Aloe vera juice: Why we should all be drinking it
[Photo: Pexels]
For most of us, aloe vera means two different things: Something we occasionally see on the label of a bottle of after sun, or a plant that we think would look quite nice in our downstairs bathroom.
But according to experts, it can do so, so much more for us than this. As a hardy plant that thrives in dry and hot habitats, the chemicals that aloe vera uses to protect itself - called polyphenols and phyto-chemicals - can do all sorts for our wellbeing.
Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at Superfooduk.com says that not only is aloe vera perfect for soothing damaged skins and burns, but great for our guts too.
[Photo: Pexels]
“Aloe vera is known for supporting gut health,” says Wilkinson.
“Its many roles include supporting digestion, aiding bowel performance and helping to regulate transit time [the length of time it takes for food to travel through the digestive tract].”
Wilkinson also says it helps the body’s natural purification process, and supports the immune system by contributing to our bodies’ natural defences against harmful micro organisms.
“So some people choose to take aloe vera in times of infection or when they are at risk of infection,” she explains.
[Photo: Flickr/titanium22]
“Without our immune system, we would be susceptible to every infectious disease that crosses our path.”
So why aren’t we devouring the stuff 24-7?
“Unfortunately, aloe vera doesn’t always appeal to people’s taste buds,” Wilkinson explains.
“It is a bit of an acquired taste!”
So to incorporate it into our diets, she suggests mixing it into a drink with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, some honey and a wedge of lime - or adding it to our daily smoothie.
Alternatively, we can make our own aloe vera juice by buying the plant ourselves.
[Photo: Pexels]
This is how you extract the edible bits:
“Slice off the prickly sides of the leaf. With the convex side up, trim the outer layer of the leaf,” she explains.
“Slide the knife under the gel to remove it from the other side of the leaf and slice it into smaller pieces.
“It will last in the fridge for about a week.”
There you have it - now there’s really no excuse not to consume more of the magical liquid.
Is aloe vera juice an important part of your diet? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.
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