Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a traditional Ayurvedic fruit that has been used for centuries to promote wellness and vitality. It can be eaten raw or added to smoothies or juices for a quick health boost! Amla is rich in vitamins A and C, which are both important antioxidants.
The fruit of the Indian gooseberry is a huge, purple-black berry that grows in clusters on bushes. It has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berries, and around 17 times that of a pomegranate.
The translucent green fruit, which gets its name from the Sanskrit term “Amlaki” meaning “nectar of life,” may help us fight a variety of illnesses, including the common cold, cancer, or infertility.
Amla has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to cure diseases caused by the three doshas (Kapha/vista/pitta). It is claimed that it can help balance the three doshas (Kapha/vista/pitta) and cure their underlying causes.
If you’re still unconvinced, take a look at this long list of amla’s health advantages and see why you should eat it on a daily basis.
Helps fight the common cold
Vitamin C is absorbed more efficiently by the body when consumed in amla rather than through supplement pills. When you have a cold, cough, or need relief right now, mix two teaspoons of amla powder with two teaspoons of honey for fast relief. Consume one dose daily to maintain protection against the common cold. It aids in the treatment of the cold.
Improves eyesight
Amla has been found to contain carotenes, which have been proven to be beneficial in treating eye disease. Amla consumption has also been linked to better eye health status.
Burns fat
This is perhaps the most underappreciated but exciting aspect of amla. Amla’s protein aids in the prevention of cravings. Users report that drinking a glass of amla juice before a meal fills them up and makes them eat less. Nutritionists suggest that amlas reduce appetite by increasing metabolism and making you feel less bloated. Amla thus helps reduce weight.
Prevents cancer
Amla is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent the development of free radicals, which are linked to many forms of cancer. Animal studies have shown that amla supplementation significantly decreases tumours and increases life spans in mice with leukemia or skin carcinoma by inhibiting tumour growth and delaying apoptosis (cell death).
Boosts your immune system
Amla has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent disease. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can fight off free radicals—the toxins responsible for many health issues, including the common cold and cancer. With more vitamin C than oranges, amla will keep you feeling healthier throughout the year.
Treats anaemia
Amla is a good source of iron, which helps treat and prevent anaemia caused by low levels of red blood cells in the body. In addition to supplementing your diet with amla, you can also apply it topically on the skin for acne or bruises. It treats skin diseases like acne.
Helps with infertility
Amla is high in antioxidants, which are known to help maintain fertility. It can protect sperm from oxidative stress and even improve male fertility by helping the body produce healthier sperm cells.
Improves digestion
The fibre found in amla helps relieve constipation and other digestive problems such as diverticulosis and haemorrhoids. Fibre also keeps the digestive tract healthy by preventing constipation, diarrhoea, and other bowel problems.
Improves heart health
Amla has been shown to improve lipid metabolism, which is important for maintaining cardiovascular health as well as regulating blood pressure. It regulates cholesterol levels in patients with elevated triglycerides or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
Increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis
Amla is rich in calcium, so it can help increase bone mineral density. It also helps fight off free radicals that are linked to the development of osteoporosis later in life. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, which strengthens bones as well as connective tissue.
Helps treat ulcers and gastric problems
Amla can be used to fight off digestive issues like diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal disorders that affect the stomach lining or intestines. It has been shown to protect against stress-induced ulcers in mice by preventing increases in cortisol levels in the gut, an important indicator of stress levels.
Prevents premature ageing and wrinkles
Amla can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent skin damage that comes with age by combating free radicals in the body. It also helps maintain healthy collagen production, which keeps you looking young! The antioxidants found in amla strengthen blood vessels to keep your skin looking supple and beautiful.
Beautifies hair
Amla, like curry leaves, has been used for centuries to promote hair growth. It slows down greying and eliminates dandruff while improving blood circulation to the scalp, resulting in increased hair growth. Amla also acts as a natural conditioner, making your looks shinier and more lustrous. Apply amla oil to your scalp and hair for a hair pack, cover with a shower cap or towel for 30 minutes, then shampoo.
Increase haemoglobin production
Amla is high in vitamin C, which helps convert iron into heme (the compound that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues), thus helping prevent anaemia caused by low levels of red blood cells in the body. It can also improve haemoglobin production in patients with thalassemia.
Prevents tooth decay and gum disease
Amla is high in vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent gingivitis (gum disease). It can kill bacteria like Streptococcus mutans responsible for plaque buildup on teeth as well as other bacteria that cause tooth decay. The antioxidants found in amla also help prevent oral cancer and protect cells from free radical damage.
Relieves pain
Amla’s anti-inflammatory qualities help relieve pain caused by any kind of inflammation. Amla can help with a variety of ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis and mouth sores. Simply mix amla juice with half a cup of water and gargle as needed for ulcers.
How to use Amla
The greatest way to get the advantages of amla is by consuming its fresh juice. Amla is available all year, but consumption picks up in December and gradually wanes throughout April. If you can’t handle the sour taste, consider one of these yummy alternatives:
Dried:
- Remove the outer covering of the amla fruit with a sharp knife, then peel it with your hands.
- Remove and discard the fibrous portion of the peel; chop the flesh.
- When dehydrated completely, store in an airtight container for long-term use as a portable snack.
Pickled: Make a spicy amla achaar or a sweet murabba by soaking amla in sugar water.
Conclusion:
Amla is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin C, and more. It helps improve immunity (especially good for athletes) and fights off infections like colds and flu while keeping you looking young with healthy skin!
Are there any other benefits or uses of amla that you know about? Leave the comment below!
