What Drinking Aloe Vera Juice Regularly Can Do For Your Body

What Drinking Aloe Vera Juice Regularly Can Do For Your Body

Key Takeaways

  • Aloe vera juice is rich in antioxidants that fight oxidative stress.
  • Drinking aloe vera juice may improve blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes.
  • Aloe vera juice can provide low-calorie hydration and may improve digestion, but more study is needed.

Aloe vera juice, made from the plant’s gel, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and may aid digestion with its anti-inflammatory effects. While aloe gel is proven to help treat certain conditions, more research is needed to confirm the benefits and safety of drinking the juice.

1. Provides Antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe vera juice’s rich antioxidant content may explain why topical aloe benefits skin disorders. 

Aloe vera contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic health conditions. However, more research is needed to determine if drinking aloe vera juice reduces the risk of chronic conditions. 

2. May Relieve Heartburn

Aloe vera juice may improve digestion and reduce heartburn. Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C, which may promote digestion. If you take medication for heartburn, ask a healthcare provider if drinking aloe vera juice could interfere with your current medications. 

3. Can Treat Constipation

Aloe vera juice has natural laxative effects. The outer part of the plant’s flesh contains compounds called anthraquinones, which have a strong laxative effect and may lead to diarrhea. 

It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required manufacturers to remove aloe latex (the outer portion of the plant) from over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products. More research is needed to ensure aloe vera is a safe constipation treatment. 

4. Keeps You Hydrated

Aloe vera juice is made with filtered water and provides low-calorie hydration. Compared to other types of juices and sports drinks, it is low in sugar and calories. Always read the nutrition label carefully to ensure that the juice does not have added sugars or other sweeteners. 

5. May Improve Blood Sugar in Prediabetes

Drinking aloe vera juice may improve blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. One study found that consuming oral aloe vera may lower blood sugar and A1C levels in people with diabetes. It may also reduce body fat in adults with overweight or obesity. However, more research is needed. 

6. May Improve Oral Health

Drinking aloe vera has been found to treat certain oral conditions, such as:

  • Oral submucous fibrosis (a precancerous condition caused by inflammation)
  • Bacteria growth
  • Oral mucositis (a common side effect of chemotherapy that causes painful mouth sores) 

7. May Support Skin Health

Aloe vera gel is an effective topical treatment for many chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The gel may reduce skin inflammation (irritation resulting from an immune response). However, more research is needed to determine if aloe vera juice has similar skin benefits. 

One study found that consuming an aloe vera supplement daily improved skin elasticity in young men. Other research found that aloe vera may boost collagen production and reduce wrinkles. 

8. May Help With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Drinking aloe vera juice may improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Because aloe vera has laxative effects, it can relieve constipation caused by IBD.

Aloe vera juice also has anti-inflammatory effects that could benefit gut health. More research is needed to determine if aloe vera juice is a safe and effective treatment for IBD.

A Word From Verywell

Aloe vera juice can be a hydrating option with potential digestive benefits, but it is important to choose formulations free from added sugars.

Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz

How Much Aloe Vera Juice Is Safe to Drink Daily?

Talk with a healthcare provider before drinking aloe vera juice. Research suggests that drinking up to 2 tablespoons daily is safe for many people. However, be sure to avoid aloe vera juice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. 

Best Time to Drink Aloe Vera Juice

When beginning a new aloe vera juice regimen, try it during a quiet day without many out-of-home obligations. Aloe vera juice has a strong laxative effect, so you may need to stay close to a bathroom after drinking it.

Once you understand how your body tolerates aloe vera juice, you can choose the best time of day to drink it. Always talk with a healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement. 

Possible Side Effects

More research is needed to determine if aloe vera juice is safe and effective. Choose aloe vera juice that has been decolorized and purified. The risk of side effects is higher with non-decolorized varieties (extracts made using the entire aloe vera leaf). Possible side effects of drinking non-decolorized aloe vera juice include:

  • Diarrhea 
  • Electrolyte imbalances 
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort 
  • Miscarriage (spontaneous loss of a fetus before 20 weeks gestation) 
  • Bleeding 
  • Liver damage 
  • Cancer 

Who Should Avoid Drinking Aloe Vera Juice?

Aloe vera juice is not safe for everyone. Talk with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your regular diet. Consuming aloe vera may affect the liver and lead to hepatitis (liver inflammation). It may also affect the heart and interact with certain medications 

People with the following conditions should avoid drinking aloe vera juice:

  • Allergy to aloe vera
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Breastfeeding
  • Cancer, current or in the past
  • Conditions requiring laxatives
  • Heart disease 
  • Kidney failure 
  • Laxative use
  • Liver disease 
  • Pregnancy

Ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist if aloe vera juice interacts with your medications or supplements.

Can You Make Aloe Vera Juice?

While it is possible to make your aloe vera juice, researchers recommend only consuming juice that has been decolorized and purified. If you want to try aloe vera juice, purchase it at a health food store and check the label to ensure it has been purified and decolorized. When trying aloe vera juice, start slow. Consider trying a tablespoon to see how you tolerate it.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Carrie Madormo

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH

Madormo is a health writer with over a decade of experience as a registered nurse. She has worked in pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.