Aloe vera has long been known for its skincare and hair benefits. From moisturizing creams and nourishing masks to healing balms and soothing gels, aloe is found everywhere in the beauty industry.
This cult beauty ingredient has a lot more to offer than helping to improve your skin and hair. It’s been used for medicinal purposes since at least the first century.
The cooling, soothing, clear gel of aloe vera is blended with water to make the power-packed aloe vera juice that can offer incredible benefits to your body. Widely available at health food stores and cafes, the nutrient-rich aloe vera juice can offer the following benefits beyond the skin and hair.
1. Helps Relieve Digestive System
Aloe vera juice contains anthraquinones, which are natural plant compounds with properties that benefits your digestive system. These make the bitter-tasting clear aloe juice a remedy for digestive inflammation.
2. It May Help With GERD
There is some research evidence that aloe vera juice can help reduce the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and may even help in its treatment. While research studies have shown promising results of aloe vera juice for this health conditions, more research is needed to establish the claims and its widespread application.
3. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Research shows that aloe vera juice may help control blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes and lower fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. In one study, researchers also observed an improvement in fatty acid levels in the blood with aloe vera juice in people with pre-diabetes.
4. Can Improve Oral Health
Aloe vera’s strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can make its juice good for your oral health. Swishing with aloe vera juice (or mouthwash containing it) can help reduce gum inflammation, relieve pain, and remove dental plaque.
It’s also found to extend its pain and inflammation relieving properties to people suffering from oral conditions, like submucous fibrosis and oral mucositis. A small research study also found aloe vera juice effective in preventing and reliving a type of chemotherapy-induced mouth infection called stomatitis.
5. It’s Loaded With Antioxidants
Aloe vera gel is rich in polyphenols, which are a group of plant compounds known for their high antioxidant levels. These give aloe vera juice incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants also help the body fight against free radicals and prevent oxidative stress that is known to increase your risk for various health conditions, including heart disease.
Learning More Through Research
Research on aloe vera is still going on, and scientists believe that this humble plant still seems to have a lot more to offer in terms of health benefits than we currently know. Incorporate natural aloe vera juice into your routine to experience all these benefits yourself. To be on the safe side, talk to your healthcare provider before drinking aloe vera juice daily, especially if you have a health condition, are taking any medications, are pregnant, or are nursing.
