Buzz
Aloe vera is well-known for soothing sunburned skin, but is it beneficial to consume it? Many believe that eating aloe vera can help treat common ailments such as heartburn, constipation, and digestive inflammation. While there is limited evidence to support these claims, aloe vera remains a popular food source in many cultures, particularly in Asia and Latin America. In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the right type of aloe vera, prepare it, and incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
Steps
Use Aloe Barbadensis Miller
This is the aloe species often marketed as having the most benefits. Even if it isn't labeled, you can recognize this type by its thick, broad, and fleshy leaves. The plant grows upright with yellow flowers.
- Non-edible aloe, also known as "chinensis" – if you're buying aloe for consumption, avoid this variety!
- Edible aloe vera is often available at certain grocery stores and markets. If you find it in the produce section, it is safe to eat.
Consume small portions or add aloe vera to recipes
Eating too much aloe vera can lead to severe cramps and diarrhea. Aloe vera has laxative properties and may cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. However, consuming small portions should not cause issues. You can also minimize these effects by adding only a small amount of aloe vera to your recipes.
- There is limited research on the safe quantity of aloe vera for consumption, but it is generally advised to use it sparingly. A small amount (around 1/4 teaspoon or less) is recommended.
- If you purchase processed aloe vera products, follow the serving instructions on the packaging. These products typically contain less than 10 ppm (parts per million) of aloe extract. It is not a food you should consume in large quantities!
- Aloe vera should only be consumed occasionally as a snack. Some evidence suggests that regular consumption (for at least 3 weeks) may lead to acute hepatitis.
Cut aloe vera leaves into sections
Remove the spines and cut the aloe vera leaves into manageable pieces. The spiky edges, the pointed tip, and the top third of the leaf are inedible and should be discarded. Next, cut the leaf into 2 or 3 sections to make it easier to extract the gel.
- You can cut the aloe vera leaf into sections of any length – as long as it makes it easier to scoop out the gel.
- If you plan to cook with aloe vera, you can cut it into smaller pieces after extracting the gel.
Extract the gel from the leaf
Peel off the flat side of the aloe vera leaf to reveal the inner gel. You’ll notice that one side of the leaf is flatter than the other. Once the flat side is peeled, the transparent gel underneath will be visible. Use a spoon or knife to scoop out the gel. A vegetable peeler can also work if you have one handy. This technique is called “filleting,” and with practice, you can extract the gel in one piece effortlessly.
- Always rinse the gel with water to remove the latex. Aloe latex is a strong laxative, so avoid consuming it!
Rinse the latex off the leaf or gel
Aloe latex is an extremely potent laxative. Hold the aloe leaf or gel (depending on what you plan to eat) under cool running water to wash off the latex. You can use a colander for easier rinsing – just make sure to flip it around to clean all sides thoroughly.
- Consuming even 1 gram of aloe latex can lead to kidney failure or even death. At the very least, it can cause severe stomach pain and diarrhea.
Mix aloe vera gel with water or juice for drinking
Cut the aloe vera gel into small cubes for easier blending or mixing. Aloe vera gel has a mild flavor, so it won’t significantly alter the taste of water or juice (if used), but it may slightly change the texture and viscosity due to its thickness.
Blend aloe vera gel into smoothies to mask its flavor
Dice the aloe vera gel and chill it, then add it to your favorite fruit smoothie. The refreshing taste of aloe vera gel pairs well with smoothies, especially when you want to experiment. Its mild flavor won’t disrupt the balance of the drink, but it’s best to start with a small amount.
- Sweet, flavorful fruits can help mask the slight bitterness of aloe vera.
Use chilled aloe vera gel to balance the heat of dips
Dice the aloe vera gel and refrigerate it overnight, then add it to your favorite recipe. Before mixing it with other ingredients, rinse the gel again to remove any sliminess. The cooling effect of aloe vera gel complements the spiciness of chili and other hot spices.
- Aloe vera has a mild taste, so it won’t significantly alter the flavor of your dip. However, you may need to adjust the seasoning after adding it.
Enjoy aloe vera gel poached in sugar syrup with yogurt for a light, soothing treat
Add diced aloe vera gel to a pot with sugar and lemon juice. Use 1 cup (200g) of sugar and the juice of one lemon. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the gel firms up like grapes and the liquid is no longer sticky. This process takes about 10 minutes.
- Once poached, scoop the aloe vera gel onto a bowl of yogurt, and your treat is ready!
- Cooked aloe vera has a milder taste, making it a great option if you find raw aloe too bitter for your palate.
Add aloe vera leaves to salads or salsa for a crunchy texture
Finely chop the aloe vera leaves or peel after removing the spines. The spines are inedible, but the rest of the leaf is safe to eat – just make sure to wash it thoroughly. Slice thinly, dice, or shred.
- Aloe vera’s cooling properties make it a perfect addition to spicy salads or hot salsas.
Purchase aloe vera water or juice
This is the easiest option if you don’t want to harvest aloe vera yourself. Extracting gel from the leaves isn’t difficult but can be time-consuming. If you prefer a ready-made option, health food stores often sell bottled aloe vera water or juice.
- Aloe vera juice is simply aloe gel mixed with fruit juice (often citrus). Check the product label to see what’s included before purchasing.
- You can drink aloe vera water straight from the bottle or mix it into your favorite smoothie.
Be cautious of potential side effects
Consuming aloe vera may cause diarrhea and cramps. It can also lead to skin irritation or hives, especially if you’re allergic to plants in the lily family, such as onions or tulips. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop consuming aloe vera immediately.
- Avoid eating aloe vera if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may harm the baby.
- Aloe vera acts as a laxative and can interfere with the absorption of medications. If you’re on medication for a chronic condition, consult your doctor before consuming aloe vera.
Tips
- Store fresh aloe vera in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for up to 1 week.
Warnings
- If you’re considering eating aloe vera for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor first – they can advise on its safety and suggest alternatives if necessary.
- Many claimed benefits of aloe vera lack scientific evidence. Be cautious when consuming it, especially for extended periods, due to potential risks.
