Some health benefits of aloe vera juice have been guessed at, exaggerated, or simply made up, but the truth is that researchers are still exploring its potential benefits. There are numerous studies that show anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, healing properties, and glucose-lowering abilities. On the other hand, many of these studies are contradictory or the benefits have not been studied long enough to observe potentially dangerous, negative side effects. Some businesses have taken the idea that aloe vera juice is healing, soothing, or desirable in another way and used it to promote their products. Therefore, claims about aloe vera juice should be regarded with a healthy level of skepticism, especially if the juice is marketed as a cosmetic product.
Many cosmetic companies add aloe vera extract to their products and advertise this addition as a positive aspect. The truth is that little is known about the health benefits of aloe vera juice in makeup, facial moisturizers, and disposable cloths. It might be soothing, therapeutic or anti-aging, but there is no evidence to support these claims.
Two of the best documented health benefits of aloe vera juice are its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It can help treat minor skin infections, like infected hair follicles. The juice must come from the inner leaf to be effective, but even then it is not effective against all infections.
Some studies show that aloe vera juice can help relieve symptoms of a chronic autoimmune disease called psoriasis, in addition to genital herpes. The substance must be applied topically rather than consumed. It is not a cure for either condition, but it might be able to reduce outbreaks, soothe itchy skin, and reduce redness. In fact, the results of aloe vera juice in some studies were superior to steroids and placebos.
Aloe vera juice has also been used for wound treatment for decades. When applied directly to a first to second degree burn, studies show that the liquid can hasten the wound’s healing. Scientific studies are contradictory on whether or not aloe vera juice can speed the healing of other wounds, however. For example, some studies found that aloe vera improved healing of shallow cuts, while others showed the exact opposite result.
For diabetics, drinking aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels to more acceptable levels. Researchers are actively exploring the health benefits of aloe vera juice taken at regular intervals, in addition to negative side effects. If studies show significant improvement in blood sugar levels and the juice is safe to drink routinely, aloe vera juice might be a natural, drug-free method of helping diabetics manage their condition.
