Benefits From Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera, a succulent plant, is a member of the lily family and is grown in topical locations such as the Caribbean, South Africa and Latin America. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe vera has been used for thousands of years and is still one of the most commonly used herbs in America. Aloe juice is a bitter, yellow liquid obtained from the skin of the aloe leaf.

Constipation

Constipation is commonly defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week. Constipated stools are often small, hard and difficult to pass. According to the University of Michigan, aloe may be beneficial for constipation, as it contains molecules called anthraquinone glycosides. The normal bacteria found in the large intestine split these molecules and form further molecules called aglycones, which can have a laxative effect. The American Cancer Society recommends 50mg to 200mg of aloe juice once a day for up to 10 days to help relieve constipation.

Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 7.8 percent of the population has diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are too high. Insulin is needed by the body to be able to utilize glucose for energy and balance blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is caused by the insufficient production of insulin or resistance by the cells to the action of insulin.
In a study published in The British Journal of General Practice, a team of researchers conducted a review of the clinical effectiveness of aloe vera. The team found that 1 tbsp. of aloe vera juice daily for 42 days had a significant effect on blood sugar levels in women with type 2 diabetes.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores and inflammation in the colon and rectum. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue and bloody diarrhea. In a study published in the 2004 issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers investigated the effectiveness of aloe vera in patients with ulcerative colitis. They explain in the background to their study that aloe vera is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease, as aloe vera may have anti-inflammatory properties. The team found that participants who drank 25ml to 50ml of aloe vera juice twice a day for a month had a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.