There’s absolutely no denying the fact that your gut health is a key player in your overall health. More commonly known to boost immunity and benefit digestion, gut health also plays an important role in brain health, the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, and skin and bone health. Knowing this, of course, we want to do everything in our power to keep our gut happy and healthy! One unusual gut-supporting nutrient? Aloe juice. Aloe juice is trending all over social media, but this cooling plant is certainly not new. In fact, aloe has been utilized for centuries as a medicinal aid and based on its benefits, it’s here to stay! So what makes this gut-soothing plant so superior? And how do you use it in your diet? Read on for everything you need to know!
What is Aloe Juice?
Aloe juice is made from the inner flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf. If you’re not familiar with aloe vera, it’s a cactus-like plant that has been utilized for centuries, thanks to its various nutrients and medicinal properties. It can be used topically for various skin conditions with the use of fresh gel. Or, it can be extracted into aloe juice for internal use!
How Do You Make Aloe Juice?
While you can find pre-made aloe juice at most supermarkets and wellness stores, making your own is easy! Here’s a simple recipe that can be whipped up in no time and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 inch slice of fresh aloe vera gel, from the inside of an aloe vera plant
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
Step #1: Rinse the aloe vera leaf and trim both ends.
Step #2: Stand the aloe vera leaf lengthwise in a bowl for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the naturally-occurring aloe latex to drain. To help avoid GI issues, this is a crucial step! After 15 minutes, wipe any remaining aloe latex from the plant.
Step #3: Lay the aloe leaf flat and slice a 2-3 inch piece from the wide end of the plant. Submerge the slice into a bowl of fresh water, letting sit for 3-5 minutes. Rinse and discard water.
Step #4: Extract the inner aloe vera juice by peeling or slicing the outer green skin. To avoid the aloe latex, avoid cutting too close to the skin. As needed, use a spoon to scrape any inner flesh from the sides. The gel should be clear, not yellow or green.
Step #5: Add the aloe gel to a high-speed blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.
Step #6: Strain the blended mixture into a jar or glass. Taste test and adjust any ingredients as needed, adding more lemon, water, or sweetener if desired.
4 Reasons to Love Aloe Vera Juice For Gut Health
Keeps You Regular
As a hydrating beverage with a mild laxative effect, aloe juice can help keep you regular and prevent constipation. The plant contains a natural compound, anthraquinone, which has been used as a natural laxative in pharmaceuticals. It’s been shown to promote regularity and support bowel health. That said, you’ll want to be mindful of how much you’re using! Think of aloe juice as a superfood — you don’t need a lot to get the benefits. (AKA, don’t go guzzling it down).
Boosts Hydration
Staying properly hydrated is essential for digestion and improved gut health! Luckily, aloe juice does just that. This plant-based juice is extremely water-rich, plus it contains electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium.
Rich In Gut-Supportive Nutrients
Aloe vera is jam-packed with nutrients known to support gut health. Key gut-supporting nutrients in aloe juice include:
- Potassium
- Calcium
May Ease Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many health conditions and illnesses — gut health and digestive issues included. The good news is that there are so many ways to prevent and reduce chronic inflammation, including sipping on aloe juice! Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, studies show it can benefit GI health for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The 5 Best Gut-Supporting Aloe Juice Recipes
Easy-prep recipes that are hydrating and healthy!
Cooling Coconut, Cucumber & Aloe Water
Jam-packed with electrolytes, full of water-rich nutrients, and tasty as ever! A yummy beverage to keep you cool on a summer day or after a sweaty workout.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coconut water (we love Harmless Harvest)
- ¼ cup aloe juice
- ½ cup cucumber juice (or ½ large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp lime juice, optional
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
- 1-2 tsp raw honey, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. If using fresh cucumber, strain the mixture to remove cucumber flesh.
Step #2: Taste test, adjusting any ingredients as needed. Serve and enjoy!
Mint Green Aloe Lemonade
A healthier alternative to traditional lemonade that’s low in sugar and equally as satisfying. Customize as desired, leaving out the mint or adding any additional ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup aloe juice
- ¾ – 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ⅓ cup mint leaves, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Strain into a pitcher, removing the mint leaves.
Step #2: Taste test and adjust ingredients as needed, adding more sweetener or lemon as desired. Serve chilled.
Coconut Aloe Margarita
A gut-healthy mocktail or cocktail? You heard right. Made with coconut water, aloe juice, and a dash of natural sweetener, enjoy this as a lightened-up cocktail!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 oz coconut water
- 1.5 oz aloe vera juice
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Honey or maple syrup, as desired
- Ice, to serve
Chili Lime Salt Rim (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- freshly squeezed lime juice
Step #1: Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker or jar and shake until well-mixed.
Step #2: To make the chili lime salt rim, mix the chili and salt on a small plate. Rim each glass with lime juice, then dip into the spice mixture. Pour the margarita mixture into each glass and serve! Enjoy immediately.
Berry & Aloe Juice Smoothie
Bursting with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hydrating nutrients, this gut-healthy smoothie will be your new go-to. Customize as desired! Add a tablespoon of almond butter, a spoonful of chia seeds, or a dash of your favorite superfood powder.
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ – 1 cup mixed berries
- ¼ cup aloe vera juice
- ½ cup spinach, optional
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (coconut, cashew, almond, or oat)
- Ice, to blend
Directions:
Step #1: Add the non-dairy liquid and aloe vera juice base to the blender. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Step #2: Taste test, adjusting ingredients as necessary. Serve and enjoy!
Ginger & Aloe Wellness Shot
No juicer needed to make this gut-healthy wellness shot! Toss all the ingredients in your blender, strain, and sip away. For an extra anti-inflammatory kick, top it off with a pinch of cayenne!
Serves: 1-3
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut water
- ¼ cup aloe vera juice
- 2-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2-inch slice fresh turmeric, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1-2 tbsp raw honey
- pinch of black pepper
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Step #2: Using a nut milk bag, strain the liquid mixture over a bowl or glass, squeezing out as much juice as possible. Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
Watermelon, Lime, & Aloe Juice
This three-ingredient juice is the perfect way to curb a sweet tooth while replenishing your hydration needs. Add cucumber, mint, coconut water, or any other ingredients desired!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon juice
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup aloe juice
- 1 lime, juiced Juice from one
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Sip Those Aloe Juice Benefits Up!
With so many benefits, you better believe we’ll be sipping on aloe juice often! Try making your own at home using our simple step-by-step process. Or, grab a bottle at the store for an effortless option. Try these healthy and hydrating recipes and sip in satisfaction as you support your gut.
