Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Medical Review by Karina Tolentino, RD, CHWC

aloe (aloe vera Miller) is a cactus-like plant that grows in subtropical regions of the world, including the southwestern United States. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions including hair loss, minor cuts and burns.

Today, many people drink aloe vera juice to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, improve oral health, and more. However, there is limited research supporting these benefits, and potential side effects can occur with aloe vera consumption.

rich in antioxidants

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

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals produced by the body during normal metabolic processes. High concentrations can cause cell damage and lead to the development of symptoms. cancer and other chronic diseases.

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

Good Source of Vitamin C

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

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

May help treat gastrointestinal disorders

The outer pulp of aloe leaves is called latex and contains aloin. Aloin is an organic compound that has a laxative effect on plants. May treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements.

A review of studies found that oral aloe vera may help relieve symptoms. irritable bowel syndromeinclude constipation and diarrhea.

Another study showed that intake of aloe vera syrup was effectively reduced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including symptoms heartburn, burp, food regurgitation, nausea. The effects were similar to those produced by conventional drugs.

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Another small study of 44 patients with mild or moderate disease Ulcerative colitis In (UC) – a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract – taking 200 milliliters of aloe vera gel daily was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing disease activity.

Aloe vera has laxative properties, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled in 2002 requiring manufacturers of over-the-counter laxative products to remove aloe as an ingredient due to a lack of supporting evidence. It is important to note that its safety.

May help control blood sugar levels

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

A review of research highlights that aloe vera has the potential to lower blood sugar levels and raise blood sugar levels. insulin levelimproves the health of pancreatic cells, including the cells responsible for insulin production.

Another study with patients prediabetes Taking 300 mg of aloe vera extract twice daily for 4 weeks was found to significantly improve fasting blood sugar levels.

Most of the research on aloe vera and blood sugar has been done in rats. There are not enough human-based studies to see if the same benefits apply to humans.

May support oral health

Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help with oral health. It is sold in several forms for oral use, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel.

A review that included six randomized controlled trials involving 1,358 people found that aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as the traditional treatment, chlorhexidine, in reducing symptoms. gum inflammation. However, it was not very effective in reducing plaque buildup.

Another small study found that aloe vera toothpaste was as effective as conventional fluoride toothpaste in improving the periodontal index and gingival score in patients with gingivitis.

Aloe vera mouthwash may also reduce the severity of radiation-induced mucositis, which causes swelling and inflammation in 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 patients with head and neck cancer.

aloe vera juice nutrition

Nutrient content of aloe vera juice may vary by brand. Some products may have added sugar to improve flavor or added nutrients to enhance nutritional profile.

However, 8 ounces (1 cup) of plain aloe vera juice typically contains:

• calorie: 37

• obesity: 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 DV

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

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

Aloe Vera Juice Risks

Topical application of aloe vera is generally considered safe, but taking aloe vera orally can cause side effects.

Animal studies have found that ingestion of aloe vera leaf extract can cause gastrointestinal cancer in rats and mice. This is believed to be due to the compound aloin found in aloe vera whole leaf extract.

The International Aloe Scientific Council recommends that oral aloe vera products contain less than 10 ppm (PPM) of aloin. As a result, many commercial aloe vera juice products are filtered using a process called decolorization to remove or reduce aloin levels.

However, there are no labeling requirements mandating disclosure of aloin levels for aloe vera juice products. Also, the FDA does not regulate aloe vera juice, so its potency, purity, and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Human and animal studies have associated aloe vera consumption with the following side effects:

However, larger human trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Oral aloe in gel or latex form is not recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as safety has not been established.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s safe for your health and to determine how much you can safely take.

Tips for Consuming Aloe Vera Juice

If you decide to drink aloe vera juice, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Buy aloe vera juice from reputable brands

• Look for aloe vera juice certified organic by the USDA and free of additives, preservatives and sugar.

• Choose an aloe vera juice product with less than 10 PPM of aloin content

• Start with a small amount and see how your body reacts

• To avoid potential side effects, consume aloe vera juice as directed on the product label or as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Drink aloe vera juice straight or mix it into fruit smoothies for a nourishing boost

• After opening, refrigerate to maintain potency and extend shelf life of aloe vera juice.

quick review

Aloe vera juice has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that may improve digestion, support healthy blood sugar levels, and improve oral health. However, certain compounds in aloe vera juice, especially aloin, can cause digestive discomfort and other side effects.

Further human studies are needed to determine the potential benefits and risks associated with aloe vera juice consumption.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about incorporating aloe vera juice into your diet.

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