Detoxing Green Beer: Juiced Aloe Vera and Cilantro/ Coriender Leaves

Don't be mislead by the word Beer in the title; this is not an alcoholic drink. Sorry, if you expected to read some health benefits of drinking beer. The froth in the Aloe-Cilantro Juice reminded me of Beer, so I decided to serve it to Ranjit first thing in the morning in Beer mugs, hence the name.

Aloe Vera is a species of succulent plant which has been extensively used in herbal and alternative medicines since the beginning of first century AD. In recent times, Aloe Vera has been increasingly finding its way back into the cosmetic and alternative medicine industry. It is marketed claiming it's has rejuvenating, healing and soothing properties. Though there is little scientific evidence to prove all the above, I'm sure most of us have experienced the healing properties of Aloe Vera Gel by topical application. (Source: Wikipedia)

It is only recently I found that Aloe Vera is edible. It works as antiseptic, antibacterial and anti- inflammatory herbal medicine. It cures eczema, diabetes, arthritis and prevents infection. It also improves human immune system and digestive system. 

I have read that some people start their day with Aloe juice and over the years they have found that it has improved their health and vitality. Though I've been using Aloe gel topically for a long time now, I'm yet to experience the full benefits of Aloe gel as an edible plant. Since gelatinous and sticky, it washes our digestive tracts as it passes through it.

Cilantro/Coriander leaves, which we generally use for garnish has been found to detoxify our Kidneys; it aids digestion, lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol in your blood.

The best part about this juice for me was that I had both Aloe and Cilantro growing in my own garden. Isn't it awesome, it is easy to grow on your own and it has so many health benefits.

Serves 2
Preparation time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 Leaf of Aloe Vera
• 8-10 sprigs of Cilantro
• Lemon juice to taste 
• Salt to taste.

Procedure:

1. Take out the Aloe Gel from the leaf.

2. Chop the Cilantro. Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend for a minute or two.

3. Drink it first thing in the morning.

Notes:

1. It is important to get rid of the yellowish brown juice/latex unless you are constipating as it is a very strong laxative.
2.  While choosing the aloe leaf look for leaves that are full and fleshy and are not too convex. The more convex it is the more bitter it will be.
3. Make sure the Aloe Vera you are using is organic- chemical fertilizer and pesticide free.
4. I added salt; you can add any sweetener, if you like it sweet or maybe add an apple to naturally sweeten it.

Health And Nutrition

• Aloe Vera leaves are 96% water and 4% essential nutrients which include vitamins, amino acids and enzymes. It stimulates the immune system, inhibits inflammation, prevents stomach ulcers, aids digestion and helps intestinal transit. 
• Aloe Vera improves joint and muscle mobility, liver function and is an excellent antidote for excessive ingestion of alcohol.
• Coriander leaves/ Cilantro is also a good source of Thiamin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese. It helps reduce bad cholesterol, helps produce red blood cells
• Cilantro leaves provides only 39 cal/100 g but their phyto-nutrients profile is no less than any high calorie food source; be it nuts, pulses or cereals or meat group.

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