10 Reasons to Add Amla (Gooseberry) in Your Daily Life
You must have heard this phrase before “Bitter is better”. Isn’t this what we have heard our grandparents say? Eat more bitter gourd, kale, sprouts, and radishes as they are packed with abundant health benefits.
Well, have you heard of another such superfood, Amla or Gooseberry?
Amla is a green colored translucent fruit which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ which means “nectar of life”. Amla is famous in India for its many health benefits and its quality to treat countless ailments. Ayurveda claims that amla can balance the three doshas in our body, namely: kapha, vata, pitta, thereby eliminating the underlying cause of many diseases.
Health Benefits of Amla:
A tangy fruit, Indian Gooseberry is mostly available during the winter months. This fruit is particularly famous for its unusual taste as it contains a mixture of different flavors ranging from bitter, pungent, sweet to astringent and sour. You must know that there are several health benefits of eating amla on a regular basis and there is no doubt that amla is a powerhouse of nutrients.
1. Improves Immunity:
Amla contains eight times more Vitamin C than an orange, it has twice the antioxidant power as of acai berry and 17 times that of a pomegranate. No wonder Amla is called a superfood!
The Vitamin C content of Amla makes it an excellent source of building your immunity and metabolism. It is known to fight both viral and bacterial ailments efficiently and reducing the impact of various health problems such and cancer and heart-related ailments.
2. Fights Infections and Prevents Chest Congestion:
Since Amla is a wonderful source for improving your immunity, amla powder benefits the body during viral and bacterial infections as well as while fighting from the common cold.
Amla Powder mixed with two teaspoons of honey provides relief from cough and cold when consumed around three to four times a day. Amla also aids in the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract and can soothe the inflamed airways. Therefore, Amla is used to provide relief from bronchitis, cough, and other respiratory illnesses.
3. Prevents Constipation:
The alkaline nature of Amla is known to clear and strengthen the digestive system. The high fiber content of Amla is excellent for the digestive system as it cures constipation. Amla also contains anti-inflammatory properties, therefore dried Amla powder can be used to cure hyperacidity and prevent stomach ulcers.
4. Aids Weight Management:
Amla juice benefits people who are struggling to manage their weight as it aids digestion and improves metabolism. There are several benefits of eating amla in empty stomach and many people also use amla for weight loss.
Amla juice with a pinch of salt and pepper can also aid in curbing your appetite as it keeps you full for longer durations. It also helps the body absorb nutrients and acts as a natural laxative due to its high fiber content.
5. Acts as a Natural Blood Purifier:
One of the many benefits of Indian gooseberry is that its Vitamin C content makes the blood vessels stronger and thicker. Amla acts as an antioxidant agent and efficiently detoxifies the body. Amla powder mixed with a tablespoon of honey or jaggery can act as a great natural blood purifier and can increase your hemoglobin when taken regularly.
6. Helps Manage Chronic Conditions:
Diabetes, high cholesterol, heart diseases, asthma, and cancer have become common conditions that impact a large number of people in today’s times. The good thing is there are many medicinal uses of Amla and all these chronic health conditions can be managed by consuming this superfood.
Cancer is caused by oxidative damage i.e. when body cells use oxygen, they leave a harmful by-product which is called radicals behind. Amla helps in preventing and repairing this damage. The amino acids and antioxidants aid in the overall functioning of the heart. Chromium in Amla helps the body to be more responsive to insulin and also regulates the blood sugar level, making it excellent for diabetics.
7. Improves Eyesight:
Amla contains carotene which is responsible for improving the vision. Adding Amla to your daily diet can significantly improve overall eye health and help relieve problems such as cataract, intraocular tension and can prevent reddening, itching, and watering eyes.
8. Relieves Pain:
Arthritis, joint aches, painful mouth ulcers are a few common pains experienced by people in their daily lives. Due to Amla’s anti-inflammatory properties, all these pains can be relieved by using it regularly.
To get relief from ulcers, dilute amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.
Beauty Benefits of Amla:
Yes, you read it right. There are many benefits of eating amla daily and one of them is that it is excellent for your hair and skin.
9. Amla Benefits for Hair
Have you heard people say that Amla is great for your hair? Well, they are absolutely correct!
Amla is a proven tonic for hair as it cures dandruff, prevents hair loss, slows down greying of hair, strengthens the hair follicles, and increases blood circulation to the scalp. People often use Amla for shiny and strong hair.
So, how should you apply Amla on your hair?
- You can apply Amla powder on hair by mixing it with shikakai and curd and leaving it on your scalp for half an hour
10. Amla Benefits for Skin
Struggling with dull and dehydrated skin?
Add Amla to your everyday skincare routine and experience the difference.
Amla not only gives glowing skin but it also keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. Amla is also used as a superfood for its anti-aging properties.
- Mix Amla powder with honey and yogurt to make a face pack. Wash it off after it completely dries.
- One of the many uses of amla juice is that you can consume it with honey every morning to get a blemish-free and glowing skin.
