Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plan that grows in hot, dry climates. In the United States, aloe is grown in Florida, Texas and Arizona. The name Aloe is derived from the Arabic works “Alloeh” meaning shinning bitter substances while “vera” is Latin meaning true. It contains various minerals and vitamins. It has got various properties such as immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory in nature.   Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. 

The outermost layer is a hard rind that is 15 cells thick. This rind is very important because this is where the syntheses of all 75 nutrients that are contained within the plant occurs. Below this layers is the sap. This is a circulation system that basically moves materials up to the leaves and down to the roots. The sap is very rich in anthraquinones, which are powerful laxatives. Up to 75 nutrients have been identified in stabilized Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe medications can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. People take aloe products by mouth for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many others. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. People apply aloe gel to the skin for conditions such as acne, dandruff, wound healing and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The useful parts of aloe are the gel and latex. The gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf. the gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf; and the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf skin.

There is some thought that aloe gel might cause changes in the skin that might help diseases like psoriasis. 

Aloe seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around the wound. 

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECT ASSOCIATED WITH USING ALOE?

Yes, those include but are not the total list (always check with your doctor)

• Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Burning and itching of the skin (infrequent)
• Stomach pain and cramps (high doses)
• Diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances (long-turn use at high doses)
• Liver problems (rare)

ALOE VERA JUICE

ALOE VERA juice is extracted from the aloe vera plant leaf and which is a little sticky in nature. Drinking this healthy dietary supplement can offer various health benefits. The juice is usually made by crushing and grinding the leaves, and it is a little bitter, thus, primarily consumed in limited quantities. Being sugarless and low in calories, it becomes a healthy drink to keep a watch on your weight.

Whenever we consume any dietary drink or supplement, the first think that rings in our mind is the dosage. How much aloe vera juice to drink daily?  Is there any limit to it, or can one consume as much as they want? When to drink aloe vera juice?

There is no fixed rule of drinking aloe vera juice, one should have it in a certain quantity and way to get most of it.

• Six ounces a day for an average human being.
• One tablespoon aloe vera juice per day for people with diabetes.
• 20 ml aloe vera juice with water everyday for weight loss.
• 50 ml of aloe vera juices a day to ease constipation.

DIABETES

For those people who have diabetes, experimentation with multiple aloe vera juice dosages for diabetes. A specific dose of it is unclear. Consuming 15-150 ml juice every day of aloe vera for 4-14 weeks can prove effective, or you can use one tablespoon of aloe gel to control blood sugar levels.

WEIGHT LOSS

For those who want weight loss consume aloe vera juice should be consumed on an empty stomach or at least 20 minutes before a meal that is the best time to drink aloe vera juice for weight loss. Mix 20 ml of aloe vera juice in water or mix it with another juice. Continue this process for two weeks and see excellent results.

HYDRATION

The aloe plant is very water-dense, so it’s an ideal way to prevent or treat dehydration. Staying hydrated helps your body detox by providing a way for you to purge and flush out impurities. The juice also packs a hefty punch of nutrients that optimize your body’s organ output.

This is crucial, because your kidneys and liver are largely responsible for the task of detoxifying your blood and producing  urine.

Recovery from heavy exercise also requires rehydration through the intake of extra fluids. Your body requires more fluids in order to flush and rid itself of the lactic acid buildup from exercising. Try aloe vera juice instead of coconut water after your next hard workout.

LIVER FUNCTION

Aloe vera juice is an excellent way to keep your liver healthy. That’s  because the liver functions best when the body is adequately nourished and hydrated. Aloe vera juice is ideal for the liver because it’s hydrating and rich in phytonutrients.

CONSTIPATION

Drinking aloe vera juice helps increase the water content in your intestines. Research has shown a relationship between increasing the intestinal water content and the stimulation of peristalsis, which helps you pass stool normally. It is very soothing to an upset intestinal system.

If you’re constipated or have problems with frequent constipation, try incorporating aloe vera juice into your daily routine. Aloe also helps normalize the healthy bacteria in your gut, keeping your healthy intestinal flora balanced.

Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that may help protect your skin.

The important compounds in aloe vera have also been shown to neutralize the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, repair your skin for existing UV damage, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

DIGESTIVE BENEFITS

Aloe vera contains several enzymes known to help in the breakdown of sugars and fats and to keep your digestive running smoothly.

A study done in 2013 study of 33 irritable bowel syndrome patients found that aloe vera juice helped reduce the pain and discomfort of IBS. the study was not placebo controlled so more research is needed.

Aloe Vera also is beneficial to people suffering from ulcerative colitis in an earlier double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

COLORED VS. DECOLORIZED ALOE VERA

On the other hand, nondecolorized, unpurified aloe vera juice can have unpleasant side effects, including diarrhea and cramping.

Diarrhea can lead to severe pain, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Researchers have concluded that the side effects caused by unpurified aloe vera juice are a result of the presence of antithraquinone, which is considered a laxative.

Though anthraquinone is an organic compound naturally found in the leaf of the aloe vera plant, it is considered toxic and should be avoided.

One study found that aloe vera whole-leaf extract increased the risk of colon adenomas (benign) and carcinomas (cancer) in rats. However, another study in rats noted that purified and decolonized juice is a safer option when compared to colored aloe vera.