The Indian gooseberry, known locally as Amla, is a tree that is famous for its nutrient-rich fruits. It has been a common ingredient in the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda. It’s a potent source of Vitamin C and also contains iron and calcium. Because it is so versatile, it has become a favorite among the health conscious masses.
Benefits Of Amla
1. Slows Down Ageing
Amla is virtually a superfruit. It is full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing cell damage (1). It reduces the effects of free radicals (which are responsible for damaging protein, DNA, and cell membranes) and thus effectively combats the aging process.
2. Cures A Sore Throat
If you’ve got a pesky sore throat problem, then Amla is the fruit for you. Amla juice mixed with a few pieces of chopped ginger and mixed with a tablespoon of honey has been proven to be an effective treatment for a cough and a sore throat.
3. Fights Against Heart Disease
High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease. By reducing the build up of bad cholesterol, Amla reduces the risk of heart disease. It also reduces clogging in the arteries by boosting good cholesterol or HDL (2). Studies have also shown its benefits in preventing the thickening of blood vessel walls, the first sign of heart disease.
4. Increases Diuretic Activity
Any fruit that is diuretic in nature improves the frequency and volume of urination (3). Because urination helps your body release unwanted toxins, salts, and uric acid, consumption of Amla has a detoxifying effect on your body.
5. Increases Metabolic Activity
Because of its ability to increase the absorption of protein, Indian Gooseberries are a great way to boost your metabolic rate (4). Your metabolic rate is how fast your body burns calories. Boosting it will lead to faster weight loss, higher energy levels and an overall increase in lean muscle mass.
6. Reduces Blood Sugar
Research has shown that fruits that are rich in polyphenol protect the body from the oxidative nature of high blood sugar. Amla can thus be therapeutic for people afflicted with diabetes. It also assists the body in the proper absorption of insulin, thus reducing blood sugar levels. Because of this, it is invaluable for people afflicted with diabetes and should be a part of their daily diet (5).
7. High In Digestive Fiber
Amla is high in fiber, water content, and has anti-inflammatory properties (6). Fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements. It is also necessary for the secretion of gastric and digestive juices. Thus, Amla is great for the entire digestive process.
8. Boosts Immunity
Amla is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins and contains tannins (7). Tannins, when combined with polyphenols, makes the fruit a free radical scavenger. What this means is, it reduces the damage free radicals cause to the cells and thus improves your body’s disease fighting ability.
9. Prevents the Formation Of Gall Bladder Stones
Extra cholesterol is the primary cause of gall bladder stones. Vitamin C converts the cholesterol into bile in the liver (8). Consuming Amla regularly reduces the chances of a build-up of cholesterol as well as the likelihood of any pesky gallstones. It also keeps the gallbladder functioning well and in perfect health.
10. Prevents Ulcers
Due to its antibacterial properties, Amla is a great way of preventing ulcers (9). They reduce the acidity level in the body and thus avoid the formation of ulcers. Additionally, mouth ulcers can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. As Indian gooseberries are rich in vitamin C, they can provide relief from ulcers.
11. Is Anti-Inflammatory
It reduces the level of acid in the stomach and combats stomach inflammation. It also keeps the liver in check and flushes out unhealthy toxins.
12. Improves Eyesight
If made a regular part of the diet, Amla has been known to improve eyesight (10). It also helps in curing itchy, watery, and sore eyes.
13. Purifies Blood
Because it is packed with antioxidants, Amla works as a blood purifier. It also increases haemoglobin and red blood cells count.
14. Strengthens Bones
Amla is excellent for strengthening bones not just because of its high calcium content, but also for the fact that it lowers osteoclasts (11). These are the cells responsible for breaking up bones. Thus regularly consuming Amla will result in stronger bones.
15. Cools The Body
Amla has three times the vitamin C of an orange. Vitamin C improves tannin levels in the body that shield from heat and light. It keeps your skin cool in the summer by regulating the heat.
16. Prevents Constipation
Because of its high fiber content, Amla is great for the digestive system. A happy side-effect of this is its effectiveness against constipation.
17. Prevents Jaundice
Because of its antibacterial nature, Amla prevents infections like jaundice and scurvy (12). Consuming Amla on a daily basis in the liquid form is the most efficient way to fight off these infections.
18. Reduces The Risk Of Cancer
Because Amla is rich in antioxidants, it has various medical applications. Superoxide dismutase, which fights free radicals and reduces cell damage, acts as a potent tool in the prevention of cancer (13).
19. It Protects Your Liver
Studies have shown that regular consumption of Amla can ward off the ill effects that alcohol has on your liver (14). It also prevents the oxidative damage that is usually caused by them.
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20. Makes Skin Glow
Because it’s packed with vitamin C, Amla gives your skin a smooth and youthful look (15). It is known to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells. Amla juice can also be used as a face mask. Simply leave it on your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off.
21. Brightens Skin
Amla is effective for lightening the skin because of Vitamin C (16).
Chop up a few pieces of Amla and blend it till it forms a smooth paste.
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22. Reduces Pigmentation
Amla has been known to reduce pigmentation. Some of the most popular face packs that use Amla are:
Amla Scrub
This is suitable for people with dry and normal skin.
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Amla And Avocado Pack
This is suitable for people with dry skin.
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Amla Facial
This is suitable for people with dry and oily skin.
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Amla Anti-Aging Mask
This is suitable for people with oily skin.
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23. Prevents Lice
Amla oil is an effective treatment for lice. Just soak Amla in water and leave it on overnight. Mash them to make a soapy paste. Use this paste to wash your hair. This will help to get rid of the lice. Regularly using Amla oil will help moisturize the scalp and keep dandruff at bay.
24. Prevents Greying Of Hair
If applied to the scalp regularly, Amla can help retain your hair’s natural color and prevent it from greying.
25. Helps Increase Hair Growth
Amla oil, if regularly applied to the hair, nourishes the scalp and roots and promotes the growth of long and healthy hair.
