Aloe vera for diabetes: Effects on health, uses, pros and cons

Mother nature always has the solution to all your problems. Be it your dried up skin, or increasing sugar levels, our Mother Nature will have a cure for all your troubles. Amongst the many natural products nature offers us, aloe vera is one of the magical products. Good for your skin, hair and health, aloe vera is what you need for your daily fitness and skincare routine.

Aloe vera, sometimes described as a “wonder plant,” is a short-stemmed shrub. It is easy to grow and can be a part of your home, as it a low-maintenance plant. Aloe vera works as a food flavouring approved by the FDA, cosmetics, food supplements and for herbal remedies. The plant dates back to the 16th century, the first reported use of aloe vera.

While we all are well aware of the skincare properties aloe vera has to offer, did you know that aloe vera also has many health benefits?

Health benefits of aloe vera:

1. Fights cavities

Aloe vera is a great substance to fight your teeth cavities. Researchers have found that aloe vera gel is as good as a toothpaste when it comes to fighting cavities.

2. Constipation

According to a report by MedicalNewsToday, Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs – Commission E – approved the use of aloe vera for the treatment of constipation. Dosages of 50-200 milligrams of aloe latex are commonly taken in liquid or capsule form once daily for up to 10 days.

3. Heartburn relief

According to a report by healthline.com, aloe vera when taken in small amounts at mealtime could reduce heartburn in patients suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

4. Reduces blood sugar

aloe vera helps people with type 2 diabetes to reduce their blood sugar, according to a study published in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy.

Aloe vera for diabetes

According to research, aloe vera is great for people with diabetes. Preliminary research suggests that intake of aloe vera juice can help improve blood glucose levels and may therefore be useful in treating people with diabetes. Aloe vera has been linked with decreased blood lipids (fats) in patients with high levels of these molecules in the blood.

Aloe vera has also been linked with decreased swelling and faster healing of wound injuries, typically people with diabetes.

For 6,000 years, aloe or aloe vera plants, which are native to Africa and certain Indian Ocean islands, have been used in phytotherapy, dermatology and cosmetics in the form of gels and creams.

According to a report by News18, there are various sets of data, taking aloe vera as an oral supplement can significantly reduce the level of glucose in the blood (46.6 mg/dl), as well as reducing HbA1c (1.05%), or glycated haemoglobin, which indicates the average blood glucose level over the previous three months.

Cons

Many people are allergic to the latex of the aloe vera plant. Many people are allergic to latex, which can cause stomach issues like irritation, stomach cramps and low potassium levels.

If taken in excess aloe vera juice might cause your blood sugar levels to drop more than you want. It may also lower the potassium levels in your blood further causing irregular heartbeat, weakness and fatigue.

Also, pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid drinking aloe vera juice due to its irritant qualities. It may stimulate uterine contractions in pregnant women, which may lead to birth complications.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.