Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in subtropical regions. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, and our ancestors were right to value it.
Today, many people drink aloe vera juice to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar, improve oral health, and more. However, research supporting these benefits is limited, and ingesting aloe vera can also have potential side effects.
Rich in antioxidants
Aloe vera is rich in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that the body forms during normal metabolic processes. In high concentrations, they can cause cell damage, leading to the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
However, further research is needed to determine the antioxidant content of aloe vera juice and whether it can protect against chronic disease.
Important source of vitamin C
One cup of aloe vera juice provides about 10% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron. It also supports the immune system and the production of collagen, a vital protein for wound healing and skin health.
It can help treat gastrointestinal disorders
The outer pulp of aloe leaves, called latex, contains aloin. Aloin is an organic compound that gives the plant laxative properties. It can treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements.
Research has shown that taking aloe vera by mouth can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation and diarrhea.
Consumption of aloe vera syrup effectively reduced the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including heartburn, belching, regurgitation, and nausea. The effects were similar to those produced by conventional medicine.
It can help control blood sugar
Aloe vera has been used for years in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Current research on the plant’s benefits for diabetics is limited, but appears promising.
Studies have shown aloe vera’s potential to lower blood sugar, increase insulin levels, and improve the health of cells in the pancreas, including the cells responsible for producing insulin.
Another study in people with prediabetes found that taking 300 mg of aloe vera extract twice a day for four weeks led to significant improvements in blood sugar.
Many of the studies on aloe vera and blood sugar have been done in rats. There is not enough human research to confirm whether the same benefit would apply to them.
While aloe vera has laxative properties, it is important to note that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ruling in 2002 requiring manufacturers of over-the-counter laxative products to remove aloe as an ingredient due to a lack of evidence that to confirm its safety.
It can support oral health
Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can support oral health. It is sold in several forms for oral use, including toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel.
Aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as the traditional treatment, chlorhexidine, in reducing gum inflammation. However, it was not as effective in reducing plaque formation.
Another study found that aloe vera toothpaste was as effective as traditional fluoride toothpaste in improving periodontal index and gingival scores in people with gingivitis.
Aloe vera mouthwash can also reduce the severity of radiation-induced mucositis, a condition that causes swelling and irritation in the mouth.
The risks of consuming Aloe Vera juice
While topical application of aloe vera is generally considered safe, taking aloe orally can cause side effects.
Animal studies have found that ingestion of aloe vera leaf extract can cause gastrointestinal cancer in rats and mice. This is believed to be due to the compound aloin present in whole leaf aloe vera extract.
The FDA does not regulate aloe vera juice, so its potency, purity, or safety are not guaranteed.
Aloe vera consumption has been associated with the following side effects in human and animal studies:
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Low potassium levels
Renal insufficiency
Liver damage
Hypersensitive skin reactions
2023-07-09 05:40:00
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