Aloe Vera: Is It Really Good Enough To Eat (And More)?

From coconut to matcha, we’re just naturally intrigued by those ‘miracle’ ingredients that claim to transform our bodies from inside to out. So when we spotted aloe vera making waves in the wellness world we decided to investigate.

Packed full of nutrients including calcium, magnesium and iron, the plant’s medicinal properties have been popular since Egyptian times. Well, if it’s good enough for Cleopatra, then who are we to argue?

However, its recent explosion in popularity has meant a ton of new aloe-based products have hit the high street, so we decided to sip, brush and rub our way through them to discover why we should all be saying ‘aloe’ to the latest must-have.

ALOE JUICE

If the thought of gulping down plant sap leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth then you’re not alone. But Alex Lai, co-founder of Simplee Aloe (an all-natural aloe vera based drink, blended with fresh grape juice and lemon) is here to change your mind.

“The health benefits of aloe vera are unrivalled, so we’ve set out to turn it into a functional and mainstream drink that everyone can enjoy,” says Alex. And he may well be on to something.

Not only are aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties great for keeping your skin firm and glowing, but they can also help with your digestion, immune system and cholesterol.

The juicy beverage is overflowing with vitamins and minerals and amazingly it contains fewer calories than an apple. Oh, and did we forget to mention, it actually tastes good?

Even the queen of nutrition herself, Madeleine Shaw, is a fan of the plant, so no wonder the stuff is flying off the shelves.

ALOE GEL

Unfortunately for us Brits our less than exotic geographical location means that we don’t have access to the aloe vera plant on-tap (although rest assured it is possible to grow your own).

In more tropical climates the gel found in the plant is extracted straight from its leaves and used to treat skin irritations, such as bites, sunburn and acne.

The glycoproteins found in the plant help to cool and hydrate the skin by reducing inflammation and stopping pain. And because aloe vera contains both vitamin C and E, it’s said to help diminish wrinkles. It’s not known as the fountain of youth for nothing!

Although we might not be able to get our hands on the plant in plenty, there are lots of products available on the high street – The Body Shop stocks an entire Aloe range, from day creams to multi-purpose gel.

100% organic and preservative-free, the popular gel produces a natural soothing power, targeting dry and puffy skin, which is great news for our under eyes.

And if the aloe plant manages to thrive in the harshest of terrains then its magical properties are sure to help us get through Monday morning looking fresh faced – right?

ALOE TOOTHPASTE

Similar to the benefits for our skin, aloe vera can be used to cleanse and soothe teeth and gums, but the good news is it’s also just as effective as regular toothpaste when fighting tooth decay.

A study carried out by the Academy of General Dentistry compared the germ-fighting ability of an aloe vera tooth gel against popular toothpastes and found that the aloe vera gel was more effective than the commercial brands at controlling cavity-causing organisms.

Brands like AloeDent, which combine aloe vera juice with natural ingredients including peppermint oil and tea tree oil, are anti-inflammatory in nature and lacking the abrasive elements found in some regular toothpaste. This means they are a great alternative for people with sensitive teeth or gums.

And if that hasn’t won you over, because aloe vera is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial it suppresses the bacteria that cause bad breath. In other words, the toothpaste is on course to be your best friend next time you’re on a juice cleanse.

With all these benefits and more, it’s clear to see why aloe vera is the latest ingredient on everyone’s lips!