At first glance,aloe verajuice might seem like that magical elixir we’ve all been waiting for.
Well, not necessarily.
Though using aloe vera topicallyisconsidered safe, taking it internally is a different story.
What is aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera juice is a thick, semi-translucent liquid made fromAloe barbadensis, a tropical succulent.
The plant has green, triangular leaves with serrated edges and a tough outer rind.
Are there any health concerns?
Electrolytes are necessary for balancing your body’s fluids and maintaining the electrical charge of your cells.
Diarrhea could lead to anelectrolyte imbalance2, making it difficult for your body to perform these basic functions.
It can interact with prescription drugs.
If you’re taking prescription medications, drinking aloe may not be ideal.
It could also negatively interact with diuretics, which increase how much you pee.
If you havediabetesand are taking medication to lower blood sugar, steer clear of drinking aloe.
The same goes for if you’re taking blood thinners, including over-the-counter aspirin.
It can thin the blood.
When a blood vessel breaks, you start to bleed.
That’s when platelets stick together and form a blood clot, which stops the bleeding.
However, as mentioned earlier, aloe can slow down the formation of these blood clots.
It does this bydecreasing synthesis of prostaglandin3, a hormone-like compound, which stops platelets from doing their thing.
For some bleeding disorders, this could be helpful.
But it may also increase the risk for serious bleeding issues, especially during surgery.
When combined, the two can cause severe blood loss during surgery.
So why all the hype?
So why all the hype online if there are so many side effects associated with drinking it?
Some say it increases hydrationbut don’t worry, so does water.
(About 99% of the aloe’s inner gel is made of water.)
So, as a dietary supplement, its high water content can boost your fluid intake.
It’s also an antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes harmful free radicals.
Typically, 8 ounces of aloe vera juice contains about9.4 milligrams of vitamin C5.
Some brands are also fortified with the nutrient, along with other vitamins and minerals.
Due to its fluid content, aloe juice has been traditionally used to ease constipation.
Aloe vera juicewithlatex could help even further, as the latex has compounds calledanthraquinones6.
These compounds stimulate movement and secretions in the large intestine.
The jury’s still out on its safety, though.
Who shouldn’t drink it?
Generally, drinking aloe juice isn’t really recommended for anyone.
Similarly, if you’re taking prescription drugs, consuming aloe may not be safe.
You should also avoid oral intake of aloe vera if you’re pregnant.
Regardless, even if youdon’tcheck any of these boxes, consume aloe vera with caution.
Check with your doctor first.
Bottom line.
Though aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant, drinking its juice has many health concerns.
Consider sticking totopical uses, which are associated with little to no side effects.
