Aloe vera, also called aloe , is a plant that is part of the 250 species of medicinal plants of this type throughout the world. It is possible to find it in desert regions, because its growth benefits from hot climates, as it is a succulent plant. This well-known plant has multiple properties and benefits for our body, both for health and aesthetics.
Aloe vera can be consumed in many ways, such as in juices, teas or infusions, and even in small pieces or cubes to eat it fresh. However, it must be taken into account that, on some occasions, it is necessary to resort to specialized help if you want to consume it correctly.
Ways to take aloe vera
If you are wondering how to eat aloe vera , you should know that you can do it in many ways, such as:
- Drink aloe vera juice.
- Prepare raw aloe vera and in pieces for salads.
- Add the pulp in the sauces.
- Take aloe vera capsules.
- Drink it in syrup.
- Make a tea or infusion with this plant.
In addition, you can take it at different times of the day. Here we clarify the two moments of the day to take aloe that generate more doubts.
Take aloe vera on an empty stomach
You will be able to benefit from all the properties of the plant regardless of the time of day you consume it, but it is true that depending on what hours, depending on whether or not you have eaten, among other aspects, you will be able to take better advantage of some of its properties or others.
Thus, it is convenient to take aloe on an empty stomach, especially when the objective is to facilitate weight loss and improve intestinal transit or some digestive problems, as well as strengthen the immune system. With these objectives it is also usually consumed before main meals.
How to prepare aloe vera to take on an empty stomach? It is best to take it in juice or in tea or infusion to avoid taking more food at the same time. After an hour, more or less, you will be able to eat your breakfast or main meal normally.
In this other article you can discover more about the benefits of taking aloe vera on an empty stomach .
Take aloe vera before bed
In the event that you are thinking of taking aloe vera at night, shortly before going to sleep, keep in mind that what it will be most effective for is to facilitate the digestion of dinner and, therefore, so that you can sleep better.
In addition, the fact of drinking a glass of aloe vera juice in the morning and another before lunch and before dinner, always a good time before going to sleep, will help you lose some weight, because among other aspects, help you feel full more easily.
How to make aloe vera juice
To make aloe juice follow these instructions:
- Leave the leaves or stems of this plant to soak for 24 hours. In this way, the aloin will come out, which you can see as a yellowish part of the gel, which should be avoided because it can be irritating.
- After this time, wash the aloe leaf or penca well to remove traces of earth and remove all yellowish remains. If you prefer, you can also disinfect it with food bleach or other similar products.
- Cut the leaf into several pieces and also cut both sides and the top to separate the skin or rind and get to the pulp.
- With the help of a spoon, remove the pulp of the aloe and put it in a large glass or bowl.
- Blend the gel with water so it has a more runny consistency. The proportion will depend on how you like the texture of the juice, if you prefer it somewhat denser add a little water and if, on the contrary, you want it to be more liquid add more water.
- You can take it like this or you can add more foods to the juice that can be good for your goal.
If you want to prepare a healthy aloe vera juice , do not hesitate to consult our article in which we prepare a juice to cleanse the colon and lose weight with aloe vera .
How to prepare aloe vera tea
Another good option to take aloe vera on an empty stomach to lose weight, improve intestinal transit and also to have more energy from the first moment in the morning is to take it with a tea. You can prepare it with any type of tea, but we recommend green tea. To prepare green tea with aloe vera follow these instructions:
- Have the aloe pulp prepared as we have explained in the previous recipe, but do not liquefy it.
- Prepare a green tea, either in a bag, in bulk or in powder.
- When you have removed the tea from the heat, it has rested as long as necessary and is still somewhat hot, add the pieces of aloe pulp.
- Let it rest for about 3 minutes and you can drink it.
If there are pieces of pulp that have not been broken down, it is recommended that you also eat them. Another option is to make iced aloe vera tea. To do this, when you have the green tea ready, keep it in the fridge for a few minutes, blend the pieces of aloe pulp and add the two ingredients to a large glass. If you want you can add crushed ice to drink this very cold tea.
How much aloe vera should be consumed
To learn how to take aloe vera, it is necessary to know not only the most suitable formats or recipes and the most recommended times of day, but it is also convenient to know the recommended amount, because as with everything, it is not good to overdo it. An adequate daily dose of aloe vera is considered to be between 50 and 100 ml .
If you choose to take aloe vera in capsules or syrup , always follow the indications of the dose and time of consumption that you will see on its packaging or those that your doctor has prescribed directly.
How long can aloe vera be taken for?
It is advisable to take the pulp of this plant, always in the general recommended dose or in the dose specified by the health professional who has prescribed it, for several weeks in a row or a few months , depending on each body and state of health.
You may also be wondering “what happens if I consume aloe vera every day?” and the truth is that as long as the indicated doses are followed and a safe product is consumed, without aloin residues , it can be taken daily as indicated. On the other hand, it is not recommended to consume aloe every day for too long, that is, many months in a row, nor is it recommended to consume its latex, or yellowish part that contains aloin, because its abuse can cause intestinal and kidney problems.
Nutritional composition of aloe vera and its properties
Aloe is composed of 18 to 20 amino acids, as well as a large number of fatty acids, among which are palmitic, linolenic, myristic, oleic, among others. On the other hand, it contains an important trio of plant sterols: HCL, B-sitosterol and campesterol. The first has the property of reducing fats lodged in the blood, while the last two help fight indigestion and allergic symptoms. These are the nutritional components of aloe vera :
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Match
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Amino acids
- Tannins
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Vitamin E
- mucilage
- pectins
- Phytosterols
- Linoleic acid
- Oleic acid
- Ascorbic acid
Thanks to this composition, these are the main properties of aloe vera for health:
- Moisturizing
- invigorating
- healing
- Emollient
- Disinfectant
- antifungal
- anti-inflammatory
- Astringent
- anti-allergic
- Purgative
- Laxative
- choleretic
- satiating
What are the benefits of taking aloe vera?
Aloe vera is perhaps one of the best known medicinal plants in the world. It is used for a large number of natural and home treatments . There are many who believe and verify the value that its properties bring to the body. In this way, among the many benefits of aloe vera , we can highlight the following:
Aloe vera for digestive problems
This plant helps cleanse the digestive tract, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the organ. Also, it eliminates intestinal worms and bacteria from the stomach. Discover how to take aloe vera for constipation.
Aloe vera for weight loss
Because it detoxifies the body and improves digestive problems, it can be a great ally to help you lose weight. However, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for good nutrition and a constant exercise routine, but rather it is only a good help.
Find out more about it in this other post about the properties of aloe vera to lose weight .
Aloe vera for skin
Aloe vera is one of the plants that is most used for aesthetic skin treatments, thanks to its moisturizing and oxygenating properties. In this way, it supplies the cells with the necessary oxygen to revitalize them. Similarly, its analgesic and healing properties make it an antidote for stings, burns, wounds and scars.
Reduce stress levels
The consumption of this plant can help reduce stress levels, nervousness and also improve your moods.
Improves the immune system
The gel found within aloe helps strengthen the immune system, thanks to all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make it up. In addition, it alkalizes the body, restoring the pH and strengthening the body's systems.
Prevents heart conditions
Aloe vera is also known for its ability to help prevent heart disease. Although it is not a substitute for medications, it is believed that aloe vera can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
Aloe vera contraindications
Although aloe vera is a highly beneficial plant for health, it can cause side effects for some people. In this sense, the use of this plant is contraindicated for the following cases:
- People with diabetes : if you have diabetes, you should be careful with the amount of aloe you consume, since it reduces blood sugar levels and can cause hypoglycemia.
- Stomach problems : if you are one of those who suffer from a stomach problem, you should consult your doctor if it will be good for you to consume aloe vera in your diet, since it acts as a laxative, which is why it can cause abdominal cramps or diarrhea. On some occasions, its high intake can trigger kidney conditions.
- Pregnant women : its consumption in pregnant or lactating women is strictly prohibited. Nor should young children do it, since they are in a growing age.
- Allergies : If you are allergic to legumes such as garlic, onions or flowers such as tulips, you have a high probability of suffering an allergy to aloe vera, for this reason, you should eliminate it from your diet.
- People with degenerative problems in the gallbladder or liver: they should ask their trusted doctor how beneficial their consumption will be.
- People with serious injuries : Its application is not recommended on burns or deep cuts, without first having been approved by a specialist. It should also be noted that, in some cases, the topical application of this plant on the skin can cause burning, irritation or redness.
