contains vitamin C, which is a known panacea for high blood pressure.
Aloe vera juice builds immunity
Aloe vera contains a mucopolysaccharide named Acemannan that has the ability to boost the natural immunity of the body. It makes fast work of absorbing free radicals that get in the way of the positive effect of antioxidants that you get from healthy foods. This means that the villi or little fibers in the small intestine work effectively to absorb nutrients from food. The body becomes better equipped to fight viral and bacterial invaders.
A dosage of 2 ounces about three times a day is advised for a healthy immune system. Acemannan contained in aloe vera increases the effectiveness of white blood cells or macrophages to destroy infectious organisms. Studies have found that in addition, Acemannan may also have bone marrow stimulating activity. For a healthy immune system, a regular inclusion of the juice into daily diet can help significantly.
Reduces inflammation
Stress, unhealthy lifestyle and pollution can result in inflammation of the blood vessels inside our bodies. This can constrict blood vessels from carrying the quantity of the blood needed by your cells. Aloe vera halts this inflammation in blood vessels and joints and aids arthritic patients. It helps by lubricating joints and reducing friction that causes additional discomfort.
Two ounces of juice taken three times a day are enough to provide relief for those suffering from arthritis. A time of two weeks is the usual time taken before results are seen. For greater relief, apply some aloe vera gel as well on the affected area in addition to drinking the juice.
It causes tissue regeneration
Aloe vera juice can also help to build tissues in the stomach and the small and large intestines. For those suffering from painful inflammations, steroids can reduce the pain but they can’t regenerate tissue that has been damaged. Aloe vera can do so however. Certain polysaccharides present in the plant gel can stimulate the growth cells in the body. Damaged tissues that cause pain will not only be made less painful but regenerated as well.
In addition, a healthier immune system will help to protect tissues against damage. A doctor in 1937 discovered that the gel from the herb could do so without scarring. In 1959, the FDA admitted that topical applications of aloe vera ointment could encourage skin tissue growth. Therefore, internalization of aloe juice could do the same with damaged tissue within the body.
It helps in reducing cancerous tumors
Studies have shown that aloe vera has significant ability to fight tumors and reduce existing ones. By making the body’s immunity system stronger, it can help the patient to heal more quickly from chemotherapy. It enhances survival times as well. Acemannan also stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide has the ability to shrink cancerous tumors.
Drinking aloe vera juice three times a day can speed up healing from cancer. It is particularly helpful in slowing and even halting the growth of colon cancers and lung cancer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists several potential anti-cancer substances in aloe vera. These include acemannan, aloeride and DEHP. However, always consult with your physician and oncologist before you include it in your diet. It’s also important to watch out for concentrated aloe latex drugs often sold over the counter, these are banned by the FDA.
Helps diabetics control blood sugar levels
A Japanese study found that aloe vera had a remarkably positive effect on type 2 diabetics. It was found to lower blood glucose and the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin as well (which is why it is recommended that you stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before you are scheduled to have a surgery). With a dose of 2 tablespoons of 80% aloe vera juice, you can expect to find significant reduction in your fasting blood glucose within 3 months, as per a Thai study.
Though the National Institute of Health has pointed out that further studies are required to confirm the positive effects of the gel on diabetes (there have been no negative effects found yet), the Americans with Diabetes Association has called it one of the seven most promising supplements that can aid diabetic patients in the near future.
Aloe vera relieves constipation
Aloe vera latex was often used as a highly effective laxative until the FDA banned its over-the-counter use. This was because it was found that the body got easily immune to the effect of the laxative compound aloin and the dosages had to be increased for it to take effect, which often led to diarrhea.
However, if taken in the form of gel or juice, in the prescribed dose of 1 quarter a day or 1 tablespoon in water before each meal, aloe vera can help the bowels function normally. Do this for 5 days, and then rest for the the next two days. Your chronic constipation will fade away as healthy bacteria return to your colon. If you combine the juice with some peppermint tea or take it with some turmeric, the effect will be even greater. In addition, supplement your diet with lots of fibers, and when in doubt, consult a physician.
It speeds up metabolic rate of the body to aid weight loss
There is no miracle method for quick weight loss. However, if aloe vera j
uice is introduced into the daily diet in addition with regular exercise and a healthy diet, it can help to burn fat quicker. Aloe vera helps to burn fat by speeding up the body’s metabolic rates and stimulating the use of energy. Since this energy comes from fat and carbohydrates trapped in the body, burning of energy causes these fatty substances to burn and in this way weight loss is achieved.
This natural approach has many proponents. The recommended dosage of aloe vera juice for weight loss is 100-200 mg daily. Results will vary from person to person. It’s important to remember, however, that the juice can interfere with regular medication, therefore always consult your doctor about the ideal dosage for you before you begin on a course.
Aloe vera juice absorbs toxins from the body
Aloe vera has blood purifying properties. It absorbs free radicals and toxins from the blood and makes antioxidants more effective. The body becomes equipped to extract the maximum benefits from nutrition. By strengthening the digestive system, it helps to bring down the body’s vulnerability to toxins that enter our body from unhealthy foods.
You will find special aloe juices available for detoxification. However even standard aloe gel is very effective in detoxification. The process should be started with small doses of the juice, about 25 ml one or two times in a day. Once you find that you are not intolerant to it, you can slowly build up the dosage.
Aloe vera juice helps control heartburn
Aloe vera has been found to be effective in treating heartburn. Aloe juice works by coating the esophagus and helping to keep rising stomach acid in control. It’s often used by those suffering from acid reflux to provide relief.
The recommended dose of aloe vera juice for acid reflux and heartburn is half a cup twice a day between meals. Some people may be intolerant to aloe and develop diarrhea however. To counter that, it should be taken with a lemon balm or mint tea that can help to calm the diarrhea.