Let’s see what happens if you drink aloe vera juice and for what situations it is usually indicated. First, however, let’s make it clear what this plant contains is so valuable, in order to make it special and appreciated worldwide. One of its most interesting active ingredients is acemannan, a natural mucopolysaccharide that has been shown to have a protective effect on the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Using the acemannan supplement is important now.
Gastrointestinal tract
In an interesting study, conducted in the UK in 2004, researchers gave a group of people with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, aloe vera juice to drink twice a day. After just four weeks there was an improvement in the disease in the participants who drank aloe juice, compared to the control group that had taken only pure water.
- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to the mucopolysaccharides contained in the plant, aloe is also used for very common problems, such as colitis, gastritis and other types of inflammation.
- But, as specified above, for this purpose, the product used must be strict without aloin, because, on the contrary, it can cause worsening of symptoms.
- Therefore, always consult a doctor and never self-medicate.
Immune system
And it has also been shown that acemannan has immunostimulating properties, as it stimulates the activity of macrophages, protecting the body against viruses and bacteria. This is one of the main reasons why aloe juice is drunk, to stimulate the body’s natural defenses during the periods when they are most needed: autumn, winter or during stressful periods of physical and mental tests.
Antibacterial and antiviral properties
Some research has shown that aloe extracts are able to act against some types of bacteria, viruses or fungi, including Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Taking on the juice, therefore, can help in cases where there are infections of this type by helping the immune system, but also acting specifically. For these properties, the gel can be used on the skin (topical, external use) to heal and heal wounds before they ignite.
Antioxidant and detoxifying properties
The plant that contains 12 vitamins, 15 enzymes, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals, 75 nutrients and more than 150 active ingredients, is also considered excellent for its detoxifying and antioxidant actions, capable of combating free radicals that contribute to the aging of the cells of our body.
- That is why when you take aloe juice frequently, you start to notice improvements in the skin, hair and nails.
- The list is certainly not exhaustive. There are many substances that make this plant a treasure yet to be discovered.
- Recently, among other things, scientific research has been focusing in particular on its anticancer potential, but in this case, the species Aloe arborescent, a variant of aloe vera, seems to be more effective.
Contraindications
Like all plants, even aloe is not exempt from possible side effects found more frequently mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, such as colic and diarrhea. In this case, you must listen to your body and stop the treatment immediately.
If you are taking medication, it is always best to talk to your doctor before you start drinking aloe juice. There may be drug interaction depending on the medication you are using.
The juice should not be consumed by pregnant women (there are no studies that indicate its safety) and during lactation (it can make the milk bitter and not very pleasant for the baby).
