Aloe Vera Benefits and Risks: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant in the genus Aloe. It is a hardy, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. This evergreen perennial herb is native to the Arabian Peninsula but grows in tropical, subtropical, and arid climates around the world. It is a popular medicinal plant with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
People have used it to heal and soften their skin for thousands of years. There are hundreds of its plants out there, but it is unique in that it helps the body inside and out. The only edible form of aloe is aloe vera. This shrubby, spiky plant has been cultivated for thousands of years as a sedative. Its gel does more than fix skin problems. You can mix it with water to make a nutritious juice.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
The nutrients found in aloe vera juice may provide health benefits. Beta-carotene is a yellow-red pigment found in the aloe vera plant. Acts as an antioxidant and may support eye health, including retinal and corneal function. Soothes heartburn. Heartburn is a painful condition in which acid leaks from the stomach into the esophagus. A recent study showed that Aloe vera juice can relieve heartburn symptoms without unpleasant side effects.
It Treats Constipation
Several aloe vera compounds present in its juice are known to act as laxatives. This juice does not cause digestive problems if one has regular bowel movements, but it does offer promise as a way to relieve constipation. It may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The juice may treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition is an inflammation of the gut that causes pain and other problems. Anyhow, aloe has anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, people with irritable bowel syndrome reported that drinking aloe vera juice improved some of their symptoms. However, more research is required to establish its usefulness.
Nutrition
Aloe vera juice is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This reduces the body’s oxidative stress and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
This Juice is also a great source of:
- Vitamin C, Vitamin A,
- Vitamin E
- Beta carotene
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Nutrients per serving
8 oz. of pure juice contains:
- Calories: 8
- Protein: less than 1 gram
- Fat: less than 1 gram
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Dietary fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: Less than 1 gram
Aloe vera juice contains high levels of magnesium, an essential nutrient for nerve and muscle function. Magnesium helps the body with over 300 different enzymatic reactions, including enzymes that regulate blood pressure. It helps regulate the heart rhythm.
Uses of Aloe
Aloe Vera Gel
The gel is made from the leaves of the aloe plant. People have used it for thousands of years to heal and soften their skin. Aloe has long been a popular remedy for many ailments, including constipation and skin ailments. Today’s research has discovered its benefits. It contains mixed results, with some evidence that it may cause cancer in laboratory animals. This should be taken in supplement or gel form because no foods contain aloe vera. Chronic use is not recommended, as some types are safer than others.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
Skin Treatment
Research has long confirmed the topical use of aloe vera for skin treatment, at least for certain conditions. Studies have shown that aloe gel may be effective in treating skin conditions such as:
- Psoriasis
- Seborrhea
- Hut
- Minor burns
- Skin abrasions.
- Radiation-damaged skin
- Herpes
- Acne
- Anal fissure
There is also strong evidence that oral ingestion of aloe juice, including latex, is a powerful laxative. In reality, aloe juice was once advertised as an over-the-counter laxative. However, in 2002, the FDA mandated that over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe be reformulated or removed from the market due to insufficient evidence of its safety. Aloe gel taken by mouth appears to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It can help lower cholesterol levels. The studies on aloe are insufficient for other conditions.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aloe-vera-for-face
Aloe Vera Reduces Dental Plaque
Tooth decay and gum disease are widespread health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these diseases is to reduce the buildup of plaque, or bacterial biofilm, on your teeth. In a mouthwash study of 300 healthy people, researchers compared 100% pure aloe juice with the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine. After four days of use, the aloe mouthwash appeared as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque. Another study found that using Aloe mouthwash for 15 to 30 days had similar benefits. It is a potent killer of Streptococcus mutants, a bacterium that produces oral plaque, and the yeast Candida albicans.
Aloe Vera Helps Treat Mouth Ulcers
Many people will suffer from mouth ulcers and mouth sores at some point. These usually form under the lips in the mouth and last about a week. Studies have shown that Aloe treatment speeds the healing of mouth ulcers. For example, a seven-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers found that applying Aloe patches to the affected areas was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers. But it was no better than corticosteroids, the traditional treatment for ulcers. In another study, Aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers but also reduced the pain associated with them.
How Much Aloe vera Can I Take?
Creams and gels with aloe have different dosages. Some mild burn creams contain as little as 0.5% aloe. Other products used for psoriasis may contain up to 70% aloe. Since it is an oral supplement, there is no set dosage. For constipation, some people use 100 to 200 milligrams of aloe juice or 50 milligrams of aloe extract daily as needed. For diabetes, 1 tablespoon of gel was used daily. Ingesting large amounts of aloe or aloe latex can be dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice about its use.
How do I make Aloe Juice?
Aloe juice is available in some supermarkets nationwide. It is usually bottled and mixed with water to reduce its viscosity.
You can prepare its juice yourself. Remove the aloe vera tip from the plant and cut off the pointed end on the side. Then, carefully cut the skin on the flat side of the leaf and remove the gel from the inside.
Once you have the gel, put it in the blender. Blend until smooth, and add water to attain the desired consistency. The result is a drink that tastes fresh and clean.
Aloe Juice In Your Food
- Drink the juice as is.
- Upload aloe juice to smoothies.
- Use aloe juice in cocktails.
- Blend aloe juice into lemonade.
- Use aloe juice dissolved in gelatin.
- Aloe vera Risks
Please consult your doctor before use. Researchers warn against the chronic use of aloe vera. However, if an aloe vera product does not contain aloin (an extract from a plant known to cause colon cancer in mice), it may be fine as a topical treatment for sunburn. Aloin exists between the outer leaves and the inner gel of the aloe plant. Do not apply aloe vera topically to deep cuts or severe burns. People who are allergic to garlic, onions, and tulips are more likely to react to aloe. Ingesting large amounts of aloe vera can be dangerous. Do not take aloe vera orally if you have intestinal problems, heart disease, hemorrhoids, kidney problems, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
The topical application of aloe vera can irritate the skin. Oral intake of aloe vera, which has a laxative effect, can cause cramps and diarrhea. This can cause an electrolyte imbalance in the blood of people who take Aloe vera for more than a few days. Also, the colon can become discolored, making it difficult to see well on a colonoscopy. Therefore, refrain from taking it for one month before undergoing a colonoscopy. Topical or oral aloe vera gel must be free from aloin because aloin may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Interactions of Aloe Vera
If you take medications regularly, consult your doctor before starting to take aloe vera supplements. They can interact with medications and supplements such as diabetes medications, heart medications, laxatives, steroids, and licorice. Taking aloe vera gel orally may interfere with the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take aloe vera supplements orally because there is no evidence of their safety.
