Is Aloe Vera Edible? Benefits of Aloe Vera for Digestive Health
2 min read
Over the years, natural plants and traditional treatments have been pushed aside for items found on drug stores. However people have found many products with unpronounceable ingredients lacking and are beginning to look toward natural products for an organic, less harsh solution. One plant that has stood the test of time is Aloe Vera. For centuries, aloe has been used to help support digestive health due to its natural properties. At AloeCure, we're often asked which components of the aloe plant actually help support digestive function, so we decided to answer your question here.
CAN I JUST EAT AN ALOE LEAF?
Well, you could...
But before you do, let's break down the reasons why you shouldn't.
One common misconception is that you can simply eat the aloe leaves to help promote digestive health. Raw aloe leaves aren't really safe for oral consumption because they contain Aloin, the plants natural defense system. Aloin is found in the outer rind of the plant and has an extremely bitter taste and also a laxative effect. So if you are seeking something to help support your stomach comfort, a laxative that will disrupt your gut flora probably isn't what you had in mind and would outweigh the benefits of Aloe to help support pH balance and coat the digestive tract. What you really want is thatinner gelbecause it contains the active nutrients found in aloe and also supports digestive wellness. Juice derived from the inner Aloe Vera leaf It contains a polymannan known asAcemannan, whose bioactive structure and functional effects are well studied and established. Aloe Vera is also alkaline and can help support healthy levels of stomach acid. The inner gel also functions as a prebiotic to promote the growth of good flora in order to optimize digestive function. Some of our favorite ways to get the benefits of the aloe gel are in an extract form, such as a juice or a capsule. Like with any supplement, when using aloe for supporting gut health, it is important to check with your doctor and to not use in place of any potential medications or treatments your doctor has recommended.
ALOE SUPPLEMENTS
Pure aloe capsulespromote a healthy digestive system without any of the unpleasant symptoms that can occur when eating a raw aloe leaf. As long as you closely read the labels to ensure that aloin has been removed, Aloe powder can help to naturally maintain digestive comfort and support the overall digestive tract. With continued use, aloe capsules help maintain normal digestive function. This natural balance can also helps maintain a clear path for waste, helping maintain bowel health the way nature intended.
KEEPING IT REAL WITH ALOE JUICE
Drinkingaloe juicehas the same effect as taking the aloe capsules, but with more immediate effects in the form of supporting healthy digestion and can be consumed anytime throughout the day. Aloe juice is somewhat of an acquired taste, but if you want to spice up your aloe juice and create some flavorful options, it offers a great additive to any kind of existing fruit juice or smoothie. Your taste buds and digestive system will thank you.