can you eat aloe vera

Yes, you can eat aloe vera, specifically the clear gel inside the leaf and the skin, but it must be prepared properly. The gel has a clean, refreshing taste and can be added to recipes like smoothies and salsas. The aloe vera leaf has three parts: the skin, the gel, and the latex. The latex, a yellow layer between the skin and gel, contains compounds with strong laxative effects and can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in large amounts, so it should be avoided. The skin is generally safe to eat after thorough washing to remove any latex residue and dirt. Eating aloe vera gel is safe for most people when properly prepared and washed, but it should be avoided by pregnant women, people with digestive disorders, and those taking certain medications as it can interact negatively. Topical aloe vera gels for skin care should not be eaten as they may contain ingredients that are unsafe for ingestion.