Aloe Vera is a succulent plant native to North Africa and the Middle East, characterized by dark green leaves that are thick and fleshy, and by yellow flowers.
This plant is known for its medicinal properties, and its gel or juice is used in various products for skin and hair care and for certain gastrointestinal disorders, as well as being a food supplement rich in important micronutrients.
Aloe Vera juice, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can also be an effective aid in weight loss thanks to its detoxifying effect.
Let's find out together.
Aloe Vera, what is it?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant native to the African continent, belonging to the Aloeaceae family.
It is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in cosmetics and skincare products, as well as in Natural Food Supplements thanks to its many benefits.
Aloe Vera juice contains many beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes, and is also rich in antioxidant compounds.
We at AloeVonderweid have specialized in cultivating Aloe Vera and Aloe Arborescens in Sicily, in the open air, since 1997. We were one of the first companies to start cultivating Aloe in Italy, and we can still “boast” of having the largest open-air Aloe cultivation in all of Europe, with more than 50,000 plants.
Open-air Aloe cultivation is a fundamental factor for the vigorous growth of Aloe plants, resulting in optimal development of their compounds and active ingredients, something that does not happen in greenhouse cultivation.
AloeVonderweid's Aloe Vera cultivation protocol:
We at AloeVonderweid have been cultivating Aloe Vera in Sicily since 1997, using Sustainable Agriculture techniques.
We do not use chemically synthesized substances such as fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides, antifungal agents and pesticides generally.
When necessary, substances of natural origin, such as specially selected plant extracts, insects, and minerals which, when dispersed over the soil, alter its chemical and physical characteristics, helping to create a more protected environment for our plants.
What does Aloe Vera Gel contain?
The Aloe Vera Gel, extracted from the fleshy central part (the watery parenchyma) of the Leaves, contains numerous components that can be grouped into 3 main groups:
- Complex Sugars or Glucomannans: polysaccharides made up of glucose and mannose, they retain water inside the plant and give the gel moisturizing and gastroprotective properties. The most active glucomannan is Acemannan, particularly concentrated in the Leaves of Aloe Arborescens, and extensively studied for its immunostimulating properties. According to some studies, it could increase macrophage activity by up to 10 times; macrophages are responsible for eliminating toxins and metabolic waste.
- Anthraquinones: although they are more concentrated in the peel, and present in much lower amounts in the gel, below legal limits, they are compounds responsible for the laxative effect and give the product a bitter taste.
- Micronutrients: Aloe Vera Gel contains:
– Mineral Salts: Chromium, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc
– Vitamins: Vitamin A (Beta - Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), and Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
– Enzymes: they mainly have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote the digestive process. These include amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, protease, and transaminase.
– Amino Acids: Aloe contains all 8 essential amino acids, which are useful for many bodily functions and cannot be produced independently by humans, so they must be obtained through the diet. These amino acids are: Isoleucine, Methionine, Lysine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Threonine, and Valine. Aloe also contains non-essential amino acids such as Arginine, Histidine, and Alanine, which are also very important.
– Saponins (detergent substances with antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties) and Lignins (substances highly valued in Cosmetics that allow Aloe gel to penetrate deeply into the less superficial layers of the Skin)
What are the slimming properties of Aloe Vera?
The slimming properties of Aloe Vera can be attributed to various factors, such as the presence of Collagen in Aloe Leaves, which, according to an article by Humanitas i “as it is a protein that is difficult to digest, it slows gastric emptying and causes the body to draw on the energy reserves contained in fats and sugars, prolonging the feeling of satiety”.
Some studies seem to show that this substance has an effect on modulating carbohydrate metabolism and other parameters; however, it is particularly effective if the patient still follows a controlled diet, changes their lifestyle, and engages in physical activity.
Other important factors can be found among the benefits of Aloe Vera juice that help the proper functioning of the body's metabolism, such as:
- Lowering blood sugar: thanks to the presence of glucomannan and soluble fiber, which are considered excellent hypoglycemic agents.
- Body drainage: thanks to its draining action, Aloe juice helps eliminate excess fluids
- Regulation of intestinal activity: thanks to the presence of fiber and certain specific molecules, Aloe juice can stimulate intestinal activity, resulting in a laxative effect that helps eliminate all waste substances and clear the intestines
- Cleansing the body of excess toxins
We can therefore conclude that Aloe Vera Juice cannot directly be considered a “weight-loss” dietary supplement; however, thanks to its properties and benefits, it may indirectly help with weight loss.
Let us always remember that a supplement is not a miraculous substance that can make us lose weight easily and without any effort on our part. In fact, it is necessary to combine its use with a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and sufficient physical activity.
How to take Aloe Vera to lose weight?
The best way to take Aloe Vera is to take it on an empty stomach, before meals, to optimize its absorption by the body.
Our Aloe Vera Juice, being more concentrated than many “commercial” juices found in certain pharmacies, where water is added, requires taking 20 ml 3 times a day, preferably before meals.
