Have you ever heard of using Aloe vera juice for weight loss? While we all know the incredible benefits of this plant for skin and hair, using it to lose weight is probably something new. But, it’s true that Aloe does help you shed excess pounds when used as part of a healthy diet, that is combined with a moderate or high intensity exercise.
Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant that is commonly grown in many households as a decorative plant. It is also called “Ghritkumari” in Hindi, “Kalabandha” in Telugu, “Kathalai” in Tamil and “Kattar Vazha” in Malayalam. Its spiky leaves are filled with a clear gel like substance which offers numerous medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Recent studies suggest that Aloe vera is also effective in treating obesity and fat accumulation in the body.
Read along to know more in detail.
Is Aloe Vera Good For Weight Loss?
Aloe vera is loaded with many important nutrients to support good health. Crude Aloe vera is a powerhouse of many antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids which are known to help in weight management. (1) Aloevera also contains many important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which can help in lowering the cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides to support weight loss. (2)
Key Benefits Of Aloe Vera:
Let us understand some of the many ways in which Aloe vera can promote a natural weight loss:
1. Detoxifying Agent:
Aloe vera gel comprises 99% of water, which is very important to keep your body hydrated, especially after a workout. Along with that, it also helps in eliminating toxins in the form of urine, to maintain a healthy body weight balance and increase the functionality of your kidneys.
2. Boosts Metabolism:
Drinking aloe vera juice is known to speed up your digestive process, along with maintaining gut health. It is rich in many digestive enzymes like Amylase and lipase (3), which play an important role in the faster breakdown of complex fats and sugars to prevent them from getting accumulated in the body.
3. Natural Laxative:
If you are suffering from chronic constipation, there is a high likelihood of gaining weight due to improper digestive health. Aloe vera can treat this problem from roots with its anthraquinones, a type of phenolic compounds. (3) These are natural laxatives, which can help in smooth bowel movements to make you feel lighter.
4. Low Calorie Drink:
Aloe vera is extremely low in calories which makes it a perfect weight loss food. It offers just 15 calories per 1 cup serving, without compromising on essential nutrition. You can also have it before meals to curb appetite, which indirectly contributes to weight control.
See Also: Ways To Use Ginger For Weight Loss
How To Consume Aloe Vera Juice For Weight Loss?
Although there are brands which offer readymade versions like Patanjali Aloe vera juice for weight loss, it is always better to use homemade stuff for better results. Here are the recipes for using Aloe vera to lose weight naturally at home:
1. Aloe vera Juice:
Aloe juice is a clear liquid that is prepared from freshly extracted aloevera gel. It is a fat burning drink which has a slightly bitter taste. The juice can be had every morning to stimulate your digestive system and also to renew the body post workout. Here’s how to make it:
You Will Need:
- Aloe vera Gel – 2tbsp
- Water – 1 glass
How To Prepare:
- Add Aloe vera Gel and water into a blender jar
- Blend well until it attains a runny consistency
- Serve immediately
How Often Should I Do This? Once a day
2. Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera gel is readily available in the market but is loaded with preservatives. It is always recommended to prepare some at home using fresh stalks. This gel can be stored in the fridge for a week or two and used in fruit juices, smoothies or water. Here’s the method to extract pure aloe vera gel:
You Will Need:
- Aloe vera Stalk – 1 Big
How To Prepare:
- If you have a plant at home, take a knife and gently cut a leaf from it
- The yellow colour liquid which oozes from the cut can be toxic. Allow it to flow out for a while
- Now wash the stem thoroughly and slit it in the center horizontally
- Take a spoon and gently scrape off the gel from it
- Wash the gel under water and ensure there are no traces of the rind left on it
- Store in a clean, glass container and keep it in the refrigerator
How Often Should I Do This? You can use it once or twice a day
See Also: How Aloe Vera Helps For Diabetes
3. Aloe Vera And Lemon Juice:
Aloe lemon juice is loaded with antioxidants, which can trigger faster weight loss results. Having it before an exercise can increase the rate of fat burning, along with preventing body exertion. This aloe vera juice to reduce belly fat works by cleansing your system from inside and flushing out unwanted material from it.
You Will Need:
- Aloe vera Gel – 2tbsp
- Water – 1 Glass
- Lemon Juice – 1tbsp
How To Prepare:
- First, add the gel to the blender jar along with a glass of water
- Blend it on high speed until you see a clear liquid
- Strain the juice to remove any lumps
- Add lemon juice and mix well
How Often Should I Do This? You can use it once a day
See Also: Science Proven Amla Juice Nutritional Benefits
4. Aloe Vera And Honey Juice:
Aloe vera has an unpleasant taste and may not be palatable for everyone. This is why many people mix it with honey to impart a naturally sweet taste and also for enhanced health benefits. This drink also strengthens your immune system and energises your body to keep it active for a long time.
You Will Need:
- Aloe vera Gel – 2tbsp
- Water – 1 Glass
- Honey – 1tbsp
How To Prepare:
- Prepare aloe juice with gel and water
- Add honey and give it a good stir
- Serve it with a lemon wedge
How Often Should I Do This? You can have it once a day
We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of Aloe vera for weight loss. However, you must note that aloe alone cannot promote significant results and can only support the process. Also, some people are allergic to this gel and hence you need to check for its suitability to your body. People with chronic health problems or long term medications are also advised to speak to a doctor before orally consuming aloe vera!
