Aloe Vera Juice – Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, and More

Aloe Vera is a spiky succulent plant that grows in dry tropical climates. It also has a few other unusual names. It is alternatively called the ‘burn plant’, ‘lily of the desert’, and ‘elephant’s gall’. People used to call it the ‘plant of immortality’ in ancient times because of its healing properties. Aloe vera juice is the most popular way of consuming aloe vera. It is extracted from the innermost part of the aloe leaf. The juice is thick and gooey and has various health benefits, like it is full of antioxidants.

Over the years, aloe vera has become extremely popular. It has various beauty, health, and medicinal benefits. The plant has more than 300 species, but ‘Aloe barbadensis’ is what we know as aloe vera. It is the variety that gives aloe vera juice. 

Aloe vera juice is a source of many health benefits as it is rich in nutrients. In addition, it helps fight degenerative diseases. You can also prevent the onset of these diseases by regularly consuming aloe vera juice in moderation. Having an aloe vera plant at home is a blessing in disguise. Apart from adding to the beauty of your garden, it also gives you access to aloe vera juice any time of the day. 

This article explains the benefits of consuming aloe vera juice, gel extraction from an aloe vera plant, its nutritional facts, some recipes and much more. Keep reading to find the treasure inside aloe vera. 

Nutritional Facts of Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is rich in nutrients. It contains essential vitamins and minerals for our body.

It is an excellent source of:

• Vitamin C, A, and E
• Beta-carotene
• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Magnesium

One glass (100 ml) of pure aloe vera juice contains:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0 gm
• Fat: 0 gram
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fibre: 0 grams

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

1. Aloe Vera Juice for Weight Loss

An unhealthy gut is not helpful for those who want to lose weight. Aloe vera can act as a digestive aid to assist in healthy digestion, metabolism, and excretion.

The laxative properties of aloe vera ensure thorough digestion and reduce water retention. Aloe vera can help with both metabolic processes. The B-vitamins and enzymes in aloe vera make it excellent at burning fat. 

A study suggests that aloe vera juice can assist in reducing obesity. When actively losing weight, your body naturally goes into detox mode. In addition, aloe vera contains a complex carbohydrate called acemannan, which helps in the detoxifying process. So, along with its laxative properties, detoxification is a great reason to consume aloe vera juice while detoxing.

2. Relieves Constipation

Constipation is uncomfortable, and it can also have adverse effects on intestinal and digestive health. However, you can use aloe vera juice as a natural laxative and help move bulk along the digestive tract. 

The latex or the part of the plant between the skin and gel contains anthraquinones. It is a compound responsible for the laxative effect. A study suggests that Aloe Vera has a greater significant impact on constipation. Aloe latex is unarguably an excellent natural remedy for constipation, which increases the fluid in the intestine to soften the stools.

However, if you are taking aloe vera juice for constipation, ensure that you start with a small amount (8 ounces or around 200ml juice) to allow your system to get used to the laxative effects.

3. Relieves Heartburns

Heartburn or acid reflux is when the acid leaves the stomach and travels up the oesophagus. Aloe vera juice can ease heartburn and provide relief to the stomach. It is also helpful in treating gastric ulcers.

Research conducted on 79 GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) patients strengthens the claim. The result proves that aloe vera was safe and well-tolerated and reduced the frequencies of all the assessed GERD symptoms. In addition, there were no adverse events requiring withdrawal.

4. Provides Hydration

Hydration is vital for overall health. Aloe vera juice is an excellent alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juices that negatively affect your health. Aloe vera juice is low in sugar and calories and can thus be consumed directly or mixed with other juices and smoothies.

5. Keeps Liver Healthy

Aloe vera juice hydrates the body and is rich in phytonutrients. Our liver can only function properly if the body is sufficiently hydrated. Aloe vera juice maintains the water content in the body and helps the liver detoxify the body.

6. Improves Skin Health

Aloe vera gel is a water-based moisturiser that can positively affect the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. A study shows aloe vera gel can increase the skin’s collagen production when applied topically.

Aloe vera has also been known to improve skin conditions such as erythema (redness of the skin) and has some evidence of improving psoriasis.

7. Aids Digestion

Aloe vera helps in breaking down the sugar and fat in our bodies. It controls acid production in the stomach and keeps our intestines healthy. In addition, it promotes the growth of good bacteria in our gut. If you have any digestive issues, regularly include aloe vera juice in your diet.

Aloe vera has also been proven effective in curing irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in digestion and helps prevent and cure digestive-related issues.

8. Rich in Vitamin C

Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to boost immunity. Vitamin C is also necessary for the absorption of iron in the body.

9. Reduce Inflammation in Gums 

Preventing plaque build-up is key to preventing cavities and dental issues like gingivitis and abscessed teeth. Streptococcus mutans and Candidas albicans are the leading cause of plaque in the mouth. The antibacterial compounds in aloe vera target these two strains of bacteria and yeast.

In a study, A study compared aloe vera juice to a standard ingredient in medical-grade mouthwash, chlorhexidine. Aloe juice was proven to be just as effective as a mouthwash in reducing plaque.

10. Control Blood Sugar Levels 

Aloe Vera has “some” beneficial effects in improving conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes type 2.

A study shows that when subjects ingested aloe vera in liquid and powder form, it helped improve the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Another study proves that using aloe vera extract in pre-diabetic patients could revert impaired blood glucose within four weeks. However, after eight weeks, it could alleviate their abnormal lipid profile.

11. Controls Enzymatic Activity

Aloe Vera has magnesium. Magnesium is required to execute about 300 enzymatic reactions in our body. Therefore, without the proper amount of magnesium in our body, the human body will not perform its enzymatic actions properly.

12. Controls Nervous System  

Our nervous system requires magnesium to function correctly in our body. Aloe vera is a good source of magnesium. Hence it helps in regulating the nervous system in our body. Brain, nerves, spinal cord etc., all are a part of our nervous system. And magnesium plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of our nervous system.

13. Alkalises The Body

The balance between acidity and alkalinity is essential for the optimal functioning of the human body. If there is an imbalance between acidity and alkalinity, our bodies are at risk of many diseases.

Ideally, our body should be 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Food is the medium that maintains this balance in our bodies. Aloe vera helps in keeping the body alkaline hence maintaining balance. That is how aloe vera helps us keep diseases at bay and keep us healthy.

14. Helps in Detoxifying

Of course, the texture of aloe vera is like a gel and not watery. When we consume it like juice, it travels through the intestinal lining. During this process, it absorbs all the toxins. Since aloe vera helps convert the bulk to stool, all these absorbed toxins eliminate from the body. Thus, it is fair to say that aloe vera detoxifies our system and removes toxins.

15. Cures Acne and Blemishes

Aloe Vera contains plant hormones auxin and gibberellin, which help reduce and cure acne and blemishes. They help in clearing up skin problems and regenerating new cells. Aloe vera even works internally, providing essential vitamins and minerals for the skin,

16. Cures Eczema and Psoriasis

Aloe Vera contains lignin which can penetrate up to seven layers of the skin and clears toxins in the skin. Lignin can cure skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

17. Antibacterial and Analgesic

Aloe Vera contains salicylic acid, which acts like an aspirin-like compound. Salicylic acid has potent antibacterial and analgesic properties, which help reduce pain and fight bacteria internally.

Side Effects of Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera is generally safe for consumption. However, it’s not 100% safe for these reasons:

• Long term consumption of the latex of aloe vera may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, kidney issues, muscle weakness and arrhythmia. However, a study suggests that having aloe vera juice for more than eight weeks may alleviate lipid profiles in pre-diabetic patients. 
• Having aloe vera gel containing latex during pregnancy is not safe. Even if you consume it over a long period, it can be fatal.
• Those with IBS or other digestive disorders should exercise caution when consuming aloe vera gel with latex as it could worsen the condition.
• The aloe vera gel may not be safe for those taking a particular medication and may cause interactions.
• Do not eat aloe vera topical gel as it contains other substances that can be toxic.
• In general, aloe vera gel without latex is safe to consume. If you are unsure whether or not you can consume aloe vera gel, consult your doctor.

Proper Way to Extract Aloe Vera Juice

The thick and green leaves of aloe vera are the absolute powerhouse. They contain all the essential medicinal and healing properties. Aloe vera juice is easy to extract at home. We use the pulp of the aloe leaves to make the juice. Homemade juice ensures that all essential nutrients are present without added sweetener or artificial colour.

What do you need?

• One large aloe vera leaf
• A sharp knife
• Spoon
• Small bowl
• Blender
• 3 cup water

Preparation Method

• Cut one large and healthy leaf from your aloe plant
• Remove the outer thorny layer of the leaves with the help of a sharp and pointy knife. This step will expose the latex of the leaves (a yellow layer that resides directly underneath)
• Cut through the latex of the leaf with the same knife and scoop out the inner clear aloe vera gel with the help of a small spoon
• Transfer the gel into a small bowl
• In the next step, examine the gel for any latex remnants
• Removing the latex is essential as they carry strong laxative properties
• For making the juice, take out two tablespoons of the aloe gel and put it into a blender
• Add water and blend it on a low setting for 2-3 minutes
• Pour out your juice in a clear glass. You can add a dash of lemon or ginger for added flavour.
• Your soothing glass of aloe juice is ready. If you wish, you may also dilute this juice with any other fresh vegetable/fruit juice or coconut water to enhance its taste or flavour.
• You can also consume it in its natural state, but be aware of its laxative effect.

Storage

• It is imperative to know how to store aloe vera juice properly. The fresh juice made at home should be consumed immediately or refrigerated to keep it fresh. But finish as soon as possible to avoid any degradation of nutrients.
• If the juice is store-bought, read the bottle’s label carefully to know storage instructions. Readymade aloe vera juice contains preservatives to increase its shelf life. They can be stored for several months, depending on the manufacturing date.
• You should consume fresh aloe vera juice within 30-40 minutes before it is contaminated. Old or expired aloe vera juice can cause serious health problems like diarrhoea, hypersensitive reactions, etc.

Aloe Vera: Healthy Recipes

Recipe 1: Aloe Vera Lemonade Slush

A soothing and refreshing drink to uplift your mood

Ingredients:

• Raw honey – 1 tbsp
• Filtered cold water – 2 cups 
• Aloe Vera Juice – 1 ½ cups
• Lemon juice – ¾ cup 
• Ice cubes – 2 cups
• A small handful of fresh mint

Method:

• Pour honey, aloe vera juice, lemon juice, and water into your blender, along with a small handful of fresh mint. Blend well until smooth.
• Add the ice. Blend on low speed to break up the ice, then increase the speed and blend until it reaches a uniformly slushy texture.
• To serve, use a spoon to scoop the slush into glasses.
• Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve immediately. 

Recipe 2: Green Drink with Aloe Vera Juice

A healthy green drink to detox your system

Ingredients:

• Aloe vera juice – 1 cup 
• Baby spinach – 1 cup 
• Banana – 1 
• Cucumber – ½ 
• Fresh blueberries or any seasonal fruit – ½ cup 
• Protein powder (Optional) – 1 tablespoon 
• Ginger – 1-inch piece
• Salt – 1 pinch 

Method:

• Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth.
• Serve immediately

Recipe 3: Aloe and Ginger Tea

It is an excellent option for late afternoon tea or an evening. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it promotes healthy digestion and prevents fluid retention—these properties combined with aloe vera help reduce fat from the body. 

Ingredients:

• Ginger: 1.5 inch
• Aloe vera gel: 2 teaspoons
• Water: 1 cup

Method:

• Mix grated ginger with aloe vera gel.
• Combine this mixture with a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
• Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Pass through a strainer and serve hot.

Recipe 4: Pineapple with Aloe Vera Juice

Pineapple has detoxifying properties along with aiding digestion. It also has fibre. These combined with aloe vera exhibit weight loss properties.

Ingredients:

• Pineapple: 1 slice
• Aloe vera gel: 1 tablespoon
• Water: 1 cup

Method:

• Blend all the ingredients in a blender till they form a smooth texture.
• Pass it through a strainer and serve. 

Summary

Aloe vera juice is one healthy drink to start your day. It is full of health benefits and essential nutrients. You can take aloe vera juice twice a day to reap all the good benefits. However, aloe vera juice oxidises quickly. Hence, you should prepare the juice immediately after removing the pulp from the leaf. 

Though aloe vera juice has excellent health benefits, it also comes with some side effects. While making aloe vera juice, make sure to remove the latex from the leaves as it can cause severe diarrhoea and stomach problems.

Pregnant women should avoid aloe vera juice as it can cause contractions and labour. Consult a doctor before drinking aloe vera juice if you face an allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting, or stomach problems. Therefore, always consume it in small quantities to avoid side effects. Too much aloe vera juice can lead to diarrhoea, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney issues.

Like all things good, aloe vera juice should be drunk in moderation. Also, please be aware that internet chatter is not always trusted. So, understand your health and include the good things, only if they are suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can aloe vera juice help in weight loss?

A. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants. It boosts your metabolism and helps you lose weight. Aloe vera also helps break down the fat and sugar in your body. It keeps the sugar levels in check and keeps the intestines healthy. Drink one to two glasses of aloe vera juice daily to lose that unwanted weight.

Q. Can aloe vera juice cause any negative side effects?

A. Like all good things, aloe vera juice also comes with some side effects. Consuming too much aloe vera juice can cause severe diarrhoea and other stomach-related problems. It can also cause electrolyte imbalance in the body and even affect your kidneys. In addition, Aloe vera juice can cause contractions and early labour in pregnant women.

Q. How much aloe vera juice can be consumed in a day?

A. You can drink aloe vera juice twice a day to reap all its health benefits. However, do not consume more than two glasses of aloe vera juice per day. Otherwise, it may cause diarrhoea. If you are extracting aloe vera juice at home, make sure you remove all the latex from the leaves. The latex can cause diarrhoea and other stomach-related issues.

Q. What are the health benefits of aloe vera juice?

A. Aloe vera juice is full of health benefits. It provides hydration to your body and keeps constipation and heartburns at bay. The juice also keeps the liver healthy and aids digestion. It is also great for the skin and is rich in vitamins & minerals. In addition, it controls blood sugar levels and provides relief in gum inflammation.

Q. How to extract aloe vera juice?

A. Extracting aloe vera juice at home is very simple. First, take a clean aloe vera leaf. After cutting through the latex of leaves, simply extract aloe vera gel and blend it with water to get the juice. For a detailed recipe, follow the instructions given in the article.

Q. What are the benefits of drinking aloe vera juice daily?

A. Benefits of drinking aloe vera juice every day are many. Improved digestion, good skin, healthy gums, to name a few.

Q. Is it safe to drink aloe vera juice every day?

A. Yes, you can drink aloe vera juice everyday, but one has to be careful with the quantity.

Q. When should I drink aloe vera juice?

A. It is an excellent option to drink as a mid-morning juice. It aids digestion and also detoxifies your body and has an alkalizing effect.

Q. What are the side effects of drinking aloe vera juice?

A. The side effects of drinking aloe vera juice are due to overconsumption. Some side effects include kidney problems, gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness, arrhythmia etc.

Q. Is aloe vera juice bad for your kidneys?

A. Over consumption of aloe vera juice is bad for the kidneys. The latex present in aloe vera juice can cause severe kidney problems. 

Q. What diseases does aloe vera cure?

A. Eczema and psoriasis are skin diseases that aloe vera cures. It also is helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis, acid reflux, dysentery etc. 

Q. Does aloe vera juice boost the immune system?

A. Yes, it does. It is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help improve immunity in one’s body.

Q. Is aloe vera good for your stomach?

A. Yes, aloe vera juice contains enzymes that improve digestion. 

Q. When should I drink aloe vera in the morning or at night?

A. You should ideally drink aloe vera juice in the morning.

Q. Who should not take aloe vera juice?

A. People with kidney and intestinal problems should not consume aloe vera juice. Also, children below 12 years of age should not consume aloe vera juice as it can induce cramps and stomach pain.

Q. What happens if we apply aloe vera on the face daily?

A. Applying aloe vera juice everyday can help you get rid of acne and blemishes. Expect to get a glowing clear skin with Aloe vera juice.