Aloe vera is an ancient traditional remedy with cooling, healing, and soothing properties. Discover nature’s health secrets with The Global Hues, featuring the top 10 benefits of aloe vera. While most people know around using aloe vera topically for burns and skin irritations, the inner gel of the aloe leaf is now consumed in large quantities to improve digestion, hydrate the body, and promote overall health.
Aloe gel contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive plant compounds, making it a natural superfood. However, consuming aloe also comes with its own safety concerns, especially since the leaf is made up of two different components: the harmless inner gel and the harmful, laxative aloe latex.
This guide explains the benefits of aloe gel, the safe amount to consume, who should avoid it, and the best scientifically proven benefits of incorporating aloe into your wellness routine.
What Makes Aloe Vera a Powerful Superfood?
Aloe vera is rich in nutrients that are beneficial for overall health. The plant consists of a clear gel inside that contains vitamins A, C, E, B12, amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. It also contains acemannan, a polysaccharide known for aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting cell repair. Aloe vera gel is also 98 per cent water, making it highly nourishing and soothing for the stomach. It helps reduce inflammation, supports the natural detoxification process, and provides gentle nourishment to the gut and skin.
It’s important to note that these benefits come from the inner gel, not the aloe vera latex, which is not safe to eat.
How much aloe vera is safe to eat?
The best and safest way to eat aloe vera is to consume 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of the fresh inner gel directly from the leaf for natural detoxification. If you prefer packaged products, look for decolourised and purified aloe vera juice that meets safety standards—whole leaf aloe juice is less safe due to potential health risks identified in animal studies.
Never discard the green outer skin, as it contains a strong laxative called aloin. Aloe latex should not be eaten as it can cause severe cramping, diarrhoea, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration. Since this is a long-term treatment, drink it in small portions and monitor your body’s reaction.
Who Should Avoid Eating Aloe Vera?
While aloe gel is generally safe, some people should avoid it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consuming aloe vera to avoid potential uterine contractions due to latex exposure. Aloe may be too strong for people with digestive conditions such as IBS-D, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic diarrhoea. People with kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, or diabetes (especially those taking blood sugar medications) should only use aloe under a doctor’s supervision.
Aloe vera gel should not be consumed by children or by people taking diuretics, blood thinners, or stimulant laxatives. People with allergies to garlic, onions, or tulips may have an adverse response to aloe vera, as these plants are related and belong to the same botanical family. Global Hues shares the top 10 benefits of using aloe vera for natural wellness and daily nutrition.
Top 10 Advantages of Eating Aloe Vera: Health Benefits You Shouldn’t Miss
Below are the most important and scientifically proven benefits of aloe vera gel, presented in an easy-to-understand and responsible way.
1. Supports Healthy Digestion & Gut Comfort
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and soothing belongings and can help soothe the digestive tract. It can help reduce acidity, bloating, and irritation by covering the lining of the stomach and intestines. The natural enzymes in the plant also help break down sugars and fats, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it is a natural and gentle remedy for calming the system for people who occasionally experience indigestion.
2. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Some studies recommend that aloe vera gel may help improve fasting glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in people, especially those with prediabetes. Aloe’s bioactive components, including antioxidants and phytosterols, appear to influence glucose metabolism. While it’s not a substitute for diabetes medications, a small amount of the gel taken daily may help normalise blood sugar levels. People taking blood sugar-lowering medications should consult their doctor, as aloe may enhance their effects and lead to hypoglycemia.
3. Promotes Better Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Aloe vera gel is 98% water and is ironic in electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Drinking aloe vera can help reinstate hydration during hot weather or after physical activity. Aloe’s moisturising properties also benefit the kidneys, digestive system, and natural detoxification. Due to its ability to hydrate the body at the cellular level, most people feel energised and refreshed by adding a little aloe gel to their daily diet.
4. Boosts disease resistance with antioxidants
Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and polysaccharides such as acemannan. These compounds are beneficial for neutralising free radicals, facilitating the function of white blood cells, and strengthening the body’s natural defence mechanisms. Research has shown that acemannan has an immune-boosting effect, helping the body better adapt to stress and environmental influences. Regular consumption of aloe can help maintain a healthy and balanced immune system.
5. Supports skin health from the inside out
While aloe is commonly used topically to treat burns and irritations, consuming aloe gel can also promote skin health from the inside out. The antioxidants it contains help reduce oxidative stress, which is a cause of ageing, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties help hydrate the skin, improve its elasticity, and overall radiance. Some studies also show that aloe supplements can improve collagen production and skin texture. People who suffer from dryness, sensitivity, or sun damage may see results after regular consumption of aloe.
6. Helps Reduce Inflammation in the Body
Aloe vera contains over 70 active compounds, including salicylic acid, bradykinin, and antioxidants, that help reduce inflammation. These natural compounds can help ease joint pain, improve digestion, and boost physical endurance. Aloe can serve as a gentle addition to an anti-inflammatory diet for people who suffer from lifestyle-related inflammation or are under stress. It is not a cure for inflammatory conditions, although it can be used as an adjunct to a healthy diet and exercise.
7. May promote weight management
Aloe vera is not a fat burner, but it may have an indirect effect on weight management. When consumed in moderation, it has a soothing effect on the digestive system and can help reduce bloating and normalise bowel function. Aloe also contains compounds that promote metabolic processes and maintain fluid balance, making it a moderate and natural addition to a weight-maintaining diet. Moderation is key; excessive consumption of aloe or its latex can cause diarrhoea, leading to dangerous fluid loss rather than weight loss.
8. Supports Oral and Dental Health
Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties benefit oral health. Research also shows that mouthwashes containing aloe vera can help prevent plaque buildup, relieve mouth ulcers, and improve gum health. Consuming a small amount of edible aloe moisturises the oral mucosa and promotes a healthier, thinner saliva flow, which can freshen breath and soften gum tissue. Its natural plant compounds help maintain a balanced microflora in the mouth, especially if there is dryness or inflammation.
9. Helps maintain liver health through hydration
Aloe vera’s high water and antioxidant content help naturally detoxify the liver. A hydrated system also allows the liver to function at its best, and aloe’s phytonutrients can prevent oxidative stress. Aloe is not a liver cleanser or a treatment for liver disease. Still, when consumed in small amounts, it can help support overall liver health by promoting liver hydration and preventing inflammation.
10. Rich in Vitamins, Minerals, and Enzymes for Everyday Health
Aloe vera gel is a natural foundation of vitamins A, C, E, B12, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and several other enzymes that aid in digestion and cell repair. These vitamins support the body by providing energy, boosting immunity, improving skin, and promoting overall well-being. Aloe’s wide range of nutrients is one of the key factors that make this plant a “superfood,” providing gentle yet significant support for everyday health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aloe vera safe to eat every day?
Yes, but in tiny amounts, and only the clear inner gel. Generally, it is safe to consume 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) per day. Avoid consuming aloe latex or excessive amounts of aloe, as it can cause pain, diarrhoea, and electrolyte imbalance. The safety of long-term daily use requires further research.
What happens to your body when you eat aloe vera?
Aloe’s hydration and antioxidants may promote digestion, immune function, and skin health. Most people report reduced inflammation and improved gut comfort. However, consuming the wrong part of the leaf (latex) or excessive aloe can cause gastrointestinal illness.
How much aloe vera can you eat per day?
Limit yourself to 1-2 tablespoons of fresh inner gel or the dosage stated on the label of purified aloe juice. Avoid latex and excessive consumption. Start with a small amount to test for any adversative reactions.
Can aloe vera help with weight loss?
Aloe vera may indirectly promote weight loss by improving digestion, hydration, and metabolism. It is not a fat burner and should not be used as a weight loss supplement. Weight loss from consuming aloe vera latex is not safe and occurs due to fluid loss, not fat.
Does aloe vera benefit skin health when taken internally?
Yes, the antioxidants, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory compounds in aloe vera may help improve skin elasticity, collagen formation, and overall appearance. Many people report healthier skin with regular consumption of the internal gel.