Why Is Aloe Vera Juice Good To Drink?

Aloe vera juice has been used medicinally for thousands of years for its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, hypoglycemic effects. These benefits stem from the 75 active nutrients---including vitamins, minerals, sugars, amino acids, enzymes and antioxidants---it contains. There are many aloe vera juice products on the market, so read product labels carefully and beware of watered-down imitations containing little to no aloe vera. It should not be taken if pregnant, nor used on a long-term basis. Check with a health care professional before supplementing with aloe vera juice.

Cancer

There is a medically active compound in aloe that stimulates and regulates components of the immune system. This compound, called Alo A, stops inflammation associated with tumor growth. Aloe has also been found to prevent cancer-causing substances from entering both liver and lung tissue.

Digestive Health

Aloe vera juice, or the stronger liquid portion known as aloe bitters, can be a fast and effective remedy for constipation. According to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, when compared to other herbal laxatives such as senna leaf or cascara sagrada, aloe draws less fluid into the large intestine making it less likely to cause dehydration or diarrhea. Additionally, drinking a half cup of aloe juice three times a day can clear up hemorroid flare-ups.

Aloe vera juice also is helpful in the treatment of digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Aloe functions by reducing bowel inflammation, promoting softer stools, and improving bowel transit time.

Metabolic Syndrome

A study in the British Journal of General Practice observed the clinical effectiveness of aloe vera. The study concluded that aloe vera may be helpful in lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. One mechanism of action involves aloe's ability to stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. This action is similar to that of certain diabetes drugs; however, aloe does not cause the weight gain and side effects many that those drugs are associated with.

Hangover Prevention

Aloin, a compound in aloe vera juice, can help prevent hangovers by blocking the passage of alcohol from the intestines into the bloodstream. Be aware that this may also reduce the symptoms of intoxication as well, not just the subsequent hangover.

Kidney Health

Another compound in aloe vera juice, called aloemannan, stimulates the growth of healthy kidney cells and slows the rate of crystal formation leading to kidney stones.

Ulcer Treatment

Aloe is commonly recommended in the treatment of ulcers over the anti-ulcer drug cimetidine. Aloe functions by soothing the inflammation caused by excess acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol. However, aloe has not been found helpful in the case of stress-related ulcers.