Aloe vera can soothe sunburned skin, but is it also useful if you eat or drink it? Some people claim that consuming aloe vera can relieve several health conditions, such as heartburn, ulcers, constipation, and inflammation of the digestive tract. Although there is little clinical evidence to support this claim, aloe vera is a common food source enjoyed by people in many places, particularly in Asia and South America. This article explains what you need to know to choose the right type of aloe, prepare it, and add it to your favorite dishes.
Step
Method 1 of 12: Choose the Miller barbadensis variety
Step 1. This variety of aloe vera is considered to have the greatest benefits
Regardless of the name, you can recognize this variety by its broad, thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves grow upright, and the plant produces yellow flowers.
- The type of aloe that cannot be eaten is the "chinensis" variety. If you want to eat it, don't choose this variety.
- You can buy aloe vera that can be eaten at the grocery store or department store. If there is aloe vera placed in the ingredients section, you can safely consume it.
Method 2 of 12: Consume aloe vera in small amounts or add it to recipes
Step 1. Excessive consumption of aloe vera can result in severe cramps and diarrhea
Aloe vera is a laxative and can cause a number of unpleasant digestive side effects. However, you can safely consume them in small portions. You can also minimize this effect by adding a little aloe to other recipes.
- Not many studies have examined the amount of aloe vera gel that is safe or healthy to consume, but try to consume it in moderation. Eating a little (about teaspoon or less) is very useful.
- If you buy ready-to-eat aloe vera, follow the directions on the package regarding the portion that can be consumed. These products generally contain less than 10 ppm (parts per million) ingredients from aloe vera. You shouldn't eat too much of it.
- Make aloe vera as a snack. Some evidence suggests that consuming aloe vera regularly (for at least 3 weeks) can lead to acute hepatitis.
Method 3 of 12: Cut the leaves into pieces
Step 1. Slice and remove the thorns, then cut the aloe vera leaf into small pieces
The leaf spines, the small base, and the upper third of the leaf are inedible and must be discarded. Next, cut the leaves into two or three pieces to make it easier for you to remove the gel.
- The size of the cut is up to you, but make sure the cut you make will make it easier for you to scoop out the gel.
- If you want to cook the leaves, make small pieces after removing the gel.
Method 4 of 12: Remove the aloe vera gel from the leaves
Step 1. Slice the flat part of the leaf so that the gel is visible
One side of the aloe vera leaf is flat. Slice the flat side so that the transparent gel is visible. Scrape off the clear gel using a spoon or knife. You can also use a vegetable peeler if you have one. This process is called a "filet," and once you're good at it, you can take the gel smoothly and whole.
Don't forget to rinse the gel with water to remove all the latex (yellow sap). This latex is a strong laxative so it should not be eaten
Method 5 of 12: Rinse off any latex stuck to the leaves or gel
Step 1. Aloe vera latex (yellow sap) is a strong laxative
Place the leaves or gel (whatever part you want to eat) under a stream of cold water to remove the latex. To make it easier to drain, place the aloe in a colander. Make sure to rinse all sides of the aloe vera.
Just by consuming 1 gram of aloe vera latex can make you suffer from kidney failure and even lose your life. At a minimum you will experience severe stomach cramps and diarrhea
Method 6 of 12: Mix aloe vera gel with water or juice to drink
Step 1. Cut the gel into small cubes so you can mix or stir it easily
Aloe vera gel doesn't have a strong taste so it doesn't affect the taste of the juice or liquid already present. Because the gel is very thick, the texture and consistency of the drink/juice may change slightly.
Method 7 of 12: Add gel to your smoothie to disguise it
Step 1. Cut the gel into cubes and refrigerate it before adding it to your smoothie
The cold gel has a refreshing taste that makes it perfect for adding to smoothies, especially if you want to add a little spice. Its light taste is less likely to change the balance in your smoothie. However, it's a good idea to use a little bit first to be sure.
Sweet fruits with a strong taste can mask the slightly bitter taste of aloe vera
Method 8 of 12: Add cold gel to the sauce to balance the heat
Step 1. Cut the gel into cubes and refrigerate it overnight before adding it to the recipe
Before mixing it with other ingredients, rinse the diced gel one more time so it doesn't slide. The fresh, "green" gel taste gives a pleasant cooling effect when paired with peppers and slightly spicy seasonings.
The taste of the aloe vera gel isn't too strong so it won't affect the taste of the sauce. However, you may have to adjust the seasoning after adding the aloe vera
Method 9 of 12: Serve the boiled gel over the yogurt for a mild flavor
Step 1. Mix aloe vera gel with sugar and lime juice in a saucepan
Use 200 grams of sugar and juice from 1 lime. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the aloe vera gel is firm like wine and the liquid is no longer runny. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Once you're done boiling, place this diced aloe vera gel on top of a bowl of yogurt to your desired flavor. Now you are ready to eat it.
- Cooked aloe vera has a milder taste. You may prefer this method if you find raw aloe vera too bitter.
Method 10 of 12: Add aloe vera leaves to salads or salsa for a crunchy texture
Step 1. Cut the aloe vera leaf or "skin" without including the spines
The thorns of aloe are not edible, but the leaves can. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly with water. You can cut it into thin slices, dice, or grate it.
Aloe vera has a cold taste so it is suitable to be added to a salad or salsa that is spicy and slightly hot
Method 11 of 12: Buy ready-made aloe vera juice or water
Step 1. This is the easiest option if you don't want to take the gel yourself
Extracting aloe vera gel from the leaves is actually not difficult, but it does require a little effort. If you want to use ready made aloe vera, you can buy bottled aloe vera juice or water at the grocery store.
- Aloe vera juice is aloe vera gel that has been mixed with fruit juice (usually orange). Check the product packaging to see what's in it before you buy it.
- You can drink the juice or water straight from the bottle or mix it with your favorite smoothie.
Method 12 of 12: Watch out for uncomfortable side effects
Step 1. Consuming aloe vera can cause cramps and diarrhea
Aloe vera can also cause skin irritation or itching, especially if you are allergic to plants from the lily family, such as onions and tulips. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking aloe vera.
- Aloe vera should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women because it can harm the baby.
- Aloe vera is a laxative, so it can interfere with your body's ability to absorb the medications you take. If you are on medication to treat a chronic condition, consult your doctor first before consuming aloe vera.
Tips
Place fresh aloe vera in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. In this way, aloe vera can last for about 1 week
Warning
- Consult a doctor first if you want to consume aloe vera to treat certain diseases. Your doctor can tell if aloe vera is safe for you, and will suggest other options if you shouldn't take it.
- Various assumptions about the benefits of consuming aloe vera are not supported by scientific evidence. Pay attention to the risks if you still want to consume aloe vera because there are concerns about the adverse effects that may occur if this ingredient is used in the long term.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
- https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2019/04/16/identifying-and-growing-edible-aloe-vera/
- https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/recipes/2020/10/18/curious-about-using-aloe-vera-in-cooking-heres-how-to-butcher-and-prepare-it.html
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6349368/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267
- https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/food-weight-loss/ask-diet-doctor-truth-about-aloe-vera-juice
- https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/recipes/2020/10/18/curious-about-using-aloe-vera-in-cooking-heres-how-to-butcher-and-prepare-it.html
- https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/recipes/2020/10/18/curious-about-using-aloe-vera-in-cooking-heres-how-to-butcher-and-prepare-it.html
- https://norecipes.com/poached-aloe-recipe/
- https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/how-to-eat-aloe-vera
- https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/how-to-eat-aloe-vera
- https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/food-weight-loss/ask-diet-doctor-truth-about-aloe-vera-juice
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6349368/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/august/aloe
- https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/how-to-eat-aloe-vera
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/august/aloe
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
