Is It Safe to Eat Aloe Vera?

Is It Safe to Eat Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is an immortal plant that can live for years with not much soil and water. Aloe vera can be used topically and orally. And, we are consuming for its well-established health benefits. Aloe vera juice was once sold as an over-the-counter medication for constipation.

The aloe vera leaf has three parts: outer skin, yellow sticky latex, and inner gel. The gel and the skin are safe to consume with suitable precautions and preparations. The latex part of the gel is quite harmful, potentially harmful. The safety profile of aloe vera varies by the individual’s condition and state.

What Are the Constituents of Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is considered a superfood, whereas the aloe vera gel contains about two hundred vital constituents in specific proportions, which all aid in promoting overall health. The significant nutrients of aloe vera are listed below.

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A.

• Vitamin B1.

• Vitamin B2.

• Vitamin B12.

• Vitamin C.

• Vitamin D.

• Vitamin E.

• Folic acid.

Minerals:

• Magnesium.

• Manganese.

• Calcium.

• Copper.

• Iron.

• Chromium.

• Sodium.

• Potassium.

• Zinc.

Others:

• Seven vital enzymes are present in aloe vera, which have significant roles in the breakdown of food substances and absorption of nutrients.

• Twenty amino acids are seen in aloe vera that helps in building and reinforcing muscle tissues.

• Antioxidants.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Taking Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera has been traditionally used for years to treat several skin conditions. Also, the ancient people consumed aloe gel for its potency and efficacy in treating constipation and inflammation.

Clinical studies state that aloe vera gel consumption is strongly related to potential health benefits. The other parts can also be used in treatment aspects. The possible yet sound health benefits of aloe vera are discussed below. And they decisively include a safety profile.

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants are the ones that help battle and prevent the damage that free radicals cause in the system. The cells release the free radicals, the toxin molecules that transform food into energy. These free radicals are sometimes known to cause chronic diseases such as chronic illness and cancer. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants that help increase the blood oxidants concentration in the body.

• Inflammation: Aloe vera is one of the effective anti-inflammatory agents. It inhibits a pathway involved in the formation of inflammatory response. In another way, antioxidants of aloe vera combat the free radicals since inflammation is attributable to oxidative damage because of the free radicals. According to the experimental animal study, aloe vera extract is involved in the suppression of specific inflammatory signals.

• Blood Sugar: Aloe vera gel can be used to manage blood sugar concentrations in the system since it can raise insulin sensitivity. So, people find it beneficial for diabetes. The experimental study also says aloe vera can benefit prediabetes and type 2 diabetes states due to its glycemic control effect. Still, quality studies are required for the prescription.

• Memory: One study states that consuming aloe vera for a particular span helped cope with learning and memory skills. The same study also adds that aloe vera has something to do with managing depression. Nevertheless, additional clinical research is needed to validate the aloe vera effects on cognitive function.

• Heartburn: Heartburn is a painful concern due to the upward movement of acid to the esophagus. One experimental study showed that aloe vera consumption for a week diminished heartburn symptoms.

• Cholesterol: Oral administration of aloe vera can reduce the bad cholesterols called the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increase the good ones in the body. This effect can be because aloe vera components can fuse to the cholesterol in the intestines, preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.

• Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome: Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines, causing pain and other digestive concerns. The study demonstrates that aloe vera juice can help relieve specific symptoms of IBS due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Nevertheless, additional research is required to recommend it for the particular use.

• Constipation: For several years, aloe vera can be used to treat constipation. Here, the yellow sticky latex seen beneath the skin works. It is due to the presence of aloin in the latex, whereas aloin possesses laxative effects. There prevail several claims for safety concerns for its use.

• Immune System: Certain studies have shown that aloe vera will likely improve or boost immune system function.

• Weight Loss: The study findings describe that consuming aloe vera before a meal is relatively beneficial for weight loss. This is because the aloe vera constituent enhances the metabolism process, and so it burns the fat. In other means, vitamin B of aloe vera help convert fat into energy.

What Are the Potential Adversities of Eating Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is excellent and refreshing for skin and body health. Although aloe vera is safe and sound for its numerous benefits, it has few known adverse effects. The negative and preventive aspects of aloe vera are discussed here.

• Consumption of aloe vera latex over a long span can induce side effects such as kidney issues, stomach cramps, and muscle weakness.

• People with existing digestive concerns are not advised to consume the latex part of the aloe vera.

• Pregnant women are not recommended to ingest aloe vera as it might cause uterine contractions.

• It is not advisable for breastfeeding women to consume aloe vera since its fewer risks.

• The aloin in latex can induce diarrhea leading to dehydration and electrolyte loss. So, one can remove the latex and consume the gel part.

• Aloe vera gel is known to influence or worsen the potential adverse effects of certain drugs taken for kidney, heart, and diabetes conditions. So, have a word with the healthcare providers.

Note: One should avoid eating aloe vera skin care gels. The skin care gel does not possess the same benefits as the gel within the leaf. Also, the aloe vera skin care gel has ingredients not meant for consumption.

Conclusion:

Aloe vera is well known for its skin and hair benefits. It has other potential benefits when administered orally in effective dosages. One can take the raw fresh gel from the leaf. Aloe vera can be infused into daily smoothies and juices. One can grab high food-grade quality aloe vera juice. Aloe vera is a safe home remedy with few known adverse effects. Topical use of aloe vera is likely safe and effective. The oral administration is relatively safe, except its laxative effect causes stomach cramps and diarrhea. So, People with any underlying illness or pharmaceutical drugs are advised to consult their family physicians before taking this wonder gel.