Aloe Vera juice is a new trend, but is it really as healthy as people claim?
Cold-pressed Aloe Vera juice is wildly popular for its renowned super-hydrating properties, as well as other potential benefits for the digestive system, immunity, skin, blood sugar, and more.
Most nutritionists agree that Aloe Vera gel can be safely applied to the skin to soothe sunburn and other skin ailments. But they are not entirely sure about the benefits of drinking Aloe Vera juice.
On the one hand, Aloe Vera juice has been used since ancient times, due to its healing properties, being considered a true universal remedy for all health problems. On the other hand, modern evidence-based medicine does not have enough arguments to determine whether it is harmful or beneficial. In any case, it is better to be careful and not abuse this drink, strictly following the doctor's instructions.
Benefits vs harmsof Aloe Vera juice
Digestion
Aloe Vera juice is very useful for people who have digestive problems. Just as it soothes the skin after exposure to the sun and excessive heat, this plant with anti-inflammatory properties also has a calming effect on the stomach and intestines, helping in problems such as heartburn and constipation. It is a great cleanser because it contains aloin, which is a powerful laxative. In addition, it stimulates the probiotic flora in the gut.
It is very important to mention here that excess aloin can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. But its most dangerous side effect is nutrient malabsorption and loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium. Low potassium levels, in turn, often cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and arrhythmias.
There are separate publications that aloin in high doses has carcinogenic properties, which has been shown in experiments with laboratory mice.
Composition
Aloe Vera is the most bioactive of all Aloe species. Contains over 75 nutrients, including polysaccharides, such as acemannan, anthraquinone, aloin, enzymes, lignin, saponin and salicylic acid.
There are many useful substances in Aloe Vera – amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. All these substances are collected in one place in high concentrations, which is why the plant can bring both benefit and harm.
The immune system
Aloe Vera juice works as a true tonic for the immune system, playing an important role in activating the body's immune system response as well as strengthening immunity in general. This effect is due to both the vitamins and minerals in the plant, as well as substances such as acemanan and alprogen. Aloe Vera juice also alkalizes the body, keeping the alkaline acid level balanced, thus reducing inflammation and increasing immunity.
According to a number of studies, drinking Aloe Vera juice in large quantities can lead to inflammation of the liver. The bioactive compounds contained in it affect the detoxification function of the liver, but at the same time they have hepatotoxicity.
Diabetes
Aloe Vera has important properties that can reduce blood sugar levels, helping patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption of Aloe Vera juice stimulates insulin secretion, which is especially beneficial for people with this type of diabetes.
But if you have diabetes and are already taking medication to lower blood sugar levels, do not combine them with Aloe Vera juice: it increases insulin secretion, and in large quantities reduces blood sugar levels to dangerously low levels.
As you can see, the beneficial effects of Aloe Vera cannot be underestimated. At the same time, the side effects that this plant can cause can be quite significant.
In conclusion, I can say that any intake of products with such an active and strong effect must be agreed with your doctor, especially in the presence of serious diseases.