If you’re constipated, good news. Aloe vera juice’s texture can affect the consistency of your poop, specifically by making it softer. Reduces heartburn Aloe vera also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline, as well as minerals calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. 9

There are a few different groups that should avoid this juice, says Plessel. “Women who are trying to conceive or are currently pregnant should not consume aloe vera products,” she says. “The National Institutes of Health and Natural Medicine’s Database both indicate that aloe may be unsafe in pregnancy, as some of the constituents may later pass into breastmilk. And women who are currently breastfeeding should also avoid consuming aloe vera juice.”

Rewards For Life

Aloe vera juice is available worldwide. It’s usually sold in plastic or glass bottles, and may be in the form of pure aloe vera juice, or as a drink made with aloe vera extracts along with other ingredients which can include other plant extracts, sugar or sweeteners. Got poop probs? Aloe vera might help. Aloe contains a plant compound called anthraquinone glycosides that can relieve constipation. Additionally, some peeps use aloe vera to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But again, we need more research to show the full effects.

Children under 12 and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take aloe vera but can use aloe vera topically. This is thought to be down to the glucomannan it contains, which helps the skin produce collagen. 25 For oral use, strengths and preparations vary greatly, so always read the label carefully and follow directions for oral use. Aloe vera side effects However, other researchers have noted that aloe vera is not a safe diabetes treatment. That said, you should def talk with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. 6. Source of nutrients Tanaka M, et al. (2015). Effects of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on skin condition in Japanese women.

Aloe’s secret? The gel contains a compound called glucomannan, which boosts the formation of new skin cells and collagen production. 7 As long as you’re not experiencing any undesirable side-effects, you can drink decolourised, purified aloe vera juice every day. Never exceed the stated dose. Alinejad-Mofrad S, et al. (2015). Improvement of glucose and lipid profile status with Aloe vera in pre-diabetic subjects: a randomized controlled-trial. The English translation is simply vera, meaning ‘real’ or ‘true’, which indicates that this was considered the original plant from which other Aloe varieties have evolved.

But that’s not aloe’s only superpower. “Aloe is an unassuming plant,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD. “It doesn’t really look like it’s all that special. But it can actually provide a lot of benefits.” For example, aloe vera contains vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants.Luo X, et al. (2018). Aloin suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB. Regular juices aren’t always healthy. Not all of them have a high percentage of real fruit in them, for starters. Many also have added sugar — and lots of it. Aloe vera juice, however, is a healthy option. Czerwony says an eight-ounce serving isn’t high in protein, fat or carbs, but has only eight calories and is low in sugar. “It’s pretty neutral,” Czerwony notes. “You can drink it on its own, or you can put it in your smoothies.” Helps clear up skin