Famous for healing burns and wounds, the aloe vera plant also has many therapeutic health benefits when consumed internally in the form of aloe vera juice. The juice of this plant contains hundreds of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytochemicals, all of which have extensive healing properties. Aloe vera juice, when consumed daily, can help with everything from stomachaches to energy maintenance. Because aloe vera juice may have adverse effects for some individuals when used long-term, consult a primary-care physician before making it a regular part of your diet.
Ulcer Relief
Aloe vera juice can help to treat and heal peptic or gastric ulcers, as well as prevent new ones from forming. Gillian McKeith, in "Dr. Gillian McKeith's Living Food for Health: 12 Natural Superfoods to Transform Your Health," explains that aloe vera juice can act as a demulcent, helping to prevent pathogenic irritants from contributing to ulcer formation. Aloe vera can also help to reduce the body's secretion of gastric acid, further guarding against the development of peptic ulcers in the future.
Diabetes Care
The many vitamins and nutrients in aloe vera juice can contribute to improved blood-sugar levels for chronic diabetes. The juice helps to minimize resistance to insulin, thereby strengthening your body's ability to moderate metabolism and energy levels. McKeith explains that as little as 1 tbsp. aloe vera juice taken twice daily can help to normalize blood sugar and reduce triglyceride levels within the span of a few short weeks.
Immune Health
Aloe vera juice can strengthen your overall immune system, not only helping your body to ward off infections, but also strengthening its response to immune-related diseases. McKeith explains that glucomannan, an immune-enhancing compound in aloe vera juice, can help to protect the healthy function of white blood cells. This demonstrated antiviral activity can help to boost the body's immune system in its fight against an autoimmune disease, such as HIV-1, measles and influenza virus.
Cancer Prevention
The immune-stimulating properties of aloe vera juice may also be able to prevent various forms of cancer, such as leukemia. In "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch notes that the complex sugars in aloe vera juice help to halt inflammation that is necessary for the growth of tumors in the body. Aloe vera juice also may prevent carcinogenic substances from being absorbed into the liver, helping to maintain the overall health of that organ.
Digestion Support
Aloe vera juice can support your overall digestive health, helping with everything from heartburn to constipation. Jonny Bowden, in "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why," explains that aloe vera juice can also serve as an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Aloe vera can further help with the detoxification of the bowels, as well as the reduction of intestinal microorganisms such as yeast.
References
- "Dr. Gillian McKeith's Living Food for Health: 12 Natural Superfoods to Transform Your Health"; Gillian McKeith; 2005
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why"; Jonny Bowden; 2008
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