Mr. Nguyễn Đình Huy
Easy to find, simple to grow at home, and quite affordable, natural aloe vera has become one of the ingredients many people look for to support general health. Check the following article to learn about its nutritional value, ways of preparation, together with aloe vera products you may consider adding to your daily routine.
1. What is natural aloe vera?
Natural aloe vera is a familiar medicinal plant that usually grows in hot climates, so it is easy to cultivate in Vietnam and can be found almost everywhere.
Aloe vera has long been used in traditional medicine and is now a popular ingredient in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries, thanks to its moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant properties, as well as its digestive benefits.
2. Nutritional composition of aloe vera
For a long time, people have known aloe vera as a “health treasure” with more than 75 natural compounds, including enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, together with essential minerals. In one serving of about 240ml (equal to one glass of pure aloe vera juice) contains:
Energy: 10 calories
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Calcium: 74mg
Sodium: 60mg
Potassium: 110mg
Aloe vera is rich in essential minerals and is increasingly recognized as a valuable functional food. But what are the actual benefits of aloe vera for the human body?
3. Health benefits of natural aloe vera
3.1 For beauty care
Aloe vera gel is well known for its ability to hydrate the skin and promote healing. Its plant compounds help soften the skin, reduce irritation, and support recovery after sunburn or minor wounds.
3.2 For health care
Many people face acid reflux, which causes a burning sensation and discomfort. In this case, a small amount of natural aloe vera gel taken with meals may soothe mild symptoms and support a more stable digestive process.
Some studies also show that aloe vera juice can help reduce blood sugar in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, if you are taking blood sugar–lowering medication, consult your doctor first to avoid excessive drops in glucose levels.
In addition, aloe vera extract contains vitamin C and bioactive compounds that may help reduce dental plaque, calm swollen gums, and minimize gum bleeding. For this reason, many people use aloe vera juice as a safe, natural mouthwash.
3.3 Benefits in daily life
One lesser-known use of aloe vera gel is its role as a natural coating that prevents bacteria from growing on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Thanks to this, food covered with natural aloe vera gel can stay fresh longer without the need for plastic wrap or chemical preservatives.
Next, let’s see how to prepare this nutritious plant so you can add more natural nutrients to your daily diet.
4. How to prepare aloe vera at home
4.1. Ingredients needed
One fresh aloe vera leaf, about 50 - 60 cm long.
White sugar or honey for sweetness.
A small amount of clean water for soaking and washing.
If you use homegrown natural aloe vera, remove the yellow latex near the base of the leaf, as this substance may cause irritation. For store-bought leaves, this step can usually be shortened since they are often pre-processed.
4.2. Preparation
Cut off both ends of the leaf, then place it upright in a bowl to let the yellow sap drain for about 15 minutes. This step is important to remove bitterness plus reduce the chance of stomach discomfort.
4.3. Extracting the inner gel
Wash the leaf thoroughly, then use a knife to peel off the green outer skin. Cut the transparent inner gel into cubes of about 1 cm. At first, the cubes may feel slimy, but this is completely natural. You will need to soak them to remove the slimy texture.
4.4. Soaking to reduce sliminess
Soak the gel cubes in cold water for about 15 minutes, then rinse several times, sometimes 7 to 10 times, until the surface of the gel no longer feels slippery.
4.5. Processing the final product
Depending on your purpose, you can blend aloe vera into gel or cook it as jelly:
Aloe vera extract: Put the transparent gel into a blender and process it into a liquid. Pour into a sealed jar and store in the refrigerator for later use.
Aloe vera jelly: Place the cleaned gel into boiling water, cook for about 10 minutes, then take it out and rinse with cold water to keep the crunchy texture. After that, sprinkle or mix with sugar/syrup and let it rest for about 4 hours before eating.
Notes when preparing
The most important step is washing thoroughly to remove the natural slime; otherwise, the jelly will taste bitter or unpleasant.
Aloe vera jelly tastes best when marinated the day before and left overnight in the fridge. At that time, the cubes absorb sugar evenly, gaining a gentle sweetness and pleasant aroma.
If syrup water appears during marination, use only the jelly cubes and skip the liquid.
5. GC Food: A top choice for aloe vera
For consumers who increasingly prefer natural products, especially as they recognize the many health benefits of natural aloe vera, GC Food continues to strengthen its position as a leading brand in aloe vera production and processing.
With a closed process that starts from selecting fresh aloe vera leaves through to processing in modern factories, GC Food delivers products meeting international standards. These products fulfill the diverse needs of the F&B sector along with the cosmetic industry, serving both domestic and export markets.
GC Food’s range of ready-to-use aloe vera products includes:
Pandan-flavored Aloe Vera: A combination of the refreshing sweetness of aloe vera and the gentle aroma of pandan leaves, creating a cooling and satisfying drink.
Lychee-flavored Aloe Vera: The harmony of crunchy, refreshing aloe vera pieces and the sweet taste of lychee, perfect for those who enjoy freshness.
Sugar-free Aloe Vera: A healthy choice for people who want non-sugary drinks or need to control their daily sugar intake.
Passion Fruit-flavored Aloe Vera Puree: A blend of sweet and sour passion fruit with a unique thick texture, bringing a new more exciting experience.
Strawberry-flavored Aloe Vera Puree: Fresh strawberry flavor blended with crunchy aloe vera, suitable for desserts or creative beverages.
Bird’s Nest-flavored Aloe Vera Puree: A refined combination of aloe vera and bird’s nest, ideal for premium menus.
Aloe Vera Smoothie 18: A convenient, nutrient-rich product that is easy to use for the whole family in daily meals & drinks.
Aloe vera is a familiar, easily accessible plant that offers countless health benefits. From soothing and nourishing the skin to enriching meals and refreshing drinks, aloe vera has become an indispensable part of everyday life.
