This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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Aloe vera can soothe sunburned skin, but does it help to eat or drink it? Some claim eating aloe vera can relieve a number of common health conditions, including heartburn, constipation, ulcers, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While clinical evidence to support these claims is sparse, aloe vera is a common food source in many cultures, particularly in Asia and Latin America.[1] Here, we'll tell you what you need to know to choose the right aloe vera variety, prepare it, and add it to your favorite recipes.
Steps
Recipes with Aloe Vera
Expert Q&A
- QuestionCan I apply aloe vera to my scar even if I don't have honey?Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MSLuba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Board-Certified Family Nurse PractitionerYes. The aloe vera will still help improve your skin's condition even without honey.
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Tips
- Store fresh aloe vera in an air-tight container in the fridge. It'll stay good for about a week.[21]Thanks
Warnings
- If you're considering eating aloe vera to treat a health condition, talk to your doctor first—they'll let you know if it's safe and can suggest other options if it's not.[22]Thanks
- Many of the alleged benefits of eating aloe vera aren't supported by scientific evidence. Eat aloe vera at your own risk with the understanding that there are concerns about long-term use.[23]Thanks
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.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/aloin
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
- ↑ https://goodfoodlife.fullcircle.com/2755-2/
- ↑ https://goodfoodlife.fullcircle.com/2755-2/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/
- ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/aloe.htm
- ↑ 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
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
About This Article
To eat aloe vera, start by cutting the leaves into 3-4 inch sections. Then, cut off the spiky side and the flat green skin from each section, which you don’t want to eat. Once you’ve removed the skins, use a spoon to scoop the gel out and store it in a container, which you can use as a lotion later. After you’ve removed the gel, wash the remaining plant to get rid of any dirt and debris. If you don’t want to eat the plant raw, try blending it into a smoothie or adding chunks to your favorite salad. For more tips, including how to use aloe vera gel in healthy recipes, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "I used the plant internally and experienced immediate positive results."
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