For most people in the West, aloe vera used to be associated with hand lotion and liquid soap. In China and the rest of the Far East, however, it is known as a key ingredient in health-giving beverages. Here, at Sing-Kee Foods, we have noticed that aloe vera juice drinks are also becoming increasingly popular in the UK. So, let’s find out what they are and why they are good for you.
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a short-stemmed evergreen perennial, which originates from the Arabian Peninsula and occurs naturally in North Africa. The earliest known human use of the shrub dates back to an ancient Egyptian medical record from the 16th century BCE, which refers to it as “that plant of immortality”. It has also been used for therapeutic reasons for many centuries in China, Japan and India, as well as other parts of Asia.
Nowadays, it is cultivated worldwide primarily as a crop for gel, which can be found in many consumer products including juice drinks and cosmetics. It is one of the only plant sources of vitamin B12, making it suitable for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
What is aloe vera juice?
It is made by crushing or grinding the entire leaf of the aloe vera plant, followed by a purification and filtering process. This results in a pure, uncoloured liquid with a mild, palatable flavour, which can be used to create juice-based drinks or added to shakes and smoothies. It is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial agents, meaning that it is a practical whole food supplement. Of course, this is nothing new to consumers in the Far East. But, now, aloe vera juice is the latest health drink craze to hit Western countries.
What are the health benefits of aloe vera juice?
Due to its alkaline properties, drinking aloe vera juice will help to reduce the acidic pH levels in your body. This, in turn, will help your immune system to fight off disease. It is also an ideal way to prevent or treat dehydration, flush out impurities from your system and supply your body with many of the nutrients your body needs, such as vitamins B, C and E and folic acid. Being rich in phytonutrients, it is an excellent way to maintain a health liver too.
If you suffer from constipation, then make this drink part of your daily routine. This will also support the healthy bacteria in your gut and help to control the secretion of acid in your stomach. It has also been shown to combat gastric ulcers and prevent them from getting larger. It may also help sufferers from irritable bowel syndrome and frequent heartburn attacks.
Where can I buy aloe vera juice?
Look no further than Sing-Kee Foods. We are proud to be the UK’s leading stockist of OKF Aloe Vera King, the world’s number one selling aloe drink. The drink is available in original as well as other flavours, including mango, lychee and strawberry.