Popularly known for its use in skincare and hair growth, aloe vera has a surprising side; you can drink it. I know! I was just as surprised.
Aloe vera juice is one of the healthiest and tastiest beverages you can make. Although making it may require a little more effort than making a fruit smoothie or mojito, it does not require special culinary skills.
Follow these steps to make yourself a delicious cup of aloe vera juice.
Ingredients
- One cup of aloe vera gel, fresh or bottled
- Three cups of water
- Four tablespoons of honey (or to taste)
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- One cup of coconut water
- Fruit juice for flavor (optional)
These ingredients make 4 servings of Aloe Vera Juice.
Procedure
Extract the gel
Fresh aloe vera leaves usually contain a yellow fluid known as latex, which can be harmful to your body. After plucking the leaves from your plant, soak them in water for about an hour to allow the latex to separate from the leaves. Give the aloe vera leaves a thorough rinse once more and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cut off the rind of the leaf in the same manner you would filet a fish. This makes it easier to “peel” open the leaves of the aloe vera. Afterward, section the leaf from the side to open it up. This gives you access to the gel.
Use a spoon to scoop out the gel carefully. Ensure no yellow or green specks are present and the gel is clear. Two large-sized aloe vera leaves should give you the equivalent of one cup.
Make the aloe vera juice
Put the aloe vera gel into a blender, add the water, and honey, and blend until smooth. Pour the blend into a pitcher and add your lemon juice, coconut water, and fruit juice. Mix this thoroughly and keep it in a fridge for fifteen minutes; doing this allows the flavor from each ingredient to blend well with the other.
Serve with ice.
N.B: Aloe vera gel can have a bitter and acidic taste. Diluting it with other liquids is recommended, hence the use of coconut water in this recipe. However, if you don’t want to use other liquids, more water is fine.
Storage and shelf life
Do you have some extra aloe vera juice? Instead of throwing it away, you can pour it into an airtight container or bottle and keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C).
Some people say it can be kept for up to seven days, but we recommend consuming it within three to five days of making it.
Things you should note
Choose the right type if you would be getting your aloe vera gel directly from the plant. Only use the gel from the inner leaf of the plant. Outer leaves contain anthraquinones which can be harmful when ingested.
Purify and filter the aloe vera gel to remove harmful compounds, then dilute it with water to reduce its potency. If you have an underlying health condition, you may want to check with your physician before taking this drink.
Remember that aloe vera juice is more of a medicinal drink than a relaxation drink. Do not drink it too often. While taking it daily is not outrightly condemned, increasing the amount taken increases your chances of coming down with the side effects it may give.
Drinking aloe vera juice may have side effects like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea. However, these should not deter you from enjoying this delectable juice. The side effects are usually restricted to excessive consumption.
Health benefits of aloe vera juice
Aloe vera juice has numerous health benefits. Here are a few of them:
- Aloe vera juice helps to reduce inflammation in the body, protecting the body from inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
- It supports gut health and boosts immunity.
- Studies show that it may also be beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Taking aloe vera juice regularly can protect your eyesight from going bad.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Use fresh, organic aloe vera leaves for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Avoid scraping too close to the skin when removing the gel. Or else, you end up scraping the yellow substance responsible for its bitter and harmful effect.
- Start with small batches of aloe vera gel, then add more to get your desired taste and consistency.
- Experiment with other ingredients, such as lemons, oranges, or berries, to enhance the taste of this juice. These fruits also prevent aloe vera juice from oxidizing and developing an off-flavor.
- If your aloe vera juice seems too slimy or thick, add more water and mix it again. If you discover it has a bitter taste, try reducing the amount of aloe gel and adding more sweetener. A spritz of lemon, because of its acidity, can also help.
- You can use aloe vera juice as a base for smoothies and fruit slushies.
Bottomline
With its numerous health benefits and delicious taste, this drink is a great addition to any health-conscious individual’s daily routine. Remember to use fresh, organic aloe vera leaves, dilute the gel with water, and experiment with other ingredients to enhance the flavor.
