What are the benefits of dried and candied aloe vera? How to dry it? How to consume it? And what are its nutritional values?
I. Processing of Dried and Candied Aloe Vera [Recipe]
One of the most common ways to preserve the active elements of aloe vera is to dry it.
There are several ways to do this, some of which are artisanal and others that require more industrial means.
Some methods allow keeping all the nutrients of the plant, while some drying procedures cancel some virtues.
# Drying Aloe Vera at Home
To dry medicinal plants such as aloe vera, it is necessary to take into consideration four factors that are all related to each other and share the common location of drying.
The drying factors are in this case:
- A dry place (away from humidity)
- A place that is not closed (ventilated with openings)
- A place not exposed to the sun (its rays are rather undesirable)
- And a place with an adequate temperature (30 degrees on average)
To hydrate the aloe leaf at home, there are some means you can use to make your work easier, such as the racks made in the shape of a drawer.
For a plausible but less effective result, there is the electric dehydrator that can be used to perform this action.
Before proceeding with the above-mentioned maneuvers, it is useful to cut the aloe vera leaf and make slices to carry out the operation.
# The Dehydration of Aloe Vera with an Industrial Approach
To dry the aloe vera and transform it into powder for industrial uses, companies offer a very practical drying technology.
It consists in passing the gel of the plant in a grinder and in exposing it to a certain number of chemical transformations such as heating and the addition of some enzymes.
Thereafter one isolates the aloin for a pharmaceutical utility, one pasteurizes the pulp and finally one pulverizes it in the end to obtain a powder.
This one is at this level easily preserved for a long amount of time and can be used in the food industry.
II. Nutritional Values of Dried Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant whose pulp contains various nutrients. After drying, there is a slight decrease in the latter, however, the energy elements remain the same proportions.
Nutritional values of dried aloe vera in 100g:
- Energy intake: 1570kj / 370kcal
- Carbohydrates: 94g (48g of sugar)
- Sodium: 16mg
- Salt: 0.04g
- Protein: marginal
- Fat: marginal
We conclude that the energy and caloric intake of the aloe vera is very important, therefore it is possible to consume it when you prepare for an effort (morning, sport, work, etc. …).
III. Dried and Candied Aloe Vera Benefits
Dried aloe vera is easy to store but also to consume.
In its dried form, aloe vera can be eaten in many ways and brings many benefits to your body, both in the short and long term.
The virtues of the plant are derived from certain nutrients present in dense quantities in the gel of the plant.
These elements have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and act as an antioxidant.
1. The Action of Aloe Vera on Gastrointestinal Disorders
The intestines are characterized by several ailments or even pathologies due to poor nutritional habits.
Among these complications are bloating and gas, abdominal pain as well as constipation, and diarrhea (non-exhaustive list).
Aloe vera is an ideal remedy for gastrointestinal problems because of its high dietary fiber content.
For the concern of diarrhea, constipation, or an occasional stomach ache, the gel will act as a treatment for a few days and a very good pain killer.
On the other hand, when it comes to a more serious and more or less perennial disease such as gastric ulcers, aloe vera would relieve the effects of the complication without getting rid of it completely.
In addition, frequent consumption of this plant can prevent pathologies related to digestion.
2. Aloe Vera Strengthens the Immune System
In addition to the multiple minerals and amino acids that aloe vera gel contains, it is equipped with a very beneficial element called acemannan.
It is indeed an immunostimulant, which means that it stimulates the immune system, especially the lymphocytes.
Frequent consumption of aloe will strengthen your immune system. As a result, your body will be protected against pathogens and viral agents.
3. Aloe Vera’s Beneficial Effects on the Skin
Although the virtues of aloe vera on the skin are mainly through the skin.
Aloe vera gel is an excellent skin softener and beautifier. Its application on the skin, especially on the face, helps to eliminate imperfections and reduce wrinkles.
Moreover, the pulp of this plant helps to heal certain wounds and to make scars disappear.
Finally, aloe vera treats skin diseases such as eczema and mycosis.
Other benefits of aloe vera on the skin:
- Reduces stretch marks and bruises
- Relieves sunburns and burns
- Regulates sebum secretion and prevents dry and oily skin as a result
- Soothes the tingling sensation after shaving
As a reminder, as skin therapy, aloe vera is mainly used externally, but taking the plant orally can have a positive effect on the epidermis.
4. The Effects of Candied Aloe Vera on Diabetes
Another very relevant reason to get into the habit of eating dried aloe vera is the effects it has on certain types of diabetes.
Aloe vera is said to have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels or to lower them. Scientists have not conceded this property to this plant, nevertheless, they do not oppose it.
Some of them state that this gel could stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin properly, which consequently regulates the blood sugar level.
IV. How to Eat Aloe Vera Candy
The drying of the pulp of aloe vera gives it the appearance of a fruit or vegetable. It can be consumed in many ways and can also be incorporated into different recipes due to its neutral taste.
Whatever your morning eating routine, it would be interesting to add candied aloe to your breakfast.
Its use is so versatile that you can add it to desserts or sweets according to your taste.
The other possibility is to prepare it as an infusion by mixing it with other medicinal plants.
V. Can We Eat Aloe Vera Candy in Empty Stomach?
Aloe vera is extremely rich in water. By consuming aloe vera candy in the morning on an empty stomach, you are giving your body extra fluid right from the start.
This will help your system expel toxins and rid your body of impurities that could harm organ systems.
VI. What are Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera Capsules?
Aloe vera is a storehouse of nutrients. It also contains salicylate and prostaglandins. Aloe vera provides nutritional benefits to the intestinal system.
Indeed, freeze-dried aloe vera offers the same benefits as liquid aloe vera juice, but in a capped form.
Freeze-drying eliminates the water content while retaining all the botanical value of Aloe Vera. Each capsule is equivalent to one fluid ounce of inner aloe vera leaf.
VII. Where to Buy Aloe Vera Plants?
You can find Aloe Vera in garden centers and nurseries, but for a better choice, go to a store that specializes in houseplants or buy online.
Check your home to make sure you have the right spot for Aloe vera – it needs a bright spot with lots of indirect light and can handle some sun.
Also, check that your plant has healthy green leaves and tips and no signs of pests before you buy it.
VIII. How to Dry Whole Aloe Vera Leaves
- Remove one of the layers of thick green skin from the aloe leaves by slicing it with a knife. Turn the sliced skins, sticky side up, onto a small baking sheet.
- Place the pulpy aloe leaves, pulp side up, on the baking sheet as well.
- Slide the baking sheet into the grocery bag. Close the open end.
- Turn on your dehumidifier (dehydrator) in a bathroom or closet in your home. A small dehumidifier works well for this project when set to maximum. Place the bagged sheet in the dehumidifier.
- Check the leaves after 48 hours. They should be dry and shriveled by then. The aloe gel will turn into a crumbly white powder.
IX. What Happens if You Eat Non Edible Aloe Vera?
You will not die, but you may get “diarrhea”. Aloe vera has laxative effects when eaten.
So don’t eat it unless it’s grown in an unpolluted environment and you know exactly which of the 400 varieties is the one you’re eating.
It is not for nothing that aloe vera is used as an air purifier because it absorbs toxins from the air, water, and soil.
So if you have the same aloe vera, you are eating toxins and that is very bad for your health.
X. What Are the Side Effects of Aloe Vera?
You can have low blood sugar, a lot of stomach pain and cramps, or itchy skin.
Aloe vera can also cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium levels, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart problems if you use it long-term at high doses.
You must also be careful that you are not allergic to aloe vera even if it is a very rare effect.
Useful Links:
Osmo-air drying of aloe vera gel cubes