Wednesday 7 February 2018

The Benefits Of Aloe Vera, And How I Fared On The 30 Day Aloe Vera Challenge

The Benefits of Aloe Vera, And How I Fared On The 30 Day Aloe Vera Challenge - 1

Drinking Aloe Vera juice or gel has become a hot health and beauty trend in recent months, though the many benefits of the aloe plant have been well known for centuries. Indeed, legend has it that it formed a staple part of Cleopatra's skincare routine, so it's definitely nothing new. Just before Christmas, I was invited by Forever to take part in their 30 day Aloe Vera challenge, which would involve drinking a 60 ml shot of their signature Aloe Vera gel every morning for 30 days in order to judge for myself what the benefits are. Having fallen in love with Forever's Infinite skincare range last year, I was a already a fan of the brand. I was also already aware of the benefits of Aloe Vera. In fact, I had attempted to include the juice (produced by a different brand) in my diet quite a few years ago. On that occasion, my dislike of the flavour had got the better of me, but this time, I was determined to see the challenge through to the end.

So, how did I get on, and what benefits did I experience? Read on to find out!

The Benefits of Aloe Vera, And How I Fared On The 30 Day Aloe Vera Challenge - 2

First Things First - Source Good Quality Aloe Vera 


When I accepted the Aloe Vera challenge, the first thing I did was turn to good old Mr Google for a little background research. I wanted to know what I was letting myself in for, and what benefits I could expect to see. The number one thing that became clear very quickly was that not all Aloe Vera juices are created equal. You need to be sure that what you are drinking has been processed properly. This means that you need to look for one of two words on the bottle - "decolorized" or "stabilized". Without getting too technical about it, both these processes involve the removal of the outer leaf of the aloe plant, which is potentially harmful, even carcinogenic, so this is really important.

Forever Aloe Vera Gel goes through a patented stabilization process, meaning that only the safe, inner leaf of the plant is used. In addition to that, it's also cold pressed and about as close as you can get to being a totally pure product.

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Benefits


The reported benefits of Aloe Vera are many and can be traced back through history, but one of the most significant is its use as an ideal digestive aid. It is also known to carry several nutritional benefits that can, amongst other things, contribute to skin health. As I'm always looking for things that can help to improve the appearance of my skin, this is what has always intrigued me the most about Aloe Vera. I embarked on the 30 day challenge with plenty of motivation.
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The Benefits of Aloe Vera, And How I Fared On The 30 Day Aloe Vera Challenge - 5

But Doesn't It Taste Horrendous?


Honestly? It's not that bad! As I mentioned, the taste of Aloe Vera has put me off in the past, so I'll admit I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to stick it out for 30 days. But when I took my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised. Keeping it nice and cold in the fridge definitely helps a lot, as does the fact that 60 ml really isn't very much at all. The flavour isn't too dissimilar to watered down grapefruit juice, and as for the fact that it's called a "gel" - don't let that put you off, as the consistency is no different to a regular fruit juice with the pulp left in it. The bottom line is, I can be a wimp about this sort of thing, but I found it much easier than I thought I would to drink it every morning for 30 days. If I can do it, anyone can!

But if you're still not convinced, Forever also offer flavoured Aloe Vera gels, including Berry Nectar and Forever Freedom (orange flavoured), which might be more to your taste.

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The Benefits Of Aloe Vera - My Experience


So let's get down to the heart of the matter - did I notice any significant benefits from drinking Aloe Vera gel?

Yes!

After about the first two weeks, the improvement in my skin was unmistakable. It was clear, soft and plumped. In fact, the last time it looked this good was when I was using Forever's Infinite skincare range, which includes Aloe Vera as a key ingredient. Clearly, my skin loves this stuff!

I've also noticed a change in my hair. Regular readers will know that I've been growing out overly bleached hair for some time now, and the condition has been slowly improving with the use of nourishing and hydrating masks. However, the Aloe Vera has kicked this up a gear and it's definitely stronger and shinier as a result - even my hairdresser has noticed.

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With regard to digestive issues, I'm lucky enough not to suffer with any on a regular basis, so it's hard for me to judge the usefulness of Aloe Vera gel on this score. Interestingly, I have spoken to quite a few people about my 30 Day Challenge over the past weeks, and several of them have told me that they have taken Aloe Vera in the past for precisely these reasons. When asked if it helped, all of them said yes.

Finally, last week, my husband had a stomach bug. Usually, I will catch every bug going, so I was sure I was going to get it. I didn't. Whether that was the Aloe Vera giving my immune system a boost or just a lucky coincidence, I don't know, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

The Benefits of Aloe Vera, And How I Fared On The 30 Day Aloe Vera Challenge - 8

Beyond The Challenge


I successfully completed the 30 day challenge more than a week ago, but I'm still taking my morning shot of Aloe Vera gel. For me, the effects I have seen on my skin and hair are more than enough to keep this product in my life for the foreseeable future. In addition to this, I think that a lot of the more general health benefits are probably things that become more evident over the long term, and from what I have seen so far, it's definitely well worth persevering with.

Have you ever taken Aloe Vera gel or juice? If so, did you see any benefits?

Kate x

This post was sponsored by Forever. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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41 comments

  1. Sounds like it worked amazingly well for you! I might take up that challenge!

    www.majeang.com

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    1. It really did! Definitely well worth trying. x

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  2. That's so good that this has helped your immune system and the benefits on the skin sound fabulous too x

    franklyflawless.com

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    1. It's definitely convinced me enough to continue with it, that's for sure. x

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  3. I haven't used Aloe Vera and I am usually very wary of things that promise such a variety of benefits, but if it worked that great for you, that is amazing!

    Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca

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    1. Having spoken to a few people about it, I think that different people can get different benefits from it. Those who suffer with digestive problems might find it more useful for that, for example. I don't have any, so didn't really notice that side of it, but the difference in my skin has been fantastic. x

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  4. oh wow, I love Aloe Vera, but never considered drinking it! Your skin looks glowing Kate, I might give this challenge a go :D! <3

    Serene xoxox

    http://www.iamserenel.com

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    1. Thanks so much Serene! Would love to know if it works for you if you do try it. x

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  5. This sounds really brilliant and the fact that you're keeping it up speaks volumes! Is it expensive? xx

    Beautylymin

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    1. It's £21.62 for a bottle, and taking a small shot each day, that would last around three weeks. Yes I'm definitely keeping it up, I like the results too much to stop! x

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  6. I adore using aloe vera on my skin but had no idea there were benefits to drinking it too! xx

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    1. Yes, it's a lovely ingredient in skincare, but I think it's even more effective in gel form! x

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  7. I have a Aloe Vera plant in the house but never ever thought of drinking the juice. Love how much benefits you get from the plant though.

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

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    1. It really is versatile - the plants look so pretty too! x

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  8. This sounds amazing!!! I need to try this!!

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

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    1. It's definitely worth trying Jennifer! x

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  9. Such an interesting post !
    I should look forward to use aloe vera.
    Seems to have so much benefits.
    I already love the aloe vera for the skin to moisturize it.
    xx,
    Margot
    https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/

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    1. Yes, it's one of my favourite ingredients in skincare too. x

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  10. Aloe vera is truly amazing, I haven't tried the juice before but I use the plant I have in my garden for burns, cuts and also for a face mask, I cut the leaf and apply the gel all over my face. I will search and find the juice too to try, curious to see the benefits from drinking it!

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

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    1. It's amazing how versatile this plant is! x

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  11. Wow, I didn't realize you could drink it! It really has a lot of benefits.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  12. Amazing post! I used to drink aloe vera but now I prefer it in cosmetics since my stomach can't handle aloe anymore.

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    1. Ah that's a shame, but it's still a great skincare ingredient. x

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  13. I've never had Aloe Vera juice but have heard many people swear by it. Interesting to read you had such a good experience with it. x

    Mummy's Beauty Corner

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    1. It really has been a good experience, and I've heard the same from others too. x

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  14. Oooh I've heard a lot of amazing things about Aloe Vera juice! I want to try it!
    -Kate // www.classyandkate.com

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    1. It's well worth trying out Kate, to see if it works for you. x

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  15. This sounds really good!I´ll try to take it:-)

    http://www.lostindaydreams.com/

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    1. I hope it works well for you if you do give it a try Olga. x

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  16. I have tried to dink Aloe Vera juice but like you I hate the taste, and unfortunately I hate the taste of grapefruit juice too, so I'm not sure if I could try this challenge even though I like the benefits listed. Can you mix it with something and still get the same benefits?
    LaToya
    www.toyastales.blogspot.com

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Hi LaToya, you could always try one of the flavoured gels. They're also packed full of benefits and hopefully you'll prefer the taste! I'm planning on trying one of those next. x

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  17. I like Aloe Vera in my skincare and so far I even liked some Aloe Vera juice from health shops, but I never tried Forever brand or 30 day challenge so this sounds rather interesting.

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    1. I'd never heard of Forever either until last year but they're a well established brand - about 40 years old! x

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  18. Aloe vera is such an amazing beauty product. Asian stores sell a lot of it and there is lot of variety in regards to flavours too. I love the aloe and lychee combinations. It's so good to put fresh aloe on your face too, especially if your skin is dry. I would love to try a more concentrated drink like this to have every day! The benefits would be amazing! Thanks for sharing.

    SHANNON VALLE
    life + style blog

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    1. You're welcome! I didn't know it was so popular in Asian stores so that was interesting to read. Yes, it's wonderful for skin! x

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  19. Wonderful product that has helped me so much. Glad you had a great experience!

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    1. Thank you Victoria! Glad it has helped you too x

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  20. I’ve been drinking aloe vera gel for almost 2 years now and have recovered from a horrible heartburn, acid reflux and Helicobacter (one of the most common germs that live inside our bodies - usually in the stomach), which were destroying my immune system and digestion system, and have caused all sorts of health issues over the past 7 years.

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    1. This is so good to hear. It's amazing how many people I've spoken to who have found it to be helpful with these kinds of issues. x

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