8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Eating Aloe Vera

A very popular plant, aloe vera is known to have a wide range of health applications that are believed to be already practiced for hundreds of years. However, it was not until lately that its uses are widely introduced to the market, and its highly publicized benefits have made people look for products that contain such. This plant usually comes in three forms—juice, powder and gel—but before you decide to consume it, it is best to know its pros and cons first.

List of Pros of Eating Aloe Vera

1. It helps treat constipation.
One of the best things about this plant is that it promotes proper waste elimination when you are constipated. However, when taking it as remedy, you should not expect instant results, as you will need to wait for about an hour to get things going.

2. It boosts metabolism.
Some weight loss professionals encourage their clients to regularly consume at least 1 cup of aloe vera juice each week to stimulate metabolism. As it helps stimulate your metabolism, you will tend to burn more calories faster than normal.

3. It aids in reducing blood sugar levels.
As of yet, it is not clear as to how aloe vera can help lower blood sugar levels, but early research suggested that it does help lower the blood sugar levels of people who were suffering from type-2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that thorough research is still needed to better understand such an effect as studies being performed today produce conflicting results.

4. It helps with detoxification.
Aloe vera has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that will help cleanse your body of harmful chemicals that have accumulated in your system.

List of Cons of Eating Aloe Vera

1. It can cause upset stomach.
Aloe vera contains a substance known as anthraquinone, which is a laxative that can cause diarrhea if you take it in large amounts. This can also mean cramps, pain and dehydration.

2. It can have adverse reactions to certain medications.
You should consult your doctor first before consuming aloe vera when you are taking prescribed medicines or undergoing a medical treatment, as the plant might cause adverse reactions to a few medicines. For example, its laxative properties may even inhibit the absorption of some drugs in your body.

3. It poses risks to pregnant and lactating women.
Women who are pregnant and lactating should stay away from consuming aloe vera because of its irritant and purgative qualities that might stimulate contractions in the uterine, which can lead to miscarriage and birth defects.

4. It can be bad for those having heart problems.
As aloe vera can cause the body to produce excessive amounts of adrenaline, consuming it regularly can be harmful to people who are suffering from heart problems. It can also lower potassium levels in your body, leading to irregular heartbeats.

While eating aloe vera has pros to it, it also comes with its own set of cons. It is important to weigh these things down first to know if such a practice is entirely beneficial to you, or not.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.