
Has it ever happened with you when you heard a lot about benefits of Aloe Vera and when you have applied some of it on skin or consumed it, you had irritation and even more acnes on face? If yes, then probably you are not using Aloe Vera the right way.
Let’s dig some information about it:
There are numerous Health Benefits of Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera contains both macro and micro-nutrients such as water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids/fats, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, and accessory nutrients like phenolics and antioxidants, support a healthy life in humans.
It is loaded with Vitamin A and E which helps to prevent skin aging. It also contains Vitamin B12, Folic acid and choline which restore elasticity and suppleness to sun-damage skin, also strengthen hairs and nails.
It contains 8 types of enzymes: Aliiase, bradykinase, alkaline phosphatase, carboxypeptidase, amylase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied on skin and other enzymes help in breakdown of sugar and fats.
It provides minerals like chromium, copper, sodium, potassium, selenium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and zinc.
It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides (glucomannans/ polymannose). It helps to increase collagen synthesis in skin. It also helps to bind moisture to the skin.
It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds, also known a laxatives. It increases water content in intestine and stimulates mucus secretion and helps in bowl moment. Aloin and emodin act as antibacterials and antivirals.
Auxins and gibberellins help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory properties.
It provides 20 of the 22 essential amino acids required for human body and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The amino acids also soften the skin cells.
Zinc acts as an astringent to tighten the pore. It decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also helps to reduce acne.
Aloe Vera contains 6 Antiseptic agents: Salicylic acid, cinnamonic acid, Lupeol, phenols, urea nitrogen and sulfur. They all helpful to fight fungi, bacteria and viruses.
It is high in antioxidants; it helps in various skin problems like psoriasis, soothes irritated, skin burns, acne, eczema, and wound.
It helps to treat internal and external ulcers. It also helps to treat acid reflux.
Not many of us know the right procedure to consume Aloe Vera.

There are 3 layers, the out layer of Aloe Vera leaf is made up of Aloe Rind which protects gel and has no nutritional value.
Next layer is called as Aloe Latex, its bitter yellowish fluid, between the rind and the gel and not suitable for consumption.
Inner Layer is of Aloe gel which has lots of nutritional value.
Best way to use
You can freshly cut leaf whenever you want to consume or you can store it for couple of days based on storage procedure. Cut the Aloe Vera leaf as per required quantity. If you want to store, you can cut 2-3 full leaves.
Wash it properly in running water and keep it upside down overnight in a bowl or you can hang it. By doing this yellow color Aloe latex will come out. Throw this yellow colored liquid and wash it properly.
Cut the leaf in medium size pieces.
Fill water in bowl and leave it aside for about 30 minute.
Now throw the water and again fill fresh water in bowl and keep it aside for another 25-30 minute.
Now remove back layer of leaf and scoop the gel with spoon. You can use any other method to take out the gel.
Grind the gel in grinder.
Now to store it, first method of storage is freezing it. You can save this juice as ice cubes and whenever you want to use it, just take 1-2 cubes and use it in either juices or you can also apply on skin. Storing it in freezer can last up to 8 months.
Second method of storage is with honey. Add equal amount of honey in Aloe Vera juice and mix it well and use it. It can last up to 6 months. You can use it in tea or smoothie or can use it on face. You can also add sugar in it and use it as a body scrub.
Third method of storage is with Vitamin c. Add 1/2tsp of vitamin c in 250 ml of juice, mix it well and keep in refrigerator and this can last up to 2 months.
Daily Recommended dose
You can consume 1-2 tsp per day. You can add it to your favorite smoothies or juice or beverages or you can simply add Aloe Vera juice to the water and consume it in morning on an empty stomach.
Side Effects
Aloe Latex or Aloe sap is unsafe and can lead to acute kidney failure, can give hypersensitive reactions, can cause cancer, some people get skin irritation, ache, rashes, diarrhea, blood thinning, irregular heartbeats and muscle weakness etc. It can also cause abdominal discomfort/pain. It can lower potassium level in body which can cause fatigue and weakness.
Consume in moderation as laxative effect of Aloe Vera might over stimulate your bowel movement and can lead to dehydration.
Who should not consume
If you are diabetic, consult with doctor before consuming as it drops blood sugar level.
Pregnant and lactating women should avoid it as it may stimulate uterine contraction and creates birth complications.
Discontinue use if you feel abdominal pain, diarrhea or skin issues.
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