Aloe Vera Juice Benefits – What You Need To Know

Aloe vera juice is the latest trend taking the health scene by storm. But are its numerous benefits based on fact or is this just another fad bound to pass?

We’ll take a look at the aloe vera juice benefits touted by supporters to try and determine fact, fiction, and whether or not it’s worth adding to your diet.

Aloe vera juice is a drink made from the gel of aloe vera leaves mixed with water.

Generally, people will also add some sort of sugar or fruit to provide additional flavor, however many enjoy it just fine without any additives.

While aloe vera juice is available in most major supermarkets it is also surprisingly easy to make at home.

What Does Aloe Vera Juice Taste Like?

Aloe vera juice antioxidants — This image is generated by DALL·E 3

Aloe vera juice has a naturally bitter taste, similar to a very strong grapefruit juice, which leads many brands to sweeten it with sugar.

For those avoiding sugar, lemon is often added to help with the bitterness. If you’re not a fan of the taste, try blending it into a smoothie or pairing it with a stronger flavor to make it more tastier.

Supporters of aloe vera juice tout its various health benefits, ranging from improving digestive health and easing heartburn to boosting overall wellness.

Some even believe it can assist in managing cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and enhancing skin health, though these claims are subject to debate.

Benefits

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Digestive Health

Aloe vera juice contains anti-inflammatory properties linked to improved digestive health and there is some research to support its benefit. A 2018 meta-analysis highlighted aloe vera’s safety and efficacy for temporarily managing irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, research suggests aloe vera juice could encourage the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing positively to digestive wellness.

Heartburn

As anybody who has experienced heartburn can attest, it’s not the most pleasant feeling in the world. In fact, the pain can be so intense for some people that they mistake it for a heart attack.

Aloe vera was safe and well tolerated and reduced the frequencies of all the assessed GERD symptoms, with no adverse events requiring withdrawal. Yunes Panahi

Diabetes Management

Despite limited evidence, aloe vera has been used as a non-traditional remedy for diabetes in many parts of the world with attitudes still persisting amongst cultures even in the United States today.

Nearly all participants expressed the belief that it is important to follow doctors’ recommendations for diet and exercise, oral medication or insulin; many also cited herbal therapies, such as prickly pear cactus (nopal) and aloe vera (savila) as effective treatments. These findings may be useful in designing interventions to reduce the burden of diabetes in Hispanic populations. Gloria D Coronado

Interestingly enough, there is some evidence to suggest that aloe vera may have a positive impact on glycemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetics. However, the evidence is limited and more research needs to be done to determine the overall impact.

A variety of herbs including Aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Xanthorrhoeaceae family) have been used in folk or traditional medicine for diabetes.3-5 It has been reported to possess hypoglycaemic activity through direct glucose lowering effect and improving insulin resistance. N. Suksomboon PhD

Side Effects

The most common side effects of aloe vera juice include stomach cramps, diarrhea, blood sugar reduction, and possible interactions with some medication. However, many of these tend to be mild and non-life threatening.

To avoid potential side effects from drinking aloe vera juice, you should start with a small amount to first see how your body reacts. If you don’t feel any negative effects over the span of a week or so, you may be able to consume more.

If you do experience any negative aloe vera juice side effects, stop drinking it and talk to your doctor.

How Much To Drink Daily

Based on existing studies of aloe vera benefits, says:

10-20mL per day of aloe vera syrup seems like the sweet spot. This is the range that appears to maximize health benefits while minimizing adverse effects. 10-20mL is equivalent to about 2-4 teaspoons. The amount of water you mix it with to achieve your desired taste will affect how much “juice” you drink daily.

Aloe Vera Syrup Daily Intake	Equivalent in Teaspoons	Note
10-20mL	2-4 teaspoons	The amount of water mixed for taste will affect the volume of ‘juice’ consumed daily.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, aloe vera juice could be a great addition to your health routine with its benefits like aiding digestion and easing heartburn.

Remember to start small and see how your body reacts, given its potential side effects and interactions.

It’s always best to chat with your doctor before diving in, especially if you have specific health concerns.

As a pharmacist, I’d say keep informed and make choices that fit your health goals and situation.

Drake Holloway

Drake Holloway, 45, is a pharmacist and freelance blog writer for NowRx.com. He uses his professional background to provide information and opinions on diverse subjects to those seeking guidance.