Facts About Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is a drinkable form of the Aloe Vera plant, which is purported to help with digestive complaints. The juice from Aloe Vera plants contains trace amounts of enzymes and minerals, and the bitter tasting juice may either be drunk by itself or mixed with fruit juices to improve its taste. Consumers need to be aware of any side effects that may occur if they drink Aloe Vera juice, and those experiencing severe digestive upsets need to see a doctor before using this product.
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Identification
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Aloe Vera juice is a concentrated juice that is created by extracting liquids from the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant. The concentrated juice may contain extracts from the inside of the leaf only or may include components from the entire leaf. Some Aloe Vera juice products combine the juice with other fruit juices while other products offer the juice in a completely pure form. Aloe Vera juice is an edible product which should not be confused with Aloe Vera gel which is not edible.
Ingredients
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Most of the Aloe Vera juice products on the market are created from the barbadensis Miller species of Aloe. Concentrated Aloe Vera juice contains water, sodium, calcium, magnesium and trace amounts of plant sugars; the juice may also contain some amino acids (arginine, gluatmic acid and aspartic acid) depending on whether the enzymes were preserved in the extraction process. Small amounts of citric acid, sodium benzoate and/or potassium sorbate are added to the juice as a preservative.
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Uses
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Aloe Vera juice is marketed as a digestive soother, which can help with numerous gastrointestinal conditions including diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, acid reflux and indigestion. Aloe Vera juice products recommend either drinking the product every day before each meal or drinking the product once a day. The juice may either be drunk alone or mixed with other juices to decrease the bitter taste of the Aloe.
Side Effects
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Side effects may occur from drinking Aloe Vera juice and include color changes in the urine, abdominal pain and nausea. In rare instances, people allergic to Aloe Vera may experience a life threatening allergic reaction if they drink Aloe Vera juice; symptoms of this type of reaction include rashes, swelling of the face and throat and difficulty breathing.
Warnings
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If you experience any severe side effects after ingesting Aloe Vera juice, seek medical help immediately. If you are currently taking any other types of medications or if you have any type of medical condition you should talk with your doctor before you use Aloe Vera juice.
Aloe Vera juice and its effects have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are currently suffering from severe digestive upset or gastrointestinal illness, you should see a doctor before using Aloe Vera juice.
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