Aloe Vera Juice From the Inner Fillet vs. Whole Leaf

When considering aloe juice, it's essential to understand the difference between whole leaf and inner fillet aloe vera juice options to make the best choice.

For aloe vera users seeking the best product, it's crucial to buy from brands that adhere to International Aloe Science Council standards for filtration and purification. This ensures the juice is free from harmful compounds while retaining the full spectrum of aloe vera benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced skin health, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding the pros and cons of aloe vera juice from whole leaf vs inner fillet helps you select a product that aligns with your health goals and ensures maximum benefits from this powerful plant extract.

Aloe Whole Leaf vs. Inner Fillet

Each aloe vera leaf has an outside rind or skin with thorns. Under this layer is a vascular bundle, which consists of pericyclic tubules, and the inner fillet. The fillet is a gel-like substance with a texture similar to citrus pulp.

Companies make a variety of products from the inner fillets or whole leaves of aloe plants. Aloe vera inner gel and aloe vera juice are two of the most common aloe-based products.

The skin and tubules of aloe leaves contain an undesirable substance called aloin. For this reason, IASC-certified whole-leaf juice must undergo decolorization, a filtration process that significantly reduces aloin levels.

Extracting Aloe Vera Juice From the Inner Fillet

The main difference between aloe vera juice from the inner fillet vs whole leaf is that the former comes exclusively from the inner portion of the plant. In the past, the process of extracting aloe vera inner fillet was done by hand but is now partially automated.

Extracting Aloe Vera

Crushing the fibers of aloe’s inner fillet of an aloe leaf releases a sap-like liquid. This substance may retain some fiber from the fillet structure, which is comparable to pulp in orange juice. Producers of aloe vera juice products, whether they come from the fillet or a whole leaf, typically strain and filter the fiber from the juice.

The ambiguous terms that describe inner-fillet vs whole-leaf aloe vera juice can make selecting the right preparation a challenge. Aloe vera gel from the inner fillet has a liquid consistency, which is why some people call this substance juice. Manufacturers that sell inner leaf gel typically add a thickening agent.

Extracting Aloe Vera Juice From the Whole Leaf

Aloe Slurry Sellers of whole-leaf juice make it by crushing the entire leaf of the plant, including the outside rind or skin and the inner gel.

The resulting slurry is sometimes referred to as "guacamole" and can be brown in color prior to decolorization and filtration.

The presence of a high level of aloin makes filtration essential for whole-leaf products. Non-decolorized whole-leaf aloe juice can contain anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 parts per million of aloin. The aloin content of unfiltered whole-leaf aloe juice is not representative of IASC-certified products on the market.

Aloe Filtration Certified whole-leaf aloe vera juice undergoes a complete filtration process. The IASC has established a standard of not more than 10 ppm of aloin A and B for aloe vera leaf juice in products for oral consumption. Miracle of Aloe uses a proprietary cold-extraction and filtration process to make aloe products that contain less than 1 ppm of aloin.

Filtering Whole-Leaf Aloe Vera Juice

Methods for processing aloe vera juice from the inner fillet vs whole leaf vary. Whole-leaf aloe vera is usually cleaned and segmented and the leaves are ground into slurry. At this stage, the manufacturer may treat the mixture with cellulase, an enzyme, to reduce the viscosity of the liquid.

Aloe Filtering

Some filtration methods for whole-leaf aloe vera juice use a juice press or finisher filter to remove rind particles, a mixture with activated carbon to absorb aloin and emodin, a press filter through 5-micron filter paper and final purification.

When shopping for whole-leaf aloe vera juice, it is worthwhile to check product labeling to determine which parts of the plant and filtration methods the product uses. Miracle of Aloe's Real Aloe Juice is an IASC-certified whole-leaf aloe vera juice that undergoes an exclusive UltraAloe filtration process.

How To Determine the Source of Aloe Vera Juice

IASC labeling guidance recommends that brands specify the part of the plant they use to make aloe vera juice. Products labeled "whole leaf" should include additional and accurate descriptive language.

Some examples of these labeling guidelines include "decolorized whole leaf" aloe vera or "filtered whole leaf" aloe vera. In the case of products that use only aloe vera juice from the inner fillet vs whole leaf, the label will indicate that the primary or starting ingredient is "aloe vera inner leaf."

At Miracle of Aloe, we purify and filter our whole-leaf aloe vera juice. A cold extraction process results in higher levels of bioactive polysaccharides and lower aloin content. The concentration of aloe vera juice is another important consideration. Real Aloe Juice contains 99.75% guaranteed aloe content with less than 0.10% potassium sorbate and 0.15% citric acid added to preserve freshness and quality.

Properly Processed Whole-Leaf Juice Possesses the Same Benefits as Inner-Fillet Aloe Vera Juice

Whole Leaf Equally Beneficial

Inner fillet aloe leaf juice is a rich source of phytonutrients. As far as a comparison of aloe vera juice from the inner fillet vs whole leaf, all of the nutrients in inner-fillet juice are also present in filtered whole-leaf juice.

The polyphenols in aloe vera juice account for its anti-inflammatory topical properties and antioxidant qualities when consumed. Studies suggest that aloe vera may also lower fasting blood sugar and improve fatty acid levels in prediabetics or people who have Type 2 diabetes.

People have historically used aloe vera to help with digestive issues, and it may be helpful for managing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The antibacterial properties of aloe vera can also be beneficial in mouthwash form.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice from the Inner Fillet vs Whole Leaf

Whether you choose aloe vera juice from inner fillet or whole leaf, it provides similar benefits if processed properly.

1. Contains Antioxidants

Aloe vera juice is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful plant-based antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of health issues like heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Improves Skin Health

Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for treating burns and other skin issues like dermatitis. While most of the benefits for skin health come from topical use, some research suggests that oral consumption of aloe vera supplements may improve skin elasticity and collagen production. For example, some studies have shown that aloe vera can reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

3. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Some studies have found that aloe vera gel and juice may help lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes. However, results are mixed when it comes to people with type 2 diabetes, with some research suggesting no significant improvement. Despite these promising early findings, larger and more controlled studies are needed to determine whether aloe vera juice can be used as a reliable treatment for blood sugar control.

4. Aides in Digestive Health

Research indicates that aloe vera syrup and extract may be beneficial in managing digestive issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

However, caution is advised when using aloe vera-based laxatives because of their aloin content. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked approval for over-the-counter (OTC) aloe vera laxatives due to insufficient testing to confirm their safety and effectiveness.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

Aloe vera contains a key polysaccharide called acemannan, which has been shown to enhance immune function by stimulating white blood cells, including macrophages, monocytes, and killer T-cells. These cells play a crucial role in defending the body against harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. Additionally, acemannan may help prevent cancer cells from binding to healthy cells, potentially offering protective benefits.

Miracle of Aloe’s 100% Purified & Filtered Whole Leaf Juice

Miracle of Aloe's IASC-certified Real Aloe Juice is made with organic aloe vera leaves and provides all of the benefits of aloe vera juice from the inner fillet and the whole leaf. Order a quart or gallon of Real Aloe Juice to use as a nutritional supplement or add to smoothies.

FAQs

Is whole leaf or inner fillet better for aloe vera juice?
Inner fillet juice, extracted from the inner part of the leaf, is naturally low in aloin and retains most nutrients with minimal processing. Whole leaf juice includes the outer rind and inner gel, providing more bioactive compounds but requiring filtration to remove aloin. Properly processed whole leaf juice can offer the same benefits as inner fillet juice.

What are the side effects of aloe vera inner fillet juice?
Generally, consuming aloe vera inner fillet juice has no major side effects. However, excessive consumption of aloe latex can cause cramping, diarrhea, reduced potassium levels, and allergic reactions.

Is aloe vera inner fillet gel good for you?
Yes, it supports digestion, skin health, and immunity by providing vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Benefits of aloe vera inner fillet juice?
It’s rich in nutrients, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, hydrates the body, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Difference between whole leaf and inner fillet aloe vera juice?
Inner fillet juice comes from the inner gel, is low in aloin, and has a pulp-like texture. Whole leaf juice includes the rind and gel, retains more nutrients, and requires filtration to remove aloin. Both offer similar health benefits when properly processed.