From the textbook: Staying Healthy with Nutrition
- anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Can kill many types of bacteria including pneumonia causing bacteria. It can inhibit the fungus of Candida which is responsible for yeast infections.
- anti-inflamatory - when applied topically
- anti-oxident - aloe vera been shown to help protect cell membranes from free radical damage.
- circulatory aid - as a good source of beta-sitosterol, aloe can be used to help support the circulatory system by keeping the blood cholesterol levels in check.
Aloe Vera Juice:
- important to buy a high quality one. As much like the gel of the plant as possible and that has not been subjected to high heat or unnecessary filtering.
Aloe has a low risk of toxicity. So you can consume it as a drink on a regular basis. Many people start out with 1 ounce twice daily and increase to about 6 ounces per day. Many users describe postive health effects from drinking aloe vera juice on this kind of routine basis (including my parents). Could be described as soothing and vitalizing.
Source: Staying Healthy with Nutrition (CSNN approved textbook)
My words of caution: If you plan to try aloe vera juice, I would recommend you make note over the first few days and weeks to see how your body reacts to it. It may not be for everyone. As with most supplements, I suggest to not use it for long periods of time. Take a break from it occasionally. It may help sooth and possibly help heal the digestive tract but chronic use could have the potential of throwing other other vitamin/mineral balances off in your body (as with any supplement). Also, try to find a juice with minimal added ingredients. The taste may not be great but adding to a smoothie might help. Consult a physician first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
I have not tried Aloe Vera juice myself but plan to experiment with it and see how my body reacts.
Aloe vera juice also helps to decrease inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and other inflammatory disorders of the gut. Additionally, aloe vera can increase healthy bacteria in the intestines that aid digestion.
Research published in the "Journal of Environmental Science and Health" notes that aloe vera contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that aid the immune system to cleanse the body of toxins and invading pathogens. Additionally, aloe vera helps to balance the immune system to reduce the effects of seasonal allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory immune disorders.
Taking aloe vera internally may also help improve blood circulation in the body. A clinical study published in the medical journal "Angiology" reported that aloe vera may help decrease total fat levels in patients with high cholesterol. This helps to reduce fatty deposits and blood clots in the arteries of the heart and body. The research noted that patients with diabetes showed the highest improvement in cholesterol level; however, the exact mechanism of these benefits are not yet determined.
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that drinking aloe vera can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea. This occurs because aloe juice and aloe latex contain a substance called anthraquinone, which is a laxative. Severe diarrhea can cause pain, cramping and dehydration. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before ingesting this herb and do not consume aloe vera that is not produced for internal use.
Like other herbal supplements, taking aloe vera internally can cause adverse interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Aloe vera may inhibit or increase the effects of some drugs, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. For example, it may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of some diabetes medications and may cause potassium loss if taken with water pills or diuretics for heart conditions.
Source: SF Gate
Teri