Make Aloe Vera Juices to Boost Your Health
Edited by Nerissa Avisado, Eng, Alma, essencial and 2 others
Aloe Vera is among the most adored plant that almost every kitchen garden must have. It has been called by many names - "plant of immortality," "miracle plant," and "medical plant" - each denotes its power to heal human afflictions.
It is a succulent plant that has thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves contain a clear, gel-like substance that is surprisingly refreshing and healthy. It can be used in so many ways to treat ailments. It can be used topically on skin problems having antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is a common ingredient of skin creams that treats burns and fights wrinkles. What is amazing is the fact that it not just nutritious, it is also delicious and can turn an ordinary juice into a scrumptious one.
Unlike other medicinal plants that can be bitter or unpleasant, Aloe Vera juice can be both refreshing and delightful. If you will add up some fresh fruits with immense health nutrients - strawberry, orange, blueberries, etc. - you can double the measure of its goodness. What a delicious way to get better.
Here's how you can make your own Aloe Vera juice.
Get things ready
- Aloe Vera plant (Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant specifically)
- Food Processor or Blender
- 1 Cup or 8oz of any healthy fruit juice
- 1 Tablespoon or 15ml of white vinegar (optional)
- 1 Cup or 8oz water (optional)
- Sharp paring knife
Juicing step
- 1Pick the most mature leaves at the outermost part of the plant. These contain the highest concentration of antioxidants.Harvest a few leaves from an Aloe Vera plant.
- 2You can get this part by peeling away the green outermost rind of the leaf with a knife.Extract the innermost clear, fleshy part of the leaf called the Aloe Vera gel.
- 3This is the latex. It has a bitter flavor and is not recommended for consumption. It can be removed by cutting it away using a knife or by washing it away using a vinegar-water solution at a ratio of 1tablespoon: 1 cup.Remove the inner layer that covers the gel.
- 4You can also opt to just cut up the leaves and scoop the clear gel from the inside.
- 5of the clear gel in a food processor or blender.Put about 30 ml or 2 tbsp.
- 6Add ice cubes if you want it chilled or put in the fridge for at least two hours.Pour into the blender 1 cup or 8oz of any healthy juice, such as orange or grapefruit.
- 7This will process the Aloe gel-fruit juice mixture until it attains a smooth consistency.Turn on the food processor or blender.
- 8You may also add some fruits for a twist or for some excitement. The antioxidant will lose potency in 3-4 days. It is best to consume the Aloe Vera juice within the said number of days.Pour the blended juice into a tall glass.
It is payback time: health benefits to enjoy from Aloe Vera juice
- 1Aloe Vera juice makes a good natural alternative for detoxing because of its vitamins, minerals and other trace elements.Get cleansed:
Tips
- Make it fresh: Making your own Aloe Vera juice from your own kitchen garden can ensure that it is fresh and free from additives.
- Drink it up daily: Aloe Vera juice must be taken daily for improved sense of well-being, increased energy and maintain healthy body weight.
- Twice as good: Take the juice twice daily to experience optimal health benefits. The formula of 2 tbsp. gel and 1 cup fruit (or vegetable) can make two servings good enough for a day's need.
- Use the right Aloe variety: Use only the Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant that is known to contain the right gel ingredients for making Aloe Vera juice.
Warnings
- Watch out the dosage: Check out "Herbal Medicines" by Joanne Barnes that recommends the right dosage for both children over age 10 and adults three times daily with a dose of between 50 and 200 milligrams. If it is being used as a laxative, it can only be taken for two weeks.
- Take it fresh: Aloe Vera gel can easily oxidize or begin losing some of its valued nutrients. So, use it as soon as it made and consume the rest within the day.
- Strip away the latex: The name suggests its in-digestibility. It can also make your juice bitter. Avoid the unpleasant taste and possible gastric discomfort by removing the latex during preparation.
- Avoid the risks of diarrhea: The anthraquinones naturally found in Aloe Vera can increase your risk of having diarrhea if you ingest large quantities. Strictly follow the recommended dosage to avoid unnecessary overdosing.
- Watch your potassium level: The stimulant laxatives in Aloe Vera juice can cause diarrhea that can lower the potassium levels in the blood. This may result to irregular heartbeats and increased muscle weakness.
- Ask your doctor if you are on medication: If you are taking prescription drugs, it is always best to consult your doctor before starting your Aloe Vera juice regimen to avoid complications.
- Pregnant and lactating moms, beware: The purgative and irritant properties of this herb may cause premature uterine contractions on pregnant women or diarrhea for the babies of breastfeeding mothers. Again, seek medical guidance before indulging into an Aloe Vera juice routine.
Questions and Answers
Hi, can I blend the Aloe Vera with the skin and drink it?
I would like for it to work as detoxing medicine, so will this be okay
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