Aloe Vera: Side Effects, Benefits, Composition And Uses

Aloe vera is a plant used for various medicinal purposes for many years . Widely used for skin problems (acne, psoriasis, leprosy, etc.), there are reports of its use by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and it is even cited in the Bible, so it is clear that the use of this plant in ancient times.

Aloe vera (scientifically known as Aloe Barbadensis Miller ) strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and antiviral action (including inhibiting the proliferation of the AIDS virus). Some isolated research has shown that the oligosaccharides present in aloe vera help fight malignant cells. The active ingredients are in the inner gel, not in the bark.

Aloe Vera benefits

• Stabilizes blood glucose levels in diabetics
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Balances cholesterol and triglycerides
• Treats ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease
• Contains high content of acemannan, a natural immune booster
• Increases life expectancy and longevity
• Helps eliminate reflux discomfort
• Accelerates the healing of physical and radiation burns
• Improves gum health
• Reduces strokes and heart attacks
• Improves bowel function
• Contains enzymes that facilitate digestion
• Helps dissolve kidney stones
• Increases cardiovascular performance and endurance.
• Protects the body against oxidative stress.

Composition of Aloe Vera

• Toilet
• 20 mineral salts
• 12 essential vitamins
• 18 amino acids
• 200 active plant compounds (phytonutrients), including: enzymes, terpenes (a phytonutrient that lowers blood sugar), glyconutrients and glycoproteins.
• Polysaccharides, including: acemannan, mannose-6-phosphate, polimannans and
• Phenolic glycosides, such as dihydrocoumarins

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

You may have heard that aloe vera is toxic and unfit for consumption, right? Food products containing aloe vera are prohibited in many places. In fact, there are several species of aloe, and some of them are actually toxic to ingestion . However, the species of Aloe barbadensis vera are considered safe and full of benefits for our health.

Remember also that you should only consume the gel inside the leaves , because it is in the shell where the potentially toxic elements are.

How can Aloe be consumed?

Aloe vera gel , when extracted correctly, has practically no flavor and therefore you can add it to any juice or drink that you prepare in the blender.

To make use of this plant, peel it with the help of a knife and place a piece of the gel (approximately one tablespoon) in the blender glass.

You can use the gel to make aloe vera juices, vitamins, and smoothies. Be careful with excess, it can cause unwanted effects. There is no ideal amount per day. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if desired.

In terms of conservation, the ideal is to keep the leaf in the refrigerator after harvest. The collected gel can be frozen and stored for up to six months .

Aloe Vera juice

Being a plant with purgative properties, aloe vera is a good ally to improve metabolism . Mix it with lemon for the purifying property along with the detoxifying properties. This juice also helps improve immunity and provide more energy.

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera barbadensis gel
• 1 tablespoon of honey or molasses
• The juice of a lemon

Beat the ingredients with a blender glass. Take it preferably on an empty stomach.

Aloe Vera Uses for Skin and Hair

The cosmetic industry considers aloe ( Aloe vera ) as a phyto- cosmetic base for various beauty products, such as face creams, hair creams, skin cleansers, scalp lotions, deodorants, aftershave lotions, shampoos, acne creams and dandruff lotions.

In the skin, the Aloe vera prevents the formation of wrinkles and sagging, and moisturizes dry skin . It is also useful for treating cuts and wounds, acne, itching and blemishes on the skin . One of the special uses of this natural product is skin care, whether for burns or treating scars, because its gel notably speeds up the healing process by improving blood circulation around the wound. .

Thanks to the fact that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is a good remedy against acne . It helps to control the oil that accumulates on the skin . An aloe vera gel can be used on pimples to reduce swelling.

In the hair, aloe vera helps reduce itching and irritation of the scalp , strengthens, improves oiliness and dandruff .

For more specific recipes that use aloe vera, see the article Recipes with aloe for skin and hair .