In many homes in Rwanda, people have aloe vera growing in their backyards. However, nutritionists say, that in the country, the plant is not yet fully utilised for commercial purposes.

Private Kamanzi, a dietician and nutritionist at Amazon Nutrition Cabinet in Kigali that deals with diet, physical wellness and lifestyle, says aloe vera has many benefits.

For instance at their wellness shop in Remera, they have aloe vera in form of a stone where they get the leaves and solidify them to make stones.

Here, he says, one can dissolve the stone in water and drink it in form of juice.

Also at the shop, he says a packet of aloe vera stones range from Rwf 1,200 to Rwf 2,000 depending on the size.

Health benefits

Aloe vera leaves have been established to be safe to eat and they comprise of three parts; the skin, the gel, and the latex.

Kamanzi says aloe vera gel has a clean, refreshing taste and can be added to a variety of recipes, including smoothies.

He says the aloe vera plant, in general, has antioxidants and antibacterial properties that are helpful to our bodies.

According to him, these powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.

"Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems,” he says.

Also, the nutritionist adds that people sometimes use aloe vera as a remedy for diabetes. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.

Aloe vera helps accelerate wound healing. Kamanzi explains that often, aloe vera is used as a medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it.

Studies suggest that it is an effective treatment for first and second-degree burns.

When it comes to consuming aloe vera, experts say it may benefit the digestive tract and help to soothe and cure stomach ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Other uses of this incredible plant, Kamanzi says, include using it on the face, which may help clear up acne.

Also, he notes that the aloe vera plant is very water-dense, so it’s an ideal way to prevent or treat dehydration.

"Staying hydrated helps your body detox by providing a way for you to purge and flush out impurities. The juice also has lots of nutrients that optimise your body’s organ output,” he says.

Different researches have proven that this is crucial because the kidneys and liver are largely responsible for the task of detoxifying the blood and producing urine. And for this reason, one needs to keep them healthy.

Also, studies show that recovery from heavy exercise also requires rehydration through the intake of extra fluids. The body requires more fluids in order to flush and rid itself of the lactic acid build-up from exercising.

Trying out aloe vera juice can help in this case.

How to prepare aloe vera

To get the gel out of the plant, one needs to cut off the spiky edges on the top and alongside the aloe vera leaf. Next, slice off the skin on the flat side, remove the clear gel and dice it into small cubes.

Make sure to wash the gel cubes thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt, debris, and residue. Latex residue can give the gel an unpleasant bitter taste.

To make aloe vera juice, use 1 cup of liquid for every 2 tablespoons of aloe gel. Include any other ingredients, like fruit, and use a blender or food processor to mix up your drink.