What is aloe vera?
Instantly recognisable by its lush, thick and sharp-edged green leaves, aloe vera is a popular and widely-used medicinal plant with healing properties that have brought relief to people across the world for many thousands of years. One of the properties of aloe vera is its ability to treat skin conditions including sores, sunburn and insect bites. Aloe vera is now widely used across the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, including being the core ingredient for soft drinks, which provide healthy hydration and tasty refreshment.
What are the health benefits of aloe vera?
There are many health benefits attributed to aloe vera, it contains a range of powerful antioxidant compounds, some of which can help to restrict the spread of harmful bacteria. In addition to treating burns, and accelerating the skin’s healing process, aloe vera is also considered to be effective in reducing dental plaque and in treating mouth ulcers. Amongst many other uses, some people also believe that aloe vera gel keeps skin supple and helps to reduce the ageing process.
What are the properties of aloe vera and the key nutrients contained within it?
Aloe vera is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these properties of aloe vera have earned it the reputation as one of nature’s most effective cleansers. The many vitamins it includes are A, C, E, B1, B3 (niacin), B6 and folic acid. The aloe vera plant also contains B12 along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, iron, potassium and copper.
See also: Drink Me
There are so many aloe vera drinks on the market, what factors should I consider when choosing a good quality drink?
When it comes to choosing any food or drink product, we recommend that you check the label carefully to check the composition of the aloe vera drink you are buying. The aloe vera drinks market in the UK is still in its infancy, but retailers are taking note of fast-growing consumer demand for aloe vera drinks and making them more accessible. The choice is comprehensive and includes plain and drinks with aloe pieces, along with reduced and zero sugar options. The choice is yours!
What are the differences between aloe vera gel, aloe vera drink and aloe vera powder?
Most people are familiar with aloe vera gel which is the clear, jelly-like substance sourced from the innermost part of the aloe leaf. Aloe vera powder is derived from the hollow interior of the leaves of the aloe plant. Becoming increasingly available, aloe vera drinks are usually rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, which helps the immune system to function normally and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Can aloe vera be used as a complementary or alternative medicine?
Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years and is best known for treating skin injuries, but it contains over 200 active components including vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and fatty acids. If you are in any doubt about whether the properties of aloe vera will react with your medication, we recommend you seek medical advice. You can also access a wealth of useful information online about its medicinal properties and potential benefits.
What are the possible side effects of drinking too much aloe vera?
As with any food and drink product, we recommend that you enjoy aloe vera drinks in moderation. There is such a wide array of choice nowadays that you can enjoy regular, full sugar aloe vera drinks, or you may prefer reduced or zero sugar options. In most cases, one 500ml bottle of aloe vera will provide 100% of your daily vitamin C recommended daily amount – and for many people that’s enough.
See also: In a Nuteshell: The Case For Coconut Water
How much aloe vera can I drink and when is the best time to drink aloe vera for maximum benefits?
If you lead an active, healthy lifestyle, or you just want to enjoy some healthy hydration and tasty refreshment, aloe vera drinks are an ideal way to hydrate, whether you’re at home or out and about. With so much choice available in supermarkets, convenience stores and health food shops, you’ll easily find an aloe drink that suits your lifestyle. There’s no best time of day to enjoy an aloe vera drink, but if you’re in need of a pick me up—or just looking for a refreshing alternative to carbonated sodas, flavoured waters, smoothies or juices—the properties of aloe vera will give you a refreshing boost.
Our thanks to Grace Foods UK for their assistance on this article. Grace Foods UK bring the authentic taste of the Caribbean to your home with their wide range of delicious food and drink products. From spicy barbeque sauces to refreshing tropical drinks, their merchandise delivers on quality and taste. To find out more about their products, visit their website: gracefoods.co.uk
If you have enjoyed reading this article on the properties of aloe vera, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels on staying hydrated and filling up on fluids.
