Aloe for Diabetes? really? Yes true! Due to the sedentary lifestyle, we live today, diabetes affects millions of people across the globe. We hardly have time to exercise as we divide our time between family and work. Another contributing factor is our diet. Sure there are a lot of healthy options now but their counterparts are also on the rise. We sometimes neglect our health without realizing that it is going to take a toll on us eventually. Did you know that almost a third of people with diabetes do not know they have it?
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to make enough or any of a hormone called insulin, or when the insulin produced does not work effectively. This will then result in abnormally high glucose levels.
What are the Different Types of Diabetes?
1.) Type 1- It is characterized by a complete lack of insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually affects people before they reach the age of 30, but it can occur at any age. This may be indicated by a genetic disorder, although we do not yet understand how and why. Insulin supplementation is done to deal with this disease.
2.) Type 2- It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 usually occurs after the age of 40 and is mainly due to a combination of relative insulin deficiency and insulin resistance (the body not being able to use reduced amounts of insulin efficiently). Although type 2 patients may occasionally require insulin injections, this type of diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise. Oral hypoglycemic drugs are also taken.
Diabetes is not something that should be taken lightly as it can lead to several complications which can increase the risk of death for the patient. Heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and other vision problems, and loss of mobility are just some of the complications a diabetic person should worry about.
Aloe Vera and Diabetes
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant commonly known for its waxy, sticky leaves that look like thick stalks. The leaves contain a gel that is used to treat various diseases. Aloe Vera contains at least 75 different nutrients and over 200 active compounds. Many studies have been done to prove the many health benefits of Aloe for humans.
A Japanese study published on April 11, 2006, evaluated the effect of aloe gel on blood sugar. The study confirmed the anti-hyperglycemic effect of aloe vera gel. On spectroscopic data, the identified compounds were: lophenol, 24-methyl-lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartenol, and 24-methylene-cycloartenol. These compounds were found to reduce blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
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Patients who drank Aloe Vera juice for their months saw a significant drop in their blood sugar levels. Aloe Vera also works to reverse “sludge blood” and increase circulation which means diabetic patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy would greatly benefit from taking Aloe Vera every day. Also, his cholesterol level had reduced. The effect of Aloe can be seen from the second week of treatment. You will notice that your glucose and triglyceride levels drop significantly.
How to Make Your Own Aloe Vera Juice (Aloe for Diabetes):
You will need:
Aloe Vera Leaves
Sharp Knife
Spoon
Blender
1 cup of Unsweetened/Sugar-Free Juice
- 1.) Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the rind from the Aloe plant leaves. Discard the peels.
- 2.) Peel the yellow layer just beneath the rind and discard. You should only use clear Aloe gel.
- 3.) Continue peeling the outer rind using a spoon until you have 2 tbsp of the gel.
- 4.) Pour the gel into the blender and add a cup of your favorite sugar-free juice. Blend the juice until you don’t see any lumps anymore.
- 5.) Pour the blended Aloe Vera juice into a glass. Enjoy!