Drinking aloe vera: what are its benefits and how to take it?

Aloe vera is one of the oldest and most effective natural herbal remedies. Due to its antioxidant properties, drinking aloe vera has numerous health benefits. Although there are more than 300 species of this plant, only 4 or 5 have medicinal properties, Aloe Barbadensis Miller being the most potent.

In this article we are going to tell you the 5 key benefits of drinking aloe vera, why it is so effective and when is the best time to drink it.

Aloe vera: a superfood packed with nutrients

Drinking aloe vera provides a nutritional, anti-inflammatory and immune balancing effect. It contains vitamins C, E, B12 and beta-carotene. It also contains minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, copper and chromium, which are essential for health.

Aloe contains the amino acids necessary for the human body, including essential amino acids, which the body cannot manufacture on its own.

Another of its components is polysaccharides that serve to strengthen the immune system. Its digestive enzymes are responsible for aiding the digestive process. And thanks to its water content, it helps to maintain optimal hydration levels.

5 key benefits of drinking aloe vera

Helps improve and maintain blood sugar levels

Both aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, as well as fatty acids.

It also improves the responsiveness of body tissues to insulin, making it more effective. The active components present in aloe vera may help reduce high blood pressure.

Supports digestion and aids nutrient absorption

Aloe vera juice can be used to soothe the stomach. One trial described its consumption as helping to relieve intestinal discomfort and inflammation. In addition, it can reduce gastric acid production.

It also acts as an extended-release agent, slows the rate of absorption of vitamins C and E, and keeps plasma levels elevated for longer.

It has antioxidant power

Oxidation is a process that occurs naturally in the body as part of daily metabolism and must be controlled, as oxidative stress can damage the body’s cells and tissues.

The antioxidants in aloe vera help boost the body’s antioxidant defence system. In one study participants drank aloe vera extract daily for 14 days and improved total antioxidant capacity measured in plasma without clinical side effects.

Moisturises and protects the healing process of the skin.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential treatment for burns and other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Many of aloe vera’s skin health benefits are seen when applied topically as a cream or gel.

However, it has also demonstrated its benefits when consumed as a beverage. One study showed that taking 40 mcg of aloe sterol per day for 12 weeks improved skin elasticity, collagen production and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

Improving oral health

Aloe vera helps reduce tooth decay and oral biofilm build-up by acting directly on the bacteria in the mouth. In addition to being antibacterial, it is a powerful antioxidant and remineraliser.

It acts directly on the gums and helps with gingivitis and other periodontal tissue problems. It is highly moisturising and has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

What is the best time to drink aloe vera?

The best time to drink aloe vera is in the morning, before eating or drinking coffee, i.e. on an empty stomach. This will help the body prepare for digestion.

In addition, drinking aloe vera on an empty stomach contributes to fat loss, cleanses the digestive tract and promotes optimal absorption of nutrients, thanks to the state of ketosis in which the body is in on an empty stomach.

Who should not drink aloe vera?

Although aloe vera juice has many health benefits, it is also important to take some precautions. In general, drinking aloe vera should be avoided in these cases:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• People with intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• People with diabetes.
• People undergoing intestinal treatment who are taking medication for diarrhoea or colic, as aloe vera has laxative properties.
• Children under 12 years of age.
• People taking anticoagulant medication, as one of the benefits of aloe vera, is that it helps to clot, so the combination may be contradictory.

Aloe vera, is an excellent superfood for healthcare

Drinking aloe vera is an excellent option to hydrate our body and has healing and medicinal properties, used for centuries.

Benefits include improving blood sugar levels, promoting digestion and nutrient absorption, providing antioxidants, moisturising and protecting the skin, and strengthening dental and oral health.