Ayurveda is a popular treatment or a way of healing in India. It relies on natural herbs and ingredients to support its healing therapies. The concept is so popular that it even attracts visitors from abroad. Amla or Indian Gooseberry happens to be one of the natural ingredients used in Ayurvedic treatments. The presence of vital nutrients and the health benefits they offer, make Amla a likely choice for the health conscious people.
The health benefits of Amla have been known to us since the ages. It is one of the best sources of Vitamin C. Other nutrients include carotene, fiber, iron, calcium, tannic acid, phosphorus and some amount of carbohydrate.
- Excellent Antioxidant: Amla, being the richest source of Vitamin C, is an excellent antioxidant which fights the free radical. These free radicals are the unstable ions in the body and are responsible for degeneration of cells and ageing. Amla helps in rejuvenation by stabilizing these free radicals.
- Better Absorption of Iron and Minerals: Certain minerals are absorbed better in an acidic medium, and vitamin C facilitates the absorption of such minerals. Amla provides a good acidic medium as well as vitamin C in abundance and thus helps in the better absorption of iron and other minerals.
- Improved Digestive Health: The vitamin C and the fiber contents of amla are excellent for boosting digestive health. They lead to better absorption of minerals and other nutrients apart from helping in digestion. Its vitamin C boosts up metabolism along with increasing body's immunity, and its laxative effect treats constipation. Amla also improves the appetite and activates the taste buds for those who have lost interest in food due to prolonged illness.
- Weight Loss: As amla boosts up metabolism, it is a very good food if you are looking to lose some weight. People who are obese or overweight, have a sluggish metabolism and that's how the weight goes on increasing! Taking amla juice early in the morning will boost your metabolism and will provide you with unending energy to work out and achieve your weight goals.
- Detoxification: The antioxidant property of amla helps in detoxifying the liver. Those who use painkillers, antibiotics and other medications, and those who consume alcohol or are in the habit of smoking, need Amla to get rid of the toxins which pile up in the liver. This improves the overall immunity of an individual.
- Improved Skin and Hair Health: Its vitamin C content helps in purifying blood, thus keeping the skin clean and free from pimples and blemishes. Amla also nourishes hair roots and prevents premature graying of hair. It also prevents hair loss. Applying Amla juice to hair also provides good moisture to the scalp and helps against dandruff.
- Lowering of Cholesterol Level: A study conducted in a Delhi based college, states that Amla due to its antioxidant property, helps in scavenging the free radicals from the blood along with lowering the oxidation rate of the bad LDL cholesterol. Its fiber also helps in lowering the overall cholesterol content.
- Good for Diabetics: Diabetics are prone to various health problems in the long run. Taking amla on a regular basis will provide good resistance to such people against various diseases associated with the heart, liver and digestion. Amla, being low in sugar content, helps in regulating the blood sugar. Its fiber content has a similar role to play in this regard. The fiber helps in slower release of blood sugar into the bloodstream and this keeps the blood glucose level steady.
- Natural Coolant: Ayurveda considers Amla as a cool fruit. Hence this coolant is used to treat sunstrokes.
- Anti-inflammatory Agent: In certain lab studies, Amla was found to be helpful in conditions like inflammation, degenerative renal disease, cancer and diabetes. Human studies to prove this are either in progress or are yet to be performed.
