Aloe vera is a succulent plant. It grows all over the globe and has enjoyed centuries of fame.

One of the most common ways to use aloe is straight from the plant. Slice open a leaf, and you’ll find a slimy, clear gel that soothes burned skin.

3 Amazing Aloe Vera Health Benefits

Here are our top 3 favorite reasons to love aloe:

1. Aloe Manages Blood Sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is marked by inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar molecules to enter the cell. When cells are insulin resistant, they no longer respond to insulin—this means that these cells starve and even die.

Research has found that aloe helps to manage insulin sensitivity. It also lowers blood sugar (high blood sugar is a byproduct of insulin resistance). (1)

According Akira Yagi, emeritus professor at Fukuyama University, extracts of aloe may improve signs of Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of dementia, when the brain has become insulin resistant. (2)

2. Aloe Assists in Regulating a Leaky Gut.

In animal studies, scientists have found that aloe can reduce markers of inflammation in the colon, or large intestine. (3) These markers include signals from the immune system that regulate inflammation and kick-start inflammatory pain or hypersensitivity.

Inflammation makes gut tissue permeable—or leaky. Research tells us that aloe may help reduce inflammation in the gut and mend a leaky gut.

3. Aloe Relieves Constipation.

Aloe has a long history as a medicinal plant—including use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which is over 2,000 years old! In Chinese herbal medicine, aloe is an herb used to address constipation and parasitic infection.

Scientists at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine note that the purging nature of aloe—which relieves constipation—comes from gut bacteria that metabolize plant chemicals found specifically in aloe vera. (4)

According to Chinese herbal medicine, aloe has a cold and bitter nature, allowing it to drain fire and unblock stool. Because of its cold nature, aloe addresses constipation associated with heat.

Signs of heat include:

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Red eyes
• Headache or dizziness

Aloe “Mountain Dew” Smoothie Recipe

Aloe vera’s cooling and cleansing nature makes it a refreshing addition to the diet as we enter into the warmer months of the year. The addition of coconut water kefir and Vitality SuperGreen means that the smoothie will energize you while it cleanses and cools the body.

To make this blended Aloe “Mountain Dew” smoothie, you will need:

• 6 ounces of coconut water kefir or CocoBiotic
• 2 ounces of aloe vera, or the pulp from one large aloe leaf
• 1 tablespoon Vitality SuperGreen
• 1 ½ ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 squirt of Stevia liquid concentrate
• A pinch of mineral-rich Celtic sea salt
• ½ cup of ice

Blend until smooth and enjoy!