for Deb, i've decided to enlighten the masses as to the untold virtues of the Aloe Vera plant. everyone knows it's good for burns, lacerations, and sunburns; but the true value of the plant is neglected if it's only used externally. when i started my low-carb-athon in January i wanted it to be more than a diet; i wanted to detox from all the alcohol and sugar of the Yuletide celebration so i added some things to a typical low-carb diet. Aloe juice was the first thing on the list because i'd been interested in trying it for a long time. by the fourth day of my diet i was having some strange side effects; i'd wake up in the morning and my teeth and mouth felt so clean. it may sound silly, but it was so noticeable that i was shocked by it.
benefit #1: oral health. aloe juice balances the pH of the mouth. it is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal, not to mention the massive benefits to your gums. anyone who has ulcers or gingivitis should really try it.
so, in noticing how different my mouth felt, i couldn't help but think of how by digestive track must be benefiting...which leads us to the exit function. anyone who has tried a diet that suddenly changes a big part of what is eaten everyday gets constipated. not with aloe juice.
benefit #2: natural colon cleansing, as well as diuretic properties. anyone who has tried a colon cleanse may be scared of this part, but it's actually very normal. nothing explosive or gut wrenching about it. energy levels are increased and weight becomes more manageable when the digestive system is clean and in good working order.
now that we've covered the in's and out's, let's talk about what it actually does in your body. most people realize that it's really hard to get a day's vitamins and minerals what with soil depletion, vitamin supplements with sketchy countries of manufacture, and the good ole FDA.
benefit #3: up to 200% improved vitamin uptake from food and supplements.
if you work out, and you're old (ish) like myself, you may overdo it from time to time.
benefit #4: aloe fights inflammation in the body.
and there are many miscellaneous benefits: increased immune response, better skin health, and aloe contains 19 of 20 amino acids.
it's good stuff. really a natural miracle plant. but you are going to get what you pay for! if you get a gallon for under 10 dollars, you're looking at some pretty low grade stuff. my favorite brand is http://www.lilyofthedesert.com/index.html. considering i drink 2oz twice a day, i'm spending under 10 dollars a week. it's well worth it!
