6 Health Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

The aloe vera plant is a succulent plant that grows in tropical places but is also a popular houseplant. Best known for using the leaves topically to sooth sunburns, or insect bites, the plant has been used medicinally for centuries.

That’s because it can be used orally too, according to Healthline. The  juice made from the leaves contains powerful antioxidant properties, is  rich in vitamins and minerals and helps to treat a host of medical conditions from heart health to helping digestive disorders. Here are six health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice or using the gel topically.

But there are risks too. Always choose juice that contains less than 10 PPM of aloe, follow the directions on the product label, and check with your physician before using it.

Good for Hydration
Aloe Vera juice is a great choice when it comes to staying hydrated, especially during the summer when temperatures soar. Women need 11 cups of liquid a day and men need 16 to stay hydrated. When drinking aloe vera juice, choose one that has been purified and clear to avoid side effects, stressed Verywell Health. Always make sure that the juice you buy is not sweetened.

Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant compounds that help to fight the free radicals that lead to oxidative stress. Aloe Vera contains polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants that help to protect your cells from damage that could lead to heart disease and some cancers. Antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in gut health.

Aids digestive issues
Aloe vera contains plant compounds with laxative effects, according to Healthline, so it can be used to treat constipation but always follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to dosage. A syrup made from aloe may help treat patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and early research shows that the syrup could be used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar
Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar, Health explained. Now, aloe vera has been found to also increase insulin levels as well as improve the health of pancreatic cells. This makes it very beneficial for diabetics and prediabetics. More research is needed regarding dosage.

Could Boost Oral Health
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are found in aloe can greatly benefit oral health. It is available as a mouthwash, toothpaste, and gel. The mouthwash is effective in reducing inflammation of the gums and aloe vera toothpaste with fluoride helps to improve periodontal index and gingival scores. But aloe dental products do not remove plaque.

Supports Skin Health
According to Verywell Health, Aloe vera gel, from the leaves of the plant or from the pharmacy, is an effective treatment for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It can be used to treat minor burns – like sunburn – and bug bites. It can even ward off bugs. Always pack a bottle of gel when you go to the beach but remember to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn from occurring.