The multiple health benefits of the aloe vera plant are well documented. Numerous publications, including the Daily Mail, have extolled the virtues of this ‘wonder-plant’, which can apparently help with weight loss, improve digestion, boost immunity and even ease pain within the body.

It’s certainly true that aloe vera juice has been consumed for centuries as a health-providing drink. The earliest known use of aloe vera for health dates back as far as 3,000 BC in ancient Egypt. The big question is: were the Pharaohs right in rating aloe vera as a great natural health-booster?

Aloe Vera Benefits

Here’s just a few of the benefits of aloe vera juice.

1. Nutrition - Aloe Vera is naturally very nutrient-rich. According to Shona Wilkinson, head nutritionist at The Nutri Centre, ‘Drinking aloe vera replenishes your body naturally with a huge range of nutrients. It contains approximately 200 active components including – vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid and niacin.’
2. Easing digestive discomfort - Although no solid research has been conducted yet, a large number of IBS sufferers claim that drinking aloe vera juice helps ease the symptoms associated with their condition; particularly bloating and abdominal cramps.
3. Natural resistance to illness - Like other superfoods, such as chia seeds, aloe vera is an adaptogen. Quite simply, this means it raises the body’s natural ability to deal with illnesses. It also helps to rid the body of toxins.

Aloe Vera Skin Benefits

Of course, it’s widely known that aloe vera, when applied topically, can ease skin conditions, such as sunburn and eczema. However, it’s also important to note that the presence of vitamin C and E in the juice helps to regenerate elastin and collagen in the skin, which can help you to avoid wrinkles and skin ageing.

Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects?

Generally speaking, most people experience no side-effects when drinking aloe vera juice. However, some studies have demonstrated that some people may have a minor reaction to it. Dr Jeffrey Bland from the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine in California discovered, after conducting a minor study, that ‘one complained of gas and another of transient gut pain, which after continued supplementation throughout the week, diminished.’

Aloe Vera Detox

Aloe vera is often regarded as being highly effective when it comes to natural detoxification. It naturally flushes toxins from the body, helping to improve gastrointestinal health. However, if you’re planning on doing an aloe vera detox, you should always stick to the recommended dose.

Aloe Vera Diet

Many people turn to aloe vera when they want to lose weight. Indeed, various studies indicate that it may well be useful when it comes to shedding the pounds. Research involving rats demonstrated a significant reduction in abdominal fat after taking aloe vera, and a study on humans generated much the same results.

Whilst all this sounds promising, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t use aloe vera or any other health supplement as a substitute for a healthy diet. However, if you’re looking for a natural product that helps improve general health whilst offering a number of other benefits, then aloe vera juice may well be for you.