Benefits of Gooseberry (Amla), and its uses

What is Gooseberry (Amla)

Gooseberries (Emblica Officinalis) are also known as Amla in India, can be partially attributed to its high Vitamin-C. the Indian gooseberry helps in boosting the immune system, slowing down aging, reducing blood sugar and improving heart health

Amla is an extremely sour, fruit that grows in India, Middle East and a few other Southeast countries. It is also known as Amalaki in Sanskrit. It has high antioxidant properties

The healing and medicinal properties of amla are innumerable as it is loaded with Vitamin-C, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorous, Carotene, and fibre.

Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and ancient medicine endorses the consumption of this fruit to prevent the formation of cancer cell.

Ripe gooseberries have a reddish-purple appearance and they are sweet option they are great for making jam or berry sauce. Whether Unripe gooseberries have green color and bring a particular sour tang to dishes.

Amla is low on calories and loaded with a host of phenolic phytochemicals like flavonoids, anthocyanins and Vitamin-C and A. the host of plant cmpd.




100g of amla contains:

· Energy: 44 Kcal

· Carbs: 10.18 gram

· Protein: 0.88 gram

· Total Fat: 0.58 gram

Minerals

· Potassium: 198 mg

· Calcium: 25 mg

· Copper: 0.070 mg

· Iron: 0.31 mg

· Magnesium: 10 mg

· Phosphorus: 27 mg

· Zinc: 0.12 mg

Benefits of Gooseberry (Amla)

1. Control Diabetes

Amla comprises chromium, a mineral that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and is said to make the body more responsive to insulin, amla’s benefits are attributed to the presence of Vitamin-C, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Chromium also enhances the effect of beta-blockers which are used for heart health by reducing the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body.

2. Anti-Aging Agent

this wonder berry is known to be the best anti-aging fruit according to traditional Indian medicine. Regular intake of amla not only leads to healthy and glowing skin but also improves eye-sight.

Amla prevents health-related hyperlipidemia by reducing the no. of free radicals in the body through its antioxidant qualities. Vitamin-C helps scavenge free radicals which are associated with signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots. Amla powder is used as a face mask to remove age spots.

3. Eye Care

The Vitamin-C in amla fights bacteria and guards the eye against conjunctivitis and other eye infections. It also makes the eye muscles stronger and provides relaxation to the eyes when they are tired and stressed.

Amla also contains Vitamin-A which helps to improve the nearsightedness and cataracts while reducing intra-ocular tension. Vitamin-A and Carotene improves vision, while also lowering the risk of muscular degeneration and night blindness.

4. Boosts Liver Health

Amla is also reported to impart beneficial effects on liver function and to mitigate hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Amla possesses protective effects against chemical-induced hepato-carcinogenesis in animal models of study liver health is not paid much attention to, even though it affects a large part of the population.

The presence of phytochemicals such as quercetin, Gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid in amla helps in free radical scavenging and in turn, detoxifying the body.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties

Amla is also reported to possess radio modulatory, chemo modulatory, chemo preventive effects, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ant mutagenic and immunomodulatory activities, properties that are efficacious in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

The Indian gooseberry is rich in polyphenols and other compounds like Gallic acid, ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and terpenoids — all of which act as antioxidants and work in multiple ways to treat and prevent cancer.

6. Improves Metabolic Activity

Amla has demonstrated promising effects in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin secretion, among others. The above mentioned findings show that Amla has an excellent potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. Our enzymes can break down plant proteins into amino acids and reassemble them into usable proteins for our body.

7. Reduces Menstrual Discomfort

During our monthly cycle, it’s very important according to Ayurveda to keep the Apana Vata (the downward flow) in balance. This sub-dosha pretty much controls the menstrual flow and is located in the lower abdomen. Amla is an excellent Ayurveda herb to balance this Apana Vata which results in healthy and regular menstrual cycle. It strengthens the uterus and improves the reproductive health

8. Improves Gut Health

Ayurveda advocates amla for a host of health benefits, from improving digestive health to easing cough.

Rich in fiber it regulates bowel movements and also increases the production of digestive juices. It also aids the body in better absorption of the nutrients

Modern science recognizes its benefits too. Amla is basically an alkaline food, so it helps to balance the stomach acid levels and make the gut alkaline. An alkaline gut is essential for overall health and vitality.

If you are suffering from IBS, constipation or other gut issues, drink amla juice in the morning to clean your system.

9. Amla for Hair Growth and dandruff

Amla contains oodles of essential fatty acids that penetrate into the follicles, making the hair softer, shinier and voluminous. It also stimulates hair growth owing to its high iron and carotene content.

Regular application of amla hair oil serves as a conditioner and it helps in strengthening and nurturing the hair. It also makes your mane look lustrous as one single amla contains around 80 percent of moisturizing.

Amla with its vitamin C, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can stop dandruff formation. Additionally, it would also help prevent the itchy feeling that is triggered due to dandruff. You can make a hair mask of amla to treat dandruff

10. Helps for PCOS problems In women

Ancient texts in Ayurveda recommend amla for improving fertility in women. It flushes out toxins, regulates the menstrual cycle and causes hormonal balance. It also fights against the negative effects of PCOS like obesity

11. Effective in Hypertension Problems

Studies reveal that regular intake of amla helps in lowering blood pressure and also help in reducing the effects of cardiovascular diseases. Amla rich in various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants dilates blood vessels, reduces cholesterol.