aloe vera is a juicy plant known for its medicinal properties.
while it is most commonly used topically to treat burns and promote skin health, it is also used to treat a variety of other ailments (1).
in recent years, it has even become a key ingredient in fruit juices, herbal supplements, and diet drinks.
this article reviews the benefits and side effects of aloe vera for weight loss, and how to use it.
potential benefits
aloe vera can help with weight loss in two ways.
may promote metabolism
some studies have shown that aloe vera can boost your metabolism, increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day, which in turn promotes weight loss.
in a 90-day study, giving dried aloe vera gel to rats on a high-fat diet could reduce the accumulation of body fat by increasing the number of calories they burned. (2）。
other animal studies have shown that aloe vera can affect the metabolism of fat and sugar in the body while preventing the accumulation of belly fat. (3）。
still, more research is needed to determine whether aloe vera can provide similar health benefits to humans.
may support blood sugar control
aloe vera may help improve blood sugar control, which may help with weight loss.
in one study, capsules containing 300-500 mg of aloe vera were consumed twice daily with a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in 72 people (4).
another study of 136 people found that taking aloe vera complex gel for 8 weeks reduced weight and body fat and increased the body's ability to use insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar control. (5）。
improving blood sugar control can prevent spikes and plummets in blood sugar levels, which can prevent symptoms such as hunger and increased cravings. (6）。
summary: aloe vera can help promote weight loss by promoting metabolism and supporting better blood sugar control.
side effect
aloe vera intake has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects.
some of the most common side effects include digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach cramps (7).
while aloe vera can act as a laxative to help promote regularity, overuse may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. (8, 9）。
it is important to note that while its laxative effect may reduce water retention, the resulting water loss is only temporary and is not a sustainable weight-loss strategy.
in addition, because this succulent may reduce the absorption of certain medications, be sure to consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any underlying health problems or are taking any medications (7).
there are also concerns about the carcinogenic effects of aloe vera, a compound found in uncolored whole-leaf aloe vera extract. (7）。
however, most aloe vera is removed during processing, so it's unclear whether commercial aloe vera products can also be harmful.
in addition, it is important to avoid eating aloe vera gels and products as they may contain ingredients and additives that should not be ingested.
Finally, for safety reasons, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned products containing aloe vera latex, a substance found in the leaves of aloe vera plants. (10）。
summary: aloe vera intake can cause a variety of side effects and may reduce the absorption of certain medications. raw and unrefined extracts may also contain aloe vera, a carcinogenic compound.
how to use it
aloe vera leaves consist of three main parts – skin, latex, and gel.
the gel is safe to eat and can be prepared by cutting the leaves in half and scooping out the gel with a spoon or knife.
be sure to wash the gel thoroughly to remove any dirt and latex residues, which can give the gel a bitter taste.
try adding gels to smoothies, shakes, salsas, and soups to enhance the health benefits of your favorite recipes.
you can also add the skin of aloe vera leaves to salads and stir-fries.
after slicing and washing the skin, you also have the option to soak the leaves for 10-30 minutes before adding them to your recipe to help soften them.
summary: the gel and leaves of the aloe vera plant can be used in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, soups, salsas, salads, and stir-fries. always make sure to remove the latex layer.
Conclusion:
aloe vera is commonly found in slimming products, including herbal supplements, juices, and diet drinks.
it can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving blood sugar control.
however, it may also be associated with multiple adverse reactions and should be used in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
if you decide to try an aloe vera product, be sure to buy it from a reputable supplier.