Indian Gooseberry – Amla which is botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica is an Indian gooseberry. The tree is small to medium in size. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The Indian Gooseberry – Amla is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows. Usually ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian emblic is sour, bitter and astringent, and it is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat emblic steeped in salt water and red chilli powder to make the sour fruits palatable. The state of Maharashtra is one of the largest producers and suppliers of Indian gooseberries. In this region the Indian Gooseberry – Amla is commonly pickled with salt, oil, and spices. It is also used in various dishes.
Why should we consume Indian Gooseberry – Amla?
Amla improves food digestion, it balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health, promotes healthier hair, and acts as a body coolant. It has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and around 17 times that of a pomegranate. The humble Indian gooseberry deserves its super food status.
The translucent green fruit, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ meaning nectar of life because it can protect us against countless ailments from common cold, cancer to infertility. Ayurveda doctors claim that amla can help balance all the three doshas (Kapha/vista/pitta) in the body and eliminate the underlying cause of many diseases.
The vitamin C in amla is absorbed more easily by the body compared to store-bought supplements. Consume it once daily for permanent protection.
What are the benefits of Indian Gooseberry – Amla
Amla also improves eyesight Studies have showed that the carotene in amla improves vision. Daily consumption has also been linked to improvement in overall eye health as amla can reduce cataract problem, intraocular tension (the pressure you feel) as well as prevent reddening, itching and watering of eyes.
It boosts metabolism: Amla has a high fibre content and acids like tannic which help relieve constipation and make you look less bloated.
It improves immunity: Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties boost one’s immune system. A significant number of health problems including cancer are caused by oxidative damage; when body cells use oxygen, they leave harmful by-products called free radicals behind. Amla can repair the damage.
Amla Enhances beauty: Amla improves growth of hair; it slows down its greying process. It prevents dandruff, strengthens hair follicles and increases blood circulation in the scalp thereby improving hair growth. It improves skin. It is the best anti-ageing fruit. Drinking amla juice with honey every morning can give you blemish-free, healthy and glowing skin.
Helps in reducing bad cholesterol: Amla helps in reducing bad cholesterol and it helps stimulate insulin production; thus, helping in reducing the blood glucose level of diabetics. Drinking amla juice early every morning or when one’s blood pressure is raised helps keep the blood pressure level under control, too.
It relieves arthritic pain: Regular consumption of amla helps in getting relief from arthritis-related joint aches. Amla can provide relief from mouth ulcers. You simply need to dilute amla juice in half cup of water and gargle with it.
How to get maximum benefits from Indian Gooseberry – Amla?
Drinking the juice of fresh amla is the best way to get the benefits of it. Take out the seeds from 2 gooseberries and cut into small pieces. Grind these pieces in the mixer with little water and make a paste. Mix this paste in 1 cup water (sieve it if you like). Add 2 tea spoons of honey into the juice and drink it fresh.
