Some fruits have always had a special place in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Considered a superfood that originated in India, amla, or Indian gooseberry is a nutrient-dense fruit that offers a wide range of health benefits. Consumed raw, made into a juice, or used as an extract, amla is imbued with anti-inflammatory properties it can help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, soothe asthma, cure cough, fight anemia, and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions. In this article let us explore how this little gooseberry can be used for curing illnesses and staying fit and how to make simple chutney from it.
Also Read: Dry Ginger /Saunth Powder: Nutrition, Health Benefits, And Uses Of This Wonder Spice
Superhigh concentration of vitamin c which is several times higher than the vitamin C content of an orange, the antioxidant properties of amla are another reason for its popularity. These components help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, the fruit has ample phytochemicals. These are plant-based antioxidants that combat cell damage.
Also Read: Amla: Benefits, Uses For Hair and Health Conditions, Supplements And Recipes
Eating amla fruit whole or drinking it as juice is likely safe for most people and does not have any serious side effects. The fruit is currently available in the following forms:
- Fresh fruit
- Powders
- Capsules
- Dried fruit
- Juice
- Supplements
- Sweetly pickled form
Shop From Our Wide Range Of Health Supplements
Here are some health benefits when this fruit is eaten in any form or as a supplement:
Digestive Health: Amla aids digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes and relieving symptoms of indigestion.
Heart Health: The high fiber content in this berry can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Enhanced Hair Health: Amla is known to promote hair growth, prevent premature greying, and strengthen hair follicles.
Skin Health: Amla is beneficial for skin health as it helps in collagen production, leading to firmer and more youthful skin and enhanced skin elasticity and hydration.
Hair Health: Massaging hair oil into the scalp aids hair health.
Diabetes Management: Consuming the fruit may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with diabetes.
Detoxification: Amla aids in detoxifying the body by promoting liver function and eliminating toxins from the system.
Weight Management: Amla is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet as it helps keep you full and aids in digestion.
Maintaining Cholesterols: Amla juice powder has been used since age old times to lower blood fat (triglyceride levels) and LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol and increase HDL high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol.
How Can Amla Be Used In Food?
Here is one super easy amla and ginger powder recipe that can be a delicious way to consume this fruit all year around
Amla Saunth Chutney
Ingredients
8 -10 pieces of fresh amla
2 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar
1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon
2 tbsp of oil
Method:
Wash the gooseberries, steam them for 15 minutes, cut upon cooling
Remove seeds and keep them aside
Heat oil in a pan add cumin seeds and let it crackle
Add steamed amla and cook it
Add the ginger powder and jaggery
Add the lemon
Once it gets mixed, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Transfer into a glass jar and refrigerate
Enjoy the tangy ginger, amla chutney for a few weeks
Nutrition:
The wonder fruit has significant vitamin C that helps to fight off infections and bolster immunity levels. It also contains antioxidants to let the free radicals stay off the body and prevent many mild to cure illnesses.
References:
Functional and Nutraceutical Significance of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.): A Review
Maryam Gul,1,† Zhi-Wei Liu,2,† Iahtisham-Ul-Haq,3 Roshina Rabail,1 Fatima Faheem,1 Noman Walayat,4 Asad Nawaz,5 Muhammad Asim Shabbir,1,* Paulo E. S. Munekata,6,* José M. Lorenzo
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9137578/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6926135/
Disclaimer
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
