If you’re suffering from any kind of joint pain, whether it be from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, uric acid crystals, or years of normal wear and tear, you may want to add this ingredient to your diet.
Aloe vera contains glucosamine, which is a natural compound found in cartilage. It can help treat stiff and sore joints, as well as arthritis pain. Aloe vera also has minerals in it, that will promote enzymatic reactions in the joints, allowing them to heal faster.
One study found that aloe vera helped modify the arrangement of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) during tendon healing, and increased the content of GAGs and non-collagenous proteins (1). Glycosaminoglycans are a key component of knee cartilage, and contribute to the tissue’s ability to absorb the constant loads (walking, sitting, etc.) of ordinary living.
Aloe vera also contains a fatty acid called salicylic acid, which is metabolized in the body to an aspirin-like compound, and provides pain-relieving properties.
To retrieve aloe vera gel from a plant, take one leaf, and skim off the spikes on both sides of the leaf. Then, cut in half width-wise. Working with one half at a time, cut the top part of the skin off, and you will reveal the gel inside. Turn the leaf over, and take off the other side of the green leaf, leaving the gel intact – you can keep this gel in the fridge for a few days if you want to use over the course of a couple days.
Alternatively, you can also purchase aloe vera gel (although fresh is always best). Lily of The Desert Aloe Vera Gel is my favourite brand that I often recommend.
Aloe Vera Smoothie:
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
– 1 cup pineapple
– 1 cup mango
– 1 cup packed spinach
– 1-inch fresh ginger root
– 1 cup water or young coconut water
Method:
Blend all of the above ingredients in a high-speed blender like the Vitamix, and enjoy!
Aloe Vera Juice:
Ingredients:
– 2 organic apples
– 1 cucumber
– 4 stalks celery
– 1 lemon, peeled
– 1-inch fresh ginger root
– 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
Method:
1. Juice the apples, cucumber, celery, ginger and lemon.
2. Stir in the aloe vera gel (if using the stuff in a bottle), or blend up the juice with the fresh aloe from a plant. Enjoy!
