What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Aloe Vera Juice Regularly

Aloe vera juice has possible benefits for digestion, blood sugar control, and oral health. Research is limited and side effects are possible in some people.

Aloe vera is rich in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that the body forms during normal metabolic processes. At high concentrations, they can cause cellular damage, leading to the development of cancers and other chronic diseases.

However, more research is needed to determine the antioxidant content of aloe vera juice and whether it can protect against chronic diseases.

One cup of aloe vera juice provides about 10% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron. It also supports the immune system and the production of collagen, a protein essential for wound healing and skin health.

The outer pulp of aloe leaves, called latex, contains aloin. Aloin is an organic compound that gives the plant laxative properties. It can treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements. Here is some research:

• A review found that oral administration of aloe vera may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation and diarrhea.
• One study showed that consuming aloe vera syrup effectively reduced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn, belching, food regurgitation, and nausea. The effects were similar to those produced by conventional medicine.
• A small study of 44 patients with mild or moderate ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, found that daily consumption of 200 milliliters of aloe vera gel was more effective than placebo in reducing disease activity.

Although aloe vera has laxative properties, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ruling in 2002 requiring manufacturers of over-the-counter laxative products to remove aloe vera as an ingredient due to a lack of evidence supporting its safety.

Aloe vera has been used for years in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Current research on the plant’s benefits for diabetics is limited but appears promising.

One study highlighted aloe vera’s potential to lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin levels, and improve the health of cells in the pancreas, including the cells responsible for insulin production.

Another study in people with prediabetes found that taking 300 mg of aloe vera extract twice daily for four weeks led to significant improvements in fasting blood sugar.

Many studies on aloe vera and blood sugar levels have been conducted in rats. There is not enough human-based research to confirm whether the same benefit applies to humans.

Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially benefit oral health. It is sold in several forms for oral use, including toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel.

According to a large study, aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as the traditional treatment, chlorhexidine, in reducing gum inflammation. However, it was not as effective in reducing plaque buildup.

Another small study found that aloe vera toothpaste was as effective as traditional fluoride toothpaste in improving periodontal index and gingival scores in people with gingivitis.

Aloe vera mouthwash may also reduce the severity of radiation-induced mucositis, a condition that causes swelling and irritation of the mouth. One study found that aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as benzydamine mouthwash, a common anti-inflammatory agent for managing oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients.

The nutrient content of aloe vera juice may differ between brands. Some products may contain added sugar to enhance flavor or added nutrients to improve their nutritional profile.

However, an 8-ounce (1 cup) serving of plain aloe vera juice typically includes:

• Calories: 37
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Sugar: 9.3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 20 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 9.4 mg, or 10% of the DV

Aloe vera juice is a low-calorie drink that can provide a hydrating alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juices. It also contains antioxidants, various polysaccharides and small amounts of iron and calcium.

Animal and human studies have shown that the polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate) in aloe vera may help improve the immune system’s response to disease.

Although topical application of aloe vera is generally considered safe, oral consumption has been associated with the following side effects in human and animal studies:

Animal studies have also shown that consuming aloe vera leaf extract can cause gastrointestinal cancer in rats and mice. This is believed to be due to the aloin compound found in whole leaf aloe vera extract. Larger human trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

The International Aloe Science Council recommends that oral aloe vera products contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of aloin. Many commercial aloe vera juice products are filtered to remove or reduce aloin levels. However, manufacturers are not legally required to disclose aloin levels on aloe vera juice product labels.

The FDA does not regulate aloe vera juice, so its potency, purity, or safety are not guaranteed. Oral consumption of aloe in the form of gel and latex is not recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to a healthcare professional to see if aloe vera juice is safe for your health and determine how much you can safely consume.

If you decide to drink aloe vera juice, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• After opening, store aloe vera juice in the refrigerator to maintain its potency and extend its shelf life.
• Choose aloe vera juice products with less than 10 ppm aloin.
• Consume aloe vera juice as directed on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional to avoid potential side effects.
• Drink plain aloe vera juice or incorporate it into fruit smoothies for a nutritional boost.
• Look for aloe vera juice that is USDA certified organic and free of additives, preservatives and added sugar.
• Buy aloe vera juice from reputed brands.
• Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts.