Drinking aloe water is one of the best ways to stay hydrated, which is a critical part of maintaining overall health.
What is Aloe Water?
Aloe water is a nutrient-dense drink derived from the Aloe Vera plant, which is actually both the scientific and common name! Aloe vera is a succulent plant whose flesh is fibrous and gelatinous, and it can be found in many areas of the world, including North Africa and the Middle East as per a study published by Bhushan Bidya, MS from the Department of Pharmachemistry, Ramaiah College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India. Aloe vera water is made by processing and homogenizing the leaf, and then mixing it with water to make it palatable. [1]
Many people assume that aloe vera juice and aloe vera water are the same things, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Different companies may market the same product under either name. Generally speaking, aloe vera juice is the pure, jelly-like extract from aloe vera plants. This nutrient-dense water is made by diluting aloe vera juice with pure water and/or other flavorings. In terms of the flavor of aloe water, it is bitter and slightly citrusy. Some people find the taste to be pleasant, but others are turned off by the unusual quality. [2]
Many people add aloe gel or juice to their morning smoothies for a healthy boost. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Aloe Water Benefits
Aloe vera is well known for how it can help to soothe painful sunburns, but it also has a host of properties that make it just as beneficial for your insides as your outsides! [3]
- Contains vitamins B, C, and E, as well as folic acid
- Promotes weight loss
- Known anti-inflammatory compound
- Improves digestion and regularity of bowel movements
- Fights acid reflux
- Defends against ulcers and IBS
- Improves the look of the skin and hair
- Has anti-aging properties that can reduce wrinkles and prevent chronic disease
How to Drink Aloe Water?
There are many different ways to drink aloe water, let’s take a look!
- You can use this type of water in place of coconut water, fruit juice, sports drinks or tap water.
- Try freezing it in an ice cube tray and blending it with celery, cucumber, ginger, and grapes for a refreshing and low-calorie green smoothie.
- You could even make a unique summer cocktail by shaking aloe water, gin, and green chartreuse with muddled lime and mint.
Word of Caution
The primary thing to look out for when buying this specialty water is the added sugar. Flavor-enhanced aloe water could contain refined sugar or natural fructose that may negate many of the potential health benefits outlined above. Unpurified aloe juice contains a chemical that can cause severe cramping and diarrhea. Always buy decolorized, purified aloe water.
Aloe is also known to have severe interactions with certain drugs. Ask your doctor if adding aloe water to your diet is a safe choice for you. [4]
Note: Aloe vera gel for sunburns may contain any number of natural or chemical additives; it is not edible and should never be substituted for aloe vera juice or aloe water.
