Overview
Aloe
vera juice is derived from the aloe vera plant. While the aloe
vera plant is most well known as a topical treatment for burns,
cuts and sores, there’s an increasing body of evidence that aloe
vera juice, taken internally, can help alleviate a number of
intestinal and digestive upsets. It is often taken by those with
intestinal gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
The aloe
vera plant is a desert lily that has been used since at least
Egyptian times as a medicinal ointment. Aloe is mentioned in the
Bible, and there is record of Cleopatra using aloe vera to
protect her skin from the sun. As early as the 6th
century BC, the Greek physician Dioscorides recommended aloe
vera for the treatment of kidney ailments and constipation. For
centuries, an aloe vera plant has sat on kitchen windowsills in
many homes where it is readily available for emergency first aid
treatment and extraction of juice for daily drinking.
Aloe
vera gel and aloe vera juice continues to be widely used around
the world, and there is a growing body of research that supports
what has been known since ancient times. The aloe vera plant is
the source of medical benefits that include soothing the body
both internally and externally.
What
Aloe Vera Juice Does:
The
juice of the aloe vera plant is made up of amino acids,
minerals, sugars and other nutrients that are used by the human
body for many things. It contributes to the creation of proteins
and, the latest research shows, has antioxidant properties that
may stimulate the immune system. The balance of ingredients in
aloe vera juice gives it both anti-inflammatory and
anti-microbial properties, making it effective in treating
ailments with symptoms that include irritation and inflammation.
Aloe vera juice contains nearly a full complement of B complex
vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, as well as vitamin C, and
choline. It also contains the minerals, calcium, chlorine,
copper, germanium, iron, magnesium lactate, manganese,
potassium, silicon, sodium, and sulfur. The phytochemicals that
aloe vera provides organic acids like chrysophanic, salicylic,
succinic, and uric, as wells as polysaccharides such as
acemannen, enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, and various
resins.
It’s
speculated that aloe vera juice helps to clean the intestinal
tract, and soothes inflammations, offering relief in cases of
inflamed bowel such as those seen in irritable bowel syndrome.
The various phytochemicals and minerals may provide a boost to
the immune system which in turn help relieve symptoms of allergy
and asthma due to allergy. It also seems to offer relief to
those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis when aloe vera juice
is taken internally.
Health
Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:
Reduces
inflammation
The
anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera juice are well
documented. There is a preliminary body of research into the
effectiveness of aloe vera juice in treating peptic ulcers. In a
Japanese study, 17 of 18 patients who took aloe vera juice found
some relief from their ulcer symptoms.
May
boost immune system
The
amino acids and other proteins and ingredients in aloe vera
juice may help boost the immune system and confer protection
against many illnesses. In a 1991 study, aloe vera was shown to
stimulate the immune system’s response to virus (Hart et al,
cited in Davis, Parker et al), and in a 1989 study, treatment
with aloe vera was shown to reduce tumor size (Davis, Parker et
al).
May
reduce edema in diabetic patients
A 1988
study carried out by Davis, Leitner et al found that aloe vera
juice was effective in reducing edema and speeding wound healing
in diabetic patients.
Possible
Side Effects of Aloe Vera Juice
If aloe
vera juice is processed improperly, it may contain small amounts
of aloe vera latex. If you develop cramps or diarrhea,
discontinue the juice and replace it with a new supply from a
source that you can trust to process the aloe vera plant
properly.
Summary
Aloe
vera juice and extracts have a long history of evidence to
support their effectiveness at treating inflammation, helping to
regulate and soothe the digestive system, treating intestinal
and digestive ailments and boosting the immune system. The main
caution in taking aloe vera internally is a warning to avoid
internal preparations that may have been processed improperly.
Total Balance, a supplement from
Xtend Life Natural Products, is a total nutritional
supplement that is specially formulated to take all of your
body’s needs into account. The inclusion of aloe vera extract in
the
Total Balance formula is carefully synergized to maximize
the effects of each ingredient and provide you with the full
benefit to be derived from each. We wholly recommend including
Total Balance as a complete solution to your health
supplementation needs.
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