Unlocking Aloe Vera's secret: More than just skin deep
This plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Scientific research solidly supports its beneficial impact on the body. Let's not allow aloe leaves to gather dust in the corner, but instead, use their beneficial properties.
Detoxifying the body, improving digestion and heart health, controlling blood sugar levels, and, especially now, boosting the immune system. These are just a few of the many health benefits of aloe vera - a plant known as aloe. Typically, we praise it for its beneficial impact on skin and hair, yet prepared in a cocktail form. It can work wonders in our bodies.
What is aloe good for? What properties does it exhibit?
The pulp of aloe is rich in biologically active compounds that bring numerous health benefits. One of the most important components of aloe is polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Aloe vera can help fight infections and stimulate the immune system thanks to these properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe significantly affect the health of the digestive system, improving digestion and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe vera is a source of many valuable nutrients, such as vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6) and minerals (magnesium, manganese, zinc). It helps maintain electrolyte balance and improves the overall condition of the body.
Moreover, the pulp of aloe contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin B12. Aloe vera is one of the few plants that is a source of this vitamin, as it is mainly found in animal products.
Which part of aloe is edible? How to extract the pulp from the leaves?
Not every aloe has medicinal uses. It turns out that only about 20 out of 400 species can boast health-promoting properties. On this list, we find the tree aloe (Aloes arborescens) and common aloe (Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera) available in the US. Another issue is which part of the plant can be used internally – the leaves contain skin, gel, and latex. Aloe is undoubtedly an edible plant, however, the clear pulp (gel) deserves laurels for its beneficial impact on health. The skin of the aloe is considered edible but may cause irritation, while the latex should be discarded.
To extract the beneficial gel, place a piece of the aloe leaf (with the top and bottom ends cut off) in a container. Remember to position the wider end downwards. Leave the aloe leaves like this for about an hour—this way, the harmful latex (yellow fluid) will drain out. Then, simply peel off the skin so that only the gel remains. Only then can the latex-free coagulate be added to juices or cocktails.
Can you drink aloe every day?
Treatment with aloe should last three months. After this time, a break is recommended. It is best to start consuming the beneficial gel in small doses, e.g., one tablespoon daily, ending even at half a cup. How can you include aloe in your diet? Try a recipe for an aloe vera cocktail.
Extract the gel from the leaves, as mentioned earlier, and combine the coagulate with lemon juice and honey (to taste). Blend it all – this way, you will get rid of the gelatinous texture of the pulp. This prepared cocktail can be added to water, starting with one tablespoon of the aloe cocktail per day. The pulp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
