What happens to your blood pressure when you drink aloe vera juice?
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-GettyImages-1439754264-0350dd0bafb749d8a83e7f75ddbed45f.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1)
Aloe vera has many healing ends, including burning treatments, hand creams and cosmetic products. Some researchers have explored if the consumption of aloe vera juice can also reduce blood pressure, but there is no clear evidence.
Does aloe vera juice lower blood pressure?
“There is no conclusive evidence that Aloe Vera juice consumption affects blood pressure in humans,” said Hardie, MS, RDN, LD, dietitian of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center told Testonette.
“There have been more conclusive studies found in animals that aloe vera juice can help lower blood pressure and lipid levels, but these mechanisms are not translated into humans,” added Hardie.
There are theories on the reasons why aloe vera juice can have an impact on the readings of blood pressure.
“Aloe vera contains phytosterols, which are compounds derived from plants, and antioxidants, which are compounds which help fight toxic and cancerous oxidants,” said Hardie. “These can have favorable effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation, which could indirectly influence blood pressure levels.”
What does research show?
“Research and information is not currently conclusive with regard to Aloe Vera juice and its impact on health and blood pressure,” said Telwell Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSD, senior dietitian at UCLA Health in Santa Monica.
Some research has linked aloe vera juice with a reduction in cholesterol in some people with pre-diabetes and untreated diabetes. Other research suggests that aloe vera juice can have an impact on blood sugar.
In the end, we do not know if Aloe Vera juice – directly or indirectly – affects blood pressure. “We need more information and better quality information and research – longer studies, similar dosage recommendations, etc., to better understand the impact of aloe vera juice on blood pressure and overall health,” said Ansari.
Do you have to try to drink aloe vera juice to lower blood pressure?
“It is difficult to find an effective dose consistent in available studies,” said Ansari.
However, if you are curious, you can try aloe vera juice, as long as you consume it in moderation.
“With limited research, it is suggested to start with one to two liquid ounces and to gradually increase from there,” said Hardie. “It is advisable not to consume more than eight liquid ounces per day as it could cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress.”
What it means for you
There are theories to explain why aloe vera juice can help lower blood pressure, but no evidence suggests that this is certainly the case. If you are curious to see how it affects your blood pressure, you can try to drink a small amount of aloe vera juice.