Aloe vera is found today in cosmetics, drugs, but also in our diet. It is also possible to buy fresh leaves of this plant in order to cook them yourself. However, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) warns about this practice which involves risks and which requires certain precautions.
“The outer part of the Aloe vera leaf secretes a yellow liquid (called latex) rich in hydroxyanthracene derivatives, molecules that have a laxative effect very powerful and which are at the origin of many widely documented undesirable effects “, we can read in the press release. In addition, in January 2018, an opinion from the European Food Safety Agency (EASA) indicated that these hydroxyanthracenic derivatives were potentially carcinogenic.
A more complete report is expected
When cooking Aleo Vera leaves, it is very important to remove all the green and yellow part and to consume only the gel inside. “As a precaution, the DGCCRF * and the DGS also recommend avoiding the consumption of fresh Aloe vera leaves, including gel, by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and frail people”, informs the DGS. In the meantime, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) has been requested to officially assess the risks associated with the consumption of Aloe vera leaf.
* Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control
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