Aloe Vera Recipes: Yummy Aloe Smoothies

Aloe Vera juice is more known for its health benefits than its vegetable-like taste, which takes a while to get used to.

It’s unfortunate that there are some people whose tastebuds continue to reject this healthy, if not too pleasant-tasting juice despite the fact that they’ve been drinking Aloe Vera for years.

If you’ve never tried Aloe Vera and are wary about the taste, don’t worry - Aloe Vera’s medical benefits do not diminish when mixed with other fruit juices.

In fact, Aloe Vera complements the nutritional value of many fresh fruits and vegetables. Below are a few yummy but healthy Aloe Vera recipes for you to try out:

Choco-Banana Aloe Smoothie
1 glass of chocolate milk
250 ml skim milk or soya milk
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
1 Banana

Strawberry-Honey Aloe Smoothie
1 pound of frozen or fresh strawberries
1/2 juiced lemon
1/2 cup ginger tea
2 tablespoons honey
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Stress-Reliever Aloe Smoothie
2 1/2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup strawberry juice or nectar
1 pitted peach
1 cup plain yogurt
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Non-Fat Fruity Aloe Smoothie
1/4 cup sliced apple
1/4 cup banana
1 juiced orange
4 tablespoons honey
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Mango Madness Aloe Smoothie
2 cups non-fat vanilla or plain yogurt
1 cup mango nectar
2 mangoes, chopped
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Tropical Passion Aloe Smoothie
1 papaya, chopped and without seeds
1 peach, chopped
2 passion fruits
150 ml orange juice
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Very Very Veggie Smoothie
1 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons picante salsa
1 raw tomato, sliced
1 cup raw broccoli
1/2 raw carrot, sliced
1 cup any leafy green (raw)
1 clove raw garlic
1/2 cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 slice onion
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Aloe Creamsicle
2 cups frozen vanilla yogurt
4 tablespoons honey
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Thanksgiving Aloe Smoothie
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup apricot
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup non-fat milk
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch cinnamon
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Green Tea and Aloe Smoothie
1 cup brewed green tea
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup mango, sliced
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Tomato and Aloe Smoothie
2 cups tomatos, chopped
1/2 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
tabasco or hot sauce to taste
8 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Depending on how sweet your ’sweet tooth’ is, you can add another teaspoon of sugar.

If desired, blend in two cups of crushed ice. Pour into a glass, garnish with your favorite fruit, then drink with a straw and lots of gusto!

Each recipe is good for one serving and contains 4 ounces of Aloe Vera gel, the recommended maximum amount you should take daily to receive the full benefits of Aloe Vera.

If you’d like to reduce the Aloe Vera gel to 2 ounces (the recommended minimum amount), simply add 4 tablespoons instead of 8.

The recipes listed above are just a few creative ways by which you can make drinking Aloe Vera a pleasant and tasty experience.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match fruits and vegetables when you drink your Aloe Vera juice.

Experiment enough, and you might even develop your very own Aloe Vera smoothie.

Enjoy!! :-)

Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera Juice | Aloe Vera Gel

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

History of Aloe Vera: Four Thousand Years of Healing

Aloe Vera as a commercial product was not popular in the market until the 1970s, but did you know that people have been benefiting from Aloe Vera’s medicinal properties for four thousand years?

The very first record of the Aloe Vera plant in history was written by Dioscorides, a famous Greek physician from the first century AD.

He wrote that Aloe Vera had the power of “inducing sleep and of thickening the body…it helps loosen the belly and cleanses the stomach when drunk with warm milk or cold water.”

The rest of his writings included a detailed commentary on the many uses of Aloe Vera for ailments such as hemorrhoids, boils, and irritations of the gums and throat.

By the 2nd century AD, Aloe Vera had become indispensible to Roman physicians - the most notable of which was Galen, the personal physician of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.

Galen was said to have drawn his knowledge from the writings of Aristotle and Hippocrates, who had gotten their knowledge of Aloe Vera from the Indian and Egyptian “medical writers”.

Galen’s research on the plant would eventually spread to the Arab kingdom. Aloe Vera became widely used in the colder areas of Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.

Knowledge of Aloe Vera as the “miracle plant” was passed down through folklore, and local people used the plant as a traditional remedy either by boiling it or using the gel from the leaf without any processes.

More stories about the potency of the Aloe Vera plant came from explorers Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo, who were reported to have used the plant during their respective voyages to the West Indies and China.

Meanwhile, in the East, Chinese physicians were already writing about how Aloe Vera helped treat sinusitis, skin disorders, and internal problems such as convulsions in children and worm fever.

During the massive exploration period in the fifteenth century, the leading maritime powers Spain, Holland, France, Portugal, and Britain brought Aloe Vera to the New World (as North America was called back then), Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

By then, European physicians had become experts in Aloe Vera’s healing properties through practical use and through studying the texts of Greek and Roman physicians.

The plant became very popular in Jamaica and the Caribbean, where the natives used the gel for topical problems (particularly sunburn), as a health tonic, and even as a shampoo.

From the 18th to 19th century, there seems to have been little mention of Aloe Vera in Western medical texts.

The theory behind this is that northern Europeans must have been ingesting the sap along with the gel, which is why the plant soon developed a reputation as a laxative instead of a remedy.

Another theory is that the stories of Aloe Vera as a miraculous plant led to an increase of demand from Europe. But there was one problem: Aloe Vera only grows in warm climates, which meant that the leaves had to be imported.

The imported leaves were not as effective as fresh Aloe leaves, nor did they know how to retain the plant’s purity, potency, and safety.

The seemingly magical properties of Aloe Vera seemed to be a myth, which is probably why its reputation faltered.

In the 1950s, however, the use of Aloe Vera was revived when consumers saw the need to return to nature for medicine as a protest against the monopoly of pharmaceutical companies.

Coincidentally, scientists finally discovered how to retain Aloe Vera’s purity and efficacy - protect the inner gel from the oxidation process, which is what drastically reduces its healing properties.

They worked on a process that would stabilize the inner gel and ensure that people could use it in its purest form.

Over the next decade, many processing techniques were tried but most of them failed.

The reason for that is because the whole leaf would be processed at once, resulting in the concentration of a high percentage of aloin, the bitter substance that works as a natural laxative.

The 1970s saw a scientific breakthrough in making fresh Aloe Vera available to anyone.

Using cold processing techniques and natural ingredients, scientists were able to find an effective way of separating the aloin from the inner gel and stabilizing the latter.

These techniques were patented and resulted in the development of a global, billion-dollar Aloe Vera industry.

As pure, high quality Aloe Vera products became available in the market, more and more doctors and scientists realized the true value of this simple plant and the significant contribution it can make to human health.

Despite Aloe Vera’s medicinal properties and rich, 4,000 year old history, the plant should not be regarded as a magical cure-all for illnesses.

Aloe Vera soothes, alleviates, and supplements, but it does not cure. And regularly taking Aloe Vera juice is the only way you can benefit from the plant as a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

So make Aloe Vera an integral part of a healthier lifestyle today!

Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera Plant | Aloe Vera Gel

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Benefits of Aloe Vera: What Every Woman Should Know

Facial masks, shampoos, even razor blades carry the magical name “Aloe Vera” on their packaging and advertising.

This 4,000 year old plant is currently en vogue, especially now that women have heard of the cosmetic wonders this plant can perform.

The Aloe Bardadensis Miller plant has over 200 vitamins and minerals, which makes it an ideal food supplement, source of essential amino acids, and effective topical solution.

However, the secret to Aloe Vera’s amazing medical properties is the complex sugar called polysaccharides.

When absorbed into the bloodstream or used on your skin, polysaccharides adapt to your body’s needs by stimulating cell growth and giving your immune system a much-needed boost.

Despite the wisdom in old saying that “beauty is skin deep”, looks do matter for most women.

Women are willing to spend anything if it means looking more beautiful, and Aloe Vera’s efficacy on the skin is the reason why many cosmetic manufacturers now incoprorate the plant into their products.

Anti-wrinkle treatments are made more potent with Aloe Vera because it stimulates the production of elastin and collagen - two proteins that keep skin healthy and young.

Aloe Vera facial cleansers are also popular among women due to its ability to remove dead cells and maintain the skin’s moisture levels.

Women suffering from acne problems feel less confident about their beauty, but regular use of Aloe Vera will help them walk proud with their heads held high.

The plant’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties prevent the growth of acne and future breakouts by removing excess oil.

Aloe Vera does not cure acne per se, but consistent use decreases redness and swelling of the acne blemish. Aloe Vera also lightens skin pigmentation, which is key to reducing the visibility of acne scars and marks.

Besides these cosmetic benefits, Aloe Vera also helps soothe and prevent problems “down there” such as vaginitis, razor burn, and yeast infections.

There’s no contesting the fact that Aloe Vera has many benefits for women. But before you start buying everything that lists Aloe Vera as an ingredient, remember that not all Aloe Vera products are as effective as they claim to be.

Most of these products are simply capitalizing on the popularity of Aloe Vera and may contain Aloe Vera that was not processed well, or too little Aloe Vera to be of any use at all.

So how can you tell if this so-called Aloe Vera cosmetic product will fulfill its claim? The only way for you to find out is to try it yourself.

But if you don’t want to go through all the trouble doing trial-and-error tests on various products, the safest and easiest way to get all the benefits of Aloe Vera is to buy pure, high-quality Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera gel contains all the vitamins and minerals your skin and body needs to stay healthy and beautiful.

It’s also easier to see if the Aloe Vera gel you’re getting is the real thing or not; only high-quality Aloe Vera gel contains a yellowish pulp from the very center of the Aloe leaf itself.

All those Aloe Vera products on the market might look very tempting, but the question of quality is a difficult one to answer without experience.

To receive all the promised benefits of this amazing plant, buy only high-quality Aloe Vera gel. You know your skin deserves nothing less than the best.

Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera Plant | Aloe Vera Juice

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits: Ten Reasons for a Daily Glass of Aloe Vera

Drinking 2-4 oz of Aloe Vera juice - either on its own or diluted in water - should be done regularly, like brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

Scientists have done extensive research on the benefits of Aloe Vera juice to the human body when taken interally.

Helping cell regrowth, preventing illnesses, and remedying gastro-intestinal problems are just some of the things Aloe Vera juice can do.

But the best part about Aloe Vera is that it is an adaptogen, which means that the vitamins, minerals, and other healing properties in the juice adapts to your body’s needs.

Still not convinced?

Here are ten reasons why you should make Aloe Vera juice part of your health care regimen…

1. Aloe Vera juice improves your body’s fibroblast function. Drinking Aloe Vera juice helps assists the reproduction of fibroblasts, the cells that form collagen. Not only does collagen make up 25-35% of the human body’s protein content; it is also the amino acid that keeps skin strong and elastic.

2. Aloe Vera juice aids in digestion. Aloe Vera works as a natural laxative and has detoxifying components. Drinking Aloe Vera juice promotes regular bowel movement, increases protein and nutrient absoprtion into the blood stream, and decreases instances of bacteria or parasites in the intestines. Besides these, Aloe Vera also soothes ulcer pains and relieves heartburn.

3. Aloe Vera juice helps increase energy. Since Aloe Vera helps regulate your bowel movement, your body becomes more efficient at getting rid of unwanted substances that can cause exhaustion and fatigue, This results in an increase in your energy levels and a greater sense of physical well-being.

4. Aloe Vera juice enhances your immune system. Aloe Vera contains the right vitamins your immune system needs, giving your body an arsenal of protection from diseases.

5. Aloe Vera juice keeps your gums and mouth healthy. When used as a mouthwash, the anti-bacterial effects of Aloe Vera juice prevents gingivitis and gets rid of plaque and other bacteria that can break down teeth and gums.

6. Aloe Vera juice benefits women’s reproductive health. Drinking Aloe Vera juice reduces the risk of yeast infection and vaginitis.

7. Aloe Vera juice contains your daily dose of minerals. Potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and copper are just some of the minerals you can find in Aloe Vera juice.

8. Aloe Vera juice contains your daily dose of vitamins. Besides all these minerals, Aloe Vera juice also has Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E. Because our bodies use up these vitamins regularly, we need to replenish them through the food we eat.

9. Aloe Vera juice contains anti-inflammatory agents. All these vitamins and minerals in Aloe Vera improves muscle mobility and inhibits the inflammation caused by arthritis.

10. Aloe Vera juice has essential amino acids. Amino acids are required to build proteins and plays a significant role in our metabilsim. The Aloe Vera plant is the only plant in the world that contains eight essential amino acids needed by the human body.

These are only some of the benefits Aloe Vera juice can bring to your body and your overall well-being. So get a glass of this natural drink and make drinking Aloe Vera juice a habit today!

Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera Plant | Aloe Vera Juice

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Aloe Vera Juice: Choosing Quality Juice

The multiple benefits of the Aloe Vera plant are not lost on manufacturers and marketers.

These days, Aloe Vera seems to be on all sorts of commercial products, from baby wipes, to shampoos, to drinks.

How can you be sure that the Aloe Vera juice you want to buy is made out of nothing but pure, high-quality Aloe Vera gel?

By now you probably know that Aloe Vera juice is made out of the gel found at the center of the Aloe Vera leaf.

High quality Aloe Vera juice should contain gel that was stabilized immediately. Like other living things, Aloe Vera gel decomposes, particularly when exposed to air for a long period of time.

When this happens, the vitamins and minerals die and the Aloe Vera gel loses all its medicinal properties. The stabilization process preserves the vitamins and minerals without introducing any chemicals to the gel.

But how can you tell if the Aloe Vera juice you’re buying went through the right stabilization process> How can you be sure that the product is as effective as promised on the label?

Like shopping for consumer goods like electronics or cars, you’ll probably turn to an established brand with a good track record, a brand that you often see in advertisements, or a brand recommended to you by someone you know.

Between choosing an established brand or trying out brands that are new to the market, you’re probably going to get high quality Aloe Vera juice from the former.

The established brand has already withstood the test of time and the company itself has made heavy investments on infrastructure.

They control all aspects of production, from growing the plant to processing the gel. Besides that, they also have a team of scientists and experts who monitor each step of production.

Aloe Vera juice and other products from established companies will be far superior in terms of quality, purity, and effectiveness than new brands who are simply capitalizing on the popularity of Aloe Vera as a remedy and food supplement.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give new brands a chance, either. Take advantage of new brands who offer money-back guarantees.

This gives you the opportunity to try out the benefits of Aloe Vera and judge the efficacy of their products for yourself. And if you are dissatisfied with the results, at least you can get your money back.

Perhaps the best way to go about buying Aloe Vera juice is to ask for recommendations from someone who you know uses Aloe Vera on a regular basis.

If a friend tells you about a particular brand that worked for him and her, chances are you will buy the same thing as well.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do your own research. Get as much information about the product and its manufacturer, and see if they offer a money-back guarantee on their Aloe Vera juice.

To sum up, the only way you can be sure of the quality of your Aloe Vera juice is to try it out yourself, but you shouldn’t waste your money experimenting with different brands.

Contact the manufacturer or seller and ask relevant questions about the product, like how it was processed.

Talk to people who use Aloe Vera. When you have all the information you need, make an informed decision.

Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera Plant | Aloe Vera Juice

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace