Gooseberry, commonly known as amla, is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an uncommon balance of sweet, sour, pungent and bitter flavours. Amla can be consumed in any form be it juiced, powdered or eaten raw. Can be pickled , make a jam or have candied amla.
Being a very rich source of Vitamin C, iron and calcium, amla is a health treasure. It also offers a number of beauty benefits for your hair and skin.
Amla is a very special fruit full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing the cell damage which reduces the free radicals that can cause disease in the body.
One of the best ways to have amla is in the powdered form.
Health Benefits Of Amla (Gooseberry)
Being a multi-purpose food, amla has a large number of benefits with its antioxidant, skin enhancing, hair enriching, and many more abilities for everyone
Amla in Hair Care
Amla is used in many hair tonics because it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens the roots, maintains color, and improves luster. Eating fresh gooseberry or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color. This quality is due to the carotene content of amla, as well as its iron content and antioxidant capacity, which reduces hair loss by not allowing free radicals to damage hair follicles or impact the hormones that can cause premature hair loss.
Amla in Eye Care
Drinking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight and studies have shown it to improve near-sightedness and cataracts while reducing intra-ocular tension. This is mainly due to its impressive carotene content, which has long been known for its powerful effect on vision-related conditions, including those that stem from the free radical activity. Vitamin A and carotenes reduce macular degeneration and night blindness while strengthening the vision before the age-related degeneration from free radicals can occur.
Amla in Calcium Absorption
One of the less discussed benefits of amla is how it helps the body absorb calcium in a positive way. Calcium is an essential component of our bones, teeth, and nails, and also ensures that we have beautiful lustrous hair. So, eating a vitamin C-rich fruit like the gooseberry is a great way to keep your body looking and feeling great.
Amla in Menstrual Cramps
The minerals and vitamins in amla combine to make it very useful in the treatment of menstrual cramps. Since it takes a while for the necessary elements to accrue in the body, it is better to consume amla on a regular basis so that its nutrients are always in the system and menstrual cramps can be prevented.
Amla in Diabetes
Gooseberry contains chromium, which has a therapeutic value for diabetic patients. Indian gooseberry stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar in diabetic patients and keeping their body balanced and healthy. When blood sugar is reduced, glucose is also being used by the cells as functional energy, thus, the metabolism is stronger and you have more energy, without the plunges and spikes in blood sugar that are dangerous for diabetics. Chromium also enhances the effect of beta-blockers, which are used for heart health, by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body.
Amla as Diuretic
Besides being a fruit that is very high in water content, amla is also slightly diuretic in nature. This means that it increases the frequency and volume of urination. Urination helps our body eliminate unwanted toxins and excess levels of water, salt, and uric acid. Furthermore, it can help you lose weight since up to 4% of urine is actually composed of fat. Therefore, a diuretic substance is always necessary for keeping your kidneys healthy and for preventing urinary and uterine infections.
Amla in Digestion
Amla is very high in fiber, like most fruits. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps move food through the bowels and keeps their movements regular. This reduces the chances of constipation. Fiber can also bulk up loose stools and reduce diarrhea. It also stimulates the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, so food is digested efficiently, nutrients are absorbed in an optimal way, and you feel lighter and healthier. Reducing constipation can also protect you from various gastrointestinal disorders, and even colorectal cancer.
Amla in Heart Diseases
As mentioned above, gooseberry strengthens the heart muscles, so the blood circulation is done throughout the body. By reducing excess cholesterol buildup, chromium in amla can reduce the chances of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the vessels and arteries. This can reduce the chances of stroke and heart attack. The iron content in it promotes the creation of new red blood cells, thereby increasing circulation, and the oxygenation of organs and cells to maximize growth and regeneration of tissue while keeping the blood vessels and arteries clean.
Amla in Infection
Due to its antibacterial and astringent attributes, Indian gooseberries protect against infection and improve the body’s immune response. They are also a very good source of vitamin C, which is famous for its impressive antioxidant abilities. It increases the white blood cells in the body, which are the main line of defense for the immune system since these cells attack and eliminate foreign toxins and substances in the bloodstream throughout the body.
Amla in Diarrhea & Dysentery
Due to its strong cooling and laxative properties, Gooseberry is a useful component in remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. It provides great relief for the gastric syndrome and hyperchlorhydria (burning sensation in the abdomen). As a laxative, it helps flush out toxins or harmful substances that cause discomfort or illness, so the healing process can begin. It then cools the burning sensation and reduces the discomfort often felt during diarrhea.
Amla in Properties
Amla prevents health-related hyperlipidemia by reducing the number of free radicals in the body through its antioxidant qualities. Free radicals are associated with signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.
