Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Nutrition > Aloe Vera Juice: Health Benefits and How to Make It

Aloe Vera Juice: Health Benefits and How to Make It

March 13, 2020 - Updated on December 12, 2022
7 min read
By Holly Klamer, RDN | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

In this article:

  • Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
  • Recipes to Make Aloe Vera Drinks at Home
  • Additional Tips
  • Uses of Aloe Vera
  • Side Effects of Aloe Vera
  • Should Aloe Vera Latex Be Consumed?
  • Final Word

Aloe vera has been used for centuries in Egypt, Greece, India, China, Japan, and Mexico for its health-promoting properties. It is a succulent plant with long, fleshy, broad, thick leaves, with a gel-like sap at the center.

aloe vera juice benefits

Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, lignin, enzymes, sugars, saponins, amino acids, and salicylic acid, most of which are present in the gel. (1) Aloe vera may be consumed as a potent drink in the form of a juice or smoothie to reap its benefits.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been shown to possess medicinal properties, which have been studied extensively in clinical studies.

  • Multiple studies suggest aloe vera may have a therapeutic role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2)(3)(4)
  • Aloe vera, in combination with acne medication, may help resolve acne. (5)
  • Topical aloe vera gel has been shown to treat thermal burns just as well as or better than some medications. (6)
  • The plant has also been shown to possess wound healing, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. (7)(8)
  • Various studies suggest that the oral administration of aloe vera may help decrease blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and cholesterol levels in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. However, the most efficient dosage or administration type is not yet determined. (9)(10)(11)
  • Some studies suggest aloe vera may be used as a potent treatment for dental problems such as lichen planus, (12) oral submucous fibrosis, (13) recurrent aphthous stomatitis, alveolar osteitis, periodontitis, (14) gingivitis, (15) and other conditions. (16)

Recipes to Make Aloe Vera Drinks at Home

Aloe vera juice has multiple potential health benefits and can be conveniently made at home by adding to juices or smoothies.

Advertisements

1. Aloe vera orange juice

aloe vera juice recipe

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and they pair well with aloe vera. Here’s a simple recipe for fresh aloe vera orange juice.

Ingredients:

aloe vera orange juice ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel (about one leaf)
  • 3 whole oranges (peeled)
  • Water (optional)

Directions:

how to make aloe vera orange juice?
  1. Cut the sides of the aloe vera leaf and slit the top layer along the length to reveal the gel.
  2. Scoop or peel out the gel from the inside of the leaf.
  3. Measure 2 tablespoons of the gel and put it in the blender.
  4. Blend to obtain a thin consistency.
  5. Juice the oranges.
  6. Add 1 cup of fresh orange juice to the aloe vera gel.
  7. Blend for approximately 1 minute and serve.

2. Aloe vera smoothie

aloe vera smoothie recipe

Here is a delicious and nutritious smoothie recipe that combines various fruits and ground flaxseeds to enhance the taste and nutrition of aloe vera.

Ingredients:

aloe vera smoothie ingredients
  • ½ cup fresh aloe gel
  • Half a green apple
  • Half a cucumber
  • 1 kiwi
  • Half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
  • ½ inch fresh ginger
  • ½ cup of water
  • Honey (optional, to taste)

Directions:

steps to make aloe vera smoothie
  1. Chop half a green apple, half a cucumber, and one kiwi into small chunks and put them in the blender.
  2. Add a small piece of ginger and blend until incorporated.
  3. Add ½ cup of aloe vera gel, the juice of half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds, and a cup of water in the blender.
  4. Blend for a few minutes until a smooth consistency is achieved and serve.

Additional Tips

  • Check whether the aloe vera you are using is suitable for internal consumption. If it is meant for external use only, do not make the juice with it.
  • Give the aloe vera leaf a thorough wash before extracting the gel.
  • You may use ½ teaspoon of dried ginger if you are out of fresh ginger for the smoothie.
  • You may replace drinking water with coconut water to boost the nutritional content of the smoothie.
  • If flaxseeds are not available, you may use chia seeds soaked in water instead.
  • Consume the smoothie immediately as it may start losing color if left for long.

Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera extracts are popular worldwide and a substantial part of botanical industries. The plant extracts are employed in various commercial enterprises, including:

1. Topical cosmetic industry

Aloe vera is used as a base material of:

  • Moisturizers
  • Soaps
  • Shampoos
  • Makeup creams
  • Perfumes
  • Sun lotions
  • Shaving creams
  • Bath aids

2. Food industry

Aloe vera is primarily used in the production of functional foods, especially drinks.

3. Pharmaceutical industry

Aloe vera is used as a bitter agent for:

Advertisements
  • Gels and ointments (topical application)
  • Tablets and capsules (oral use)

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Although generally good for health, aloe vera consumption may have a few side effects, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Potassium depletion
  • Muscle weakness in some individuals
  • An allergic reaction such as hives and skin irritation

It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking aloe vera or any aloe vera supplements, as the plant can interfere with the action of certain medications.

Caution: Individuals with gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhoids, or kidney disease may need to avoid the use of aloe vera. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also refrain from consuming aloe vera.

Should Aloe Vera Latex Be Consumed?

Aloe vera juice is often available in its processed, decolorized form, which is made using an activated charcoal treatment to remove the latex.

The latex is removed as it contains phenolic compounds, including anthraquinones and glycosides, that are believed to have hyperplastic and cancerous activities, although the studies on this topic were done on animal models and the results were non-conclusive. (17)(18)(19)

It is still best to choose decolorized whole-leaf aloe vera juice and avoid its non-decolorized counterpart since its safety is not yet determined.

Final Word

Aloe vera gel is a viscous and sticky flesh of the plant leaf. It is often proclaimed as a treatment for various health issues, ranging from acne to digestive problems. Aloe vera juice may be added in moderation to your everyday diet to reap its health benefits. It is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming aloe vera.

Advertisements
References
  1. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian journal of dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/. Published 2008.
  2. Hong SW, Chun J, Park S, Lee HJ, Im JP, Kim JS. Aloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175553/. Published October 1, 2018.
  3. Khedmat H, Karbasi A, Amini M, Aghaei A, Taheri S. Aloe vera in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Trial on Iranian patients. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872617/. Published August 2013.
  4. Bahrami HR, Hamedi S, Salari R, Noras M. Herbal Medicines for the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Electronic physician. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5053451/. Published August 25, 2016.
  5. Hajheydari Z, Saeedi M, Morteza-Semnani K, Soltani A. Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial. The Journal of dermatological treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23336746. Published April 2014.
  6. Shahzad MN, Ahmed N. Effectiveness of Aloe Vera gel compared with 1% silver sulphadiazine cream as burn wound dressing in second degree burns. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23894900. Published February 2013.
  7. Oryan A, Mohammadalipour A, Moshiri A, Tabandeh MR. Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study. Annals of plastic surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003428. Published January 2016.
  8. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iranian journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/. Published January 2019.
  9. Suksomboon N, Poolsup N, Punthanitisarn S. Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27009750. Published April 2016.
  10. Zhang Y, Liu W, Liu D, Zhao T, Tian H. Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4963864/. Published June 23, 2016.
  11. Dick WR, Fletcher EA, Shah SA. Reduction of Fasting Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Using Oral Aloe Vera: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27152917. Published June 2016.
  12. Mansourian A, Momen-Heravi F, Saheb-Jamee M, Esfehani M, Khalilzadeh O, Momen-Beitollahi J. Comparison of aloe vera mouthwash with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% on oral lichen planus: a randomized double-blinded clinical trial. The American journal of the medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21681079. Published December 2011.
  13. Sudarshan R, Annigeri RG, SreeVijayabala G. Aloe vera in the treatment for oral submucous fibrosis – a preliminary study. Journal of oral pathology & medicine: official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22650317/. Published November 2012.
  14. AshouriMoghaddam A, Radafshar G, Jahandideh Y, Kakaei N. Clinical Evaluation of Effects of Local Application of Aloe vera Gel as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis. Journal of dentistry (Shiraz, Iran). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5634355/. Published September 2017.
  15. Ajmera N, Chatterjee A, Goyal V. Aloe vera: It’s effect on gingivitis. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24174720/. Published July 2013.
  16. Mangaiyarkarasi SP, Manigandan T, Elumalai M, Cholan PK, Kaur RP. Benefits of Aloe vera in dentistry. Journal of pharmacy &bioallied sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439686/. Published April 2015.
  17. Boudreau MD, Mellick PW, Olson GR, Felton RP, Thorn BT, Beland FA. Clear evidence of carcinogenic activity by a whole-leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera) in F344/N rats. Toxicological sciences: an official journal of the Society of Toxicology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3537128/. Published January 2013.
  18. Pandiri AR, Sills RC, Hoenerhoff MJ, et al. Aloe vera non-decolorized whole leaf extract-induced large intestinal tumors in F344 rats share similar molecular pathways with human sporadic colorectal tumors. Toxicologic pathology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911224/. Published December 2011.
  19. Sehgal I, Winters WD, Scott M, et al. Toxicologic assessment of a commercial decolorized whole leaf aloe vera juice, lily of the desert filtered whole leaf juice with aloesorb. Journal of toxicology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608129/. Published 2013.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.