Why you should be drinking aloe vera juice

If you’ve ever had a nasty sunburn, you may have relied on aloe vera gel to relieve your pain. You might even have an aloe vera plant in your home.

Well, you probably wouldn’t think so to look at one, but you can actually drink the juice from an aloe plant!

Aloe vera juice is just loaded with healing properties, and it can:

• Detoxify the body and cleanse the colon
• Detoxify the blood stream
• Help to heal ulcers
• Help the digestive tract work smoothly
• Improve circulation
• Help to prevent illness through its antibacterial properties
• Result in a feeling of energy and health when taken regularly
• Support skin regeneration
• Act as a good source of calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc
• Provide many vitamins including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin
• Support joint function and muscle mobility
• Hydrate the skin

You can conveniently find bottled aloe vera juice in stores such as Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Trader Joe’s (usually in the juice aisle).

While I don’t mind the taste or the consistency (be prepared for floating pieces of aloe gel in the juice), I can certainly understand why it would be off-putting to some people.  A great alternative to drinking the juice straight up is to add it to a smoothie.  Here’s a recipe for my favorite:

Aloe Vera Smoothie 

(serves 1)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup aloe vera juice

1/2 cup water

1/2 medium banana

1/2 cup mango

1/4 cup pineapple

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Dash of cinnamon

3-4 ice cubes

Honey or stevia, to taste (optional)

Directions: Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.  If the consistency is too thin, add some more ice cubes.  If it is too thick, feel free to add a bit of water or even more aloe vera juice.

These aloe vera smoothie recipes are also refreshing and just perfect for the spring and summer.  Enjoy!

Aloe Berry Smoothie

Aloe Vera Kiwi Smoothie

Skin Detoxing Aloe Vera Smoothie