What is aloe vera juice?

Making aloe vera juice is a very simple process.

Start by plucking several leaves off healthy, mature aloe vera plants. Think of these like pillows — only instead of down or feathers, the leaves are a cushion filled with gel.

Next, carefully cut into the leaves. Extract the gel you see and mix it with water. Presto — you now have tasty aloe vera juice to sip.

That this simple drink offers so many health benefits might be difficult to believe. But Czerwony notes that its simplicity is a plus. Unlike aloe vera-based lotions, the impact of aloe vera juice isn’t diluted by chemicals, fragrances or other substances.

Aloe vera juice first and foremost contains antioxidants, or substances that help reduce your chances of developing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. But aloe vera juice offers benefits beyond just prevention.

A low-calorie, low-sugar option
Regular juices aren’t always healthy. Not all of them have a high percentage of real fruit in them, for starters. Many also have added sugar — and lots of it. Aloe vera juice, however, is a healthy option. Czerwony says an eight-ounce serving isn’t high in protein, fat or carbs, but has only eight calories and is low in sugar. “It’s pretty neutral,” Czerwony notes. “You can drink it on its own, or you can put it in your smoothies.”

Helps clear up skin
It may seem counterintuitive, but you often develop acne because you’re dehydrated. As a result, your skin produces more oil, which leads to acne breakouts. “If you’re drinking aloe vera juice, you’re going to get hydrated,” says Czerwony. “That’s going to give your skin extra moisture, and so you’re going to have less chance of having acne.”

Relieves constipation
If you’re constipated, good news. Aloe vera juice’s texture can affect the consistency of your poop, specifically by making it softer.

Reduces heartburn
Heartburn occurs when acid in your stomach travels up into your esophagus. The results of a small 2015 study showed that aloe vera juice can alleviate some of the acid in your stomach that brings on heartburn.

Maintain eye health
Aloe vera juice is packed full of beta carotene, an antioxidant typically found in orange and yellow vegetables and fruits. Your body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, a vitamin linked to overall eye health.

Boost your intake of certain vitamins and minerals
Aloe vera juice contains vitamin C — a versatile vitamin that helps with immune function, for example — as well as calcium and magnesium. “Many people having muscle aches are often low in calcium and magnesium,” says Czerwony. “Drinking aloe vera juice could replenish these if your diet is low in them.”