Health

Gut Health Woes? Aloe Vera Juice Is a Superstar Drink for Easing Digestion

Check out these aloe vera juice benefits, learn potential risks and side effects of aloe vera, and get an aloe vera juice recipe.

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Photo: Getty Images/<br />carlosgaw
Updated Jun 21, 2021

Written by 

Emily Laurence

When I was a kid, any time I got a bad sunburn—aka literally every family vacation—my mom would march to the drugstore and buy a lotion with “aloe vera” slapped in big letters on the front of the bottle. Ever since, I’ve always known that any time I had red, angry skin, I just needed to look for some kind of product with aloe vera—specifically, the thick, clear liquid inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant—in order to find some relief.

Experts in This Article

Lisa Hayim

I’m a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Columbia University.

The aloe vera planet is, indeed, one of the most versatile (read: useful) houseplants out there, especially for those of us with fair skin. Believe it or not, there are over 300 species of aloe vera, but the most commonly grown as a houseplant is known as aloe barbadensis miller. This succulent grows thick, flexible leaves from its base that tout jagged edges on the outside and are plumped up with watery gel on the inside.

And while the gel of the aloe vera plant is excellent for topical treatments such as soothing a sunburn, I have recently noticed it in a different aisle at the grocery store: the beverage section. Because apparently, drinking aloe vera juice can have its own benefits, too.

Wondering why someone would want to drink this stuff in the first place? Keep reading for eight reasons why it’s beneficial, possible side effects, and a quick recipe so you can try it at home.

What are the actual aloe vera juice benefits I should know about?

1. Aloe vera juice is great for digestion.

This is the major reason why someone might start incorporating aloe vera juice into their diet, says registered dietitian Melissa Rifkin, RD. “Aloe vera juice helps to maintain the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut to keep your gut flora balanced,” she says. “Having balanced gut bacteria can improve overall digestion and feeling bloated or gassy.” She says it can also be helpful for people who struggle with constipation, since it’s high in fiber and boosts the water content in your intestines—pushing everything through more effectively. But she says that it should be consumed in small portions because in excess, it could cause diarrhea.

2. It can help relieve heartburn.

“Those with heartburn can also benefit from aloe vera juice due to its alkaline properties,” Rifkin says. “It can help neutralize acid in the stomach.” If heartburn is something you suffer from regularly, talk to your doctor to see if it’s something you should incorporate into your routine.

3. Aloe vera juice can help prevent ulcers.

Rifkin says there’s also evidence that aloe vera can help precent reoccurring ulcers. “It can prevent gastric ulcers from getting worse, as seen in a study done in 2014, due to its vitamin C content,” she says. (More research is needed on this front, though.)

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4. Aloe vera is super nutrient dense.

Besides its beneficial digestive properties, Rifkin says that aloe vera juice is also full of nutrients. “Aloe vera juice contains several important vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins B, C, E, and folic acid,” she says. Vitamin B is crucial for brain health, vitamin C keeps the immune system running properly, vitamin E is linked to protecting against cancer, and folic acid lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Quite the resume of health benefits, right?

5. It could stabilize blood sugar.

“Studies have shown that those with type 2 diabetes can benefit from drinking aloe vera juice to help control their fasting blood sugar levels,” Rifkin says. It’s been shown to be beneficial to people with pre-diabetes for this same reason, too.

6. Aloe vera juice is good for gum health.

Drinking aloe vera juice is doing your body good even before you swallow it. Studies have shown that it’s good for your gums because of its antiviral properties.

7. It helps increase collagen production.

You might have heard that collagen is the key to looking like you never age. Well, consider pairing your collagen with aloe vera juice. It’s been found to support collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This is because certain compounds found in aloe vera have been shown to neutralize the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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8. Aloe vera juice is packed with antioxidants that are great for skin.

Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants, especially those that benefit your skin. In fact, it may help reduce the appearance of acne and ease skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Antioxidants also help fight the effects of inflammation in the body—one more skin benefit.

Are there any risks or side effects of aloe vera juice?

Decolorized (meaning purified, low anthraquinone) whole leaf aloe vera is considered completely safe. However, nondecolorized, unpurified aloe vera juice may have unpleasant side effects when consumed larger quantities. Remember the whole “too much aloe vera could give you diarrhea” thing? Yeah, that’s definitely a side effect everyone should keep in mind—which again, is why Rifkin says it’s important to stick to the four-ounce serving size, max, no matter what form of aloe vera juice you’re sipping. Rifkin also recommends looking for aloe vera juice that is purified, decolorized, and organic.

There are a few more items in the fine print of aloe vera juice side effects. Rifkin says that it could cause drug interactions, so people should talk to their doctor first if they’re on prescription meds before dosing themselves. This is especially important for type 2 diabetics; per the NIH, people who are on glucose-lowering meds should avoid taking aloe vera orally (since it could further lower blood sugar levels). Rifkin also says it should be avoided by anyone about to have surgery, because aloe vera could interact with anesthesia medicine.

How do I eat this stuff if I want to try it?

Now remember, you only need a small amount of aloe vera juice to benefit from it. That means, you can put a teaspoon or two in your smoothie and be good to go. *Or* get fancy and do what Lisa Hayim, RD, the blogger behind The Well Necessities does, using an aloe vera powder and putting in into her morning elixir. Here’s how to make it:

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Ingredients2 cups coconut milk (1 can)1 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp allspice1/4 tsp aloe vera powder1 to 2 drops of vanilla extract

1. Combine in a saucepan.

2. Enjoy!

This article was originally publish on April 17, 2019 with additional reporting by Betty Gold.

If you’re curious about other wellness drinks, here’s what you need to know about celery juice and bone broth. 

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Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad For Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Photo: Getty Images / Milan Markovic
Published Feb 20, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Wireless headphones go everywhere with us—on commutes, at the gym, and even in bed. We know they're undeniably convenient. But wireless headphones are radiation-emitting devices. So, having them close to your brain does raise some valid concerns.

Experts in This Article

Janna Andrews

chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital

Jonathan Rasouli

a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

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Some experts suggest that high exposure to long-term radiofrequency (RF) radiation could have health effects, while others say there’s nothing to worry about. So, what’s actually the truth? Before you ditch your AirPods, let’s break down the science, separate fact from fear, and see if your favorite tech accessory comes with any real risks.

First, what is radiofrequency (RF) radiation?

Not all radiation is created equal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radiation to high-energy radiation. At the low end of the spectrum is radiofrequency (RF) radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s considered a non-ionizing type of radiation—meaning, it lacks enough energy to remove electrons from an atom.

Wireless headphones use low-power, non-ionizing RF radiation—the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, says Jonathan Rasouli, MD, a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. While high-energy, ionizing radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) is proven to cause cellular damage, low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation has long been considered safer, according to Janna Andrews, MD, chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital. However, some emerging studies suggest it may not be entirely risk-free.

What are the potential risks of RF radiation?

In 2015, a group of international scientists signed a petition raising "serious concern" about radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless devices, including Bluetooth headphones, due to potential links to cancer and other health effects. Here's what the research says so far about the potential health risks of long-term RFR exposure.

Cancer

The jury’s still out, but some research suggests a possible link between wireless devices and cancer risk. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF radiation as a Class 2B Possible Human Carcinogen, meaning it might contribute to cancer, according to the Environmental Health Trust. A May 2014 meta-analysis published in PLOS One found a potential association between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a type of brain tumor.1 However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this connection.

Fertility and reproductive health

It sounds farfetched, but wireless devices may affect male fertility. A December 2018 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can harm sperm quality, disrupt cellular metabolism, and cause oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to infertility for people with testes.2

Hearing problems

Long-term exposure to RF radiation might also take a toll on your ears. Several studies suggest a potential link between wireless devices and hearing loss. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery found that high-frequency hearing loss was significantly more common in the dominant ear of cell phone users—the one that you use more often when you're making a call.3

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Additionally, a 2016 literature review in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that RF radiation from cell phone use may trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears.4

Oxidative stress and cellular damage

Some research suggests RF radiation might stress out your cells—literally. This stress can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that damage DNA, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2015 review in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine concluded that long-term exposure to low-intensity RF radiation could contribute to oxidative stress, which is known to be a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases.5

So, what's the verdict?

While some studies suggest prolonged RF radiation exposure may increase health risks, there’s no strong evidence that Bluetooth headphones in particular are dangerous, says Dr. Rasouli.

Animal studies have hinted at a link between RF radiation and tumors, but results have been inconsistent and inconclusive—and more importantly, haven't been replicated in human studies. Even studies of workers exposed to higher RF levels—such as radar technicians and radio operators—have not found a clear increase in cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, large-scale studies on cell phone use haven’t definitively linked RF radiation to brain tumors or cancer, Dr. Rasouli says. And cell phones emit far more RF radiation than wireless Bluetooth headphones. In the U.S., cell phones operate between 1.8 to 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), while Bluetooth devices emit only 0.25 to 10 percent of that—well below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits, adds Dr. Andrews. The FCC regulates exposure levels to ensure they remain within safe thresholds, she explains.

So far, there’s no solid data that wireless headphones pose significant health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF waves don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. However, moderation is key—as with any technology, Dr. Rasouli explains. By following smart listening habits and staying informed, you can use wireless headphones with confidence, he adds.

How to keep your brain (and ears) safe

Want to play it safe? Here are simple ways to reduce any potential risks, according to Drs. Rasouli and Andrews:

  • Limit long-term use: Listening to your wireless headphones at a high volume can cause hearing loss
  • Lower the volume: Keep it below 85 decibels (dB) for no more than eight hours per day
  • Avoid sleeping with headphones on: Doing so can help reduce your odds of bacterial infections, wax buildup, and potential hearing loss
  • Consider wired headphones: This eliminates the RF radiation concern altogether
  • Keep them clean: Wipe with alcohol pads to prevent bacteria buildup and ear infections
  1. Yang, Ming et al. “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 12,5 e0175136. 4 May. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175136 ↩︎
  2. Kesari, Kavindra Kumar et al. “Radiations and male fertility.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 16,1 118. 9 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1 ↩︎
  3. Velayutham, P et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India vol. 66,Suppl 1 (2014): 169-72. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4 ↩︎
  4. Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento, and Tanit Ganz Sanchez. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.” Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology vol. 82,1 (2016): 97-104. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013 ↩︎
  5. Yakymenko, Igor et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 35,2 (2016): 186-202. doi:10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557 ↩︎

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Food

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

photo of growers transporting many sumo citrus for review
Photo: Sumo Citrus® &amp; W+G Creative
Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With 

Sumo Citrus

Written by 

Maeve McCormick

Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.

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Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was. 

To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).

So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.

sumo citrus with purple sticker

Find Sumo Citrus Near You

Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.

Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.

The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith. 

Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.

Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.

And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.

All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores. 

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I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.

Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.

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