Short answer: it depends on parts of the plants used for processing
Aloe juice = inner leaf gel with outer leaf sap, often whole plants heavily processed
Aloe gel = inner leaf gel without outer leaf sap often heavily processed to increase shelf life
*Honest Aloe does not have a shelf life therefore is NOT heavily processed
Long Answer
The best inner leaf aloe gel is raw and collected directly from the plant. It does not go through harsh processes that; filter, pasteurize, dilute, or preserve with chemicals. The best aloe vera gels do not contain thickeners or additives to change the texture, taste, color, or smell. According to International Aloe Science Council (IASC), aloe vera has three distinct components; leaf juice, inner leaf juice or gel equivalent, and outer leaf sap.
Aloe’s 3 parts
Aloe juice is the processing of whole plants or whole leaves. The aloe is first put into a grinding machine. Then an enzyme treatment breaks down the rind and other materials. Next, the now useless mush goes through filtering processes to remove smaller substances like aloin. The process then includes the mixing of additives, artificial coloring, and harsh preservatives follows. These chemicals stabilize, increase shelf-life, and make the aloe visually appealing. The final result is a juice-like substance. This juice is also known as whole-leaf aloe juice.
On the other hand, inner leaf juice or gel is the processing of individual aloe leaves. Mechanical or manual methods peel off the aloe leaf rind. Then filtering processes remove the fibrous pulp and unwanted components. Further, this process includes mixing additives, artificial coloring, thickeners, and preservatives. These chemicals stabilize, increase shelf-life, and make the aloe visually appealing. Thickeners create the gel-like texture of fresh raw inner leaf aloe vera gel. What’s more is the plant’s raw inner leaf gel contains the healing properties. Thus, the appeal to add thickeners gives the impression of raw aloe, even when there is none.
Outer leaf sap contains aloin which is the yellow fluid between the inner leaf gel and the rind. Aloin has laxative effects. Laxatives dehydrate the gut and pulls minerals and electrolytes rather than replenish and heal. Thus, aloe drinks generally do not contain aloin.
In Summary
In conclusion, both aloe vera juice and inner leaf juice (gel) in big stores are heavily processed. They have to be to have a long shelf life. Techniques vary. Inner leaf juice (gel) tends to have more additives such as thickeners unless its raw. Aloe juice tends to be likewise processed and diluted. We encourage you to read ingredient lists and company information to assure you get the quality you want. Processing techniques do matter because they often remove beneficial properties. You can click this shocking article to see more evidence of this; “No evidence of aloe vera found in the aloe vera at Wal-Mart, CVS, Target.”
In contrast, Honest Aloe does not add to or filter our inner leaf aloe vera gel. Equally important our aloe is grown without chemicals, hand-fileted, and raw in Texas. We offer the best pure raw inner leaf aloe vera gel from farming to bottling in the USA.
Cheers to YOUR health!
