Aloe vera is a very popular plant. Thanks to its wide range of sanitary applications. Its benefits have been known for centuries. But it was only recently that its uses have been largely introduced to the market. Through its highly publicized benefits, many people are now looking for a product that contains them. You can get this plant in the form of juice, gel, or powder.

But before you go looking for an aloe drink, powder or gel, you must first know its pros and cons.

Advantage

1. Treat constipation

This is one of the best things about this plant. It encourages proper waste disposal, especially if you are constipated. However, when you drink it, you shouldn’t expect instant results. You will have to wait at least an hour for everything to work.

But don’t trust this natural constipation treatment for so long as it can be dangerous for the intestinal lining.

2. Stimulate metabolism

Some weight loss experts encourage their students to drink at least one cup of this plant’s juice once or twice a week to boost their metabolism. By stimulating your metabolism, your body tends to burn more calories faster than normal.

3. Activates the immune system

Aloe vera juice has the ability to activate the immune system. Thus, it makes it an effective agent to enhance your immune function to further aid in the fight against HIV-AIDS and some types of cancer.

4. Reduce blood sugar levels

It is not yet clear how you can lower a person’s blood sugar level. However, in early research, scientists suggested that it can somehow lower the sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, extensive research needs to be done to better understand its effects on blood sugar. This is because the studies conducted have conflicting results.

5. Reduce blood cholesterol

Taking aloe vera internally can lower cholesterol, according to another study. But, like its effects on blood sugar levels, more studies are needed to know how this plant provides this type of benefit.

6. Reduce inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by burns and wounds. Now, this has been tested by many users of this plant. Although it doesn’t treat those wounds instantly, it can speed up healing time. However, contrary to what other people believe, it does not remove scars.

7. Detoxifies the body

The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of aloe vera can help cleanse your body and remove harmful chemicals that have built up in your system.

What about its cons?

Although it has many health benefits, this plant has some side effects that you should know about. For example, excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and an upset stomach. It can lower the level of blood pressure. So if you are hypotensive you need to be careful as it could cause further reduction to the point of becoming fatal.