Introduction
If you are new to the wonderful health benefits of amla then read on and find out why you too should be incorporating it into your life. Also known as an Indian gooseberries, amla is native to Asia and has a unique flavour. Amla health benefits are immense and as they are rich in vitamins provide an excellent means of adding extra nutrients into your diet. The ancient life science Ayurveda strongly recommends eating amla in some form daily to boost immunity, metabolism and longevity.
What is Amla?
Indian gooseberry or amla is mostly available during the winter months and is known for its unique mix of flavours from sweet and pungent to tangy, sour, astringent and bitter. Owing to the mix of these five tastes it is considered as a divine medicine in Ayurveda and recognised for its benefits towards the functioning of the body and mind.
The small round berries in hues of bright yellow or green are known to be a powerhouse of nutrients with immense health benefits which is why many incorporate it in their diets. Amla is available in the UK and can even be purchased online for further convenience from UK health retailers.
What is the nutrition value of Amla?
The amla fruit’s healing and medicinal properties are innumerable and well known being rich in antioxidants, loaded with vitamin C, iron, vitamin B, phosphorous, carotene, fibre and protein.
What is the best way to prepare and eat Amla?
This versatile wonder fruit can be consumed raw, as juice or chutney, is excellent in pickles or can be taken as a supplement.
As a juice – With its anti-inflammatory properties it is the perfect detoxifying drink. Drinking amla juice early in the morning on an empty stomach is the best way to ensure you absorb its full benefits.
Chutneys and curries – Owing to its tart taste amla is perfect in chutneys and curries which prove to be a tasty way to absorb its nutrients.
As a pickle – Amal pickle improves digestion owing to its high fibre content and helps regulate bowel movements.
Consuming amla has so many benefits that it is worth making the effort to incorporate it into your diet as regularly as possible. It aids with weight loss and has anti-ageing properties.
Boosts your immunity – Packed with nutrients when consumed amla increases immune function and helps the body fight against viral and bacterial infections. Amla powder mixed with two teaspoons of honey provides relief from the common cold and cough, taken two to three times a day for best results. This nutrient rich fruit can also soothe inflamed airways and clear the respiratory tract.
Strengthens your digestive system – Amla has a high fibre content which is excellent for the digestive system as a cure for constipation while the alkaline nature of amla helps clear and strengthen the digestive system. Hyperacidity and preventing stomach ulcers are two more ailments that amla is known to help cure. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Reduces the risk of eye related illnesses – Adding amla to your daily diet can also significantly help improve your overall eye health thanks to its high carotene content which is responsible for improving vision. It can also assist with relieving problems such as cataract and intraocular tension while preventing itching, watering eyes and reddening.
Boosts brain function and memory – Its high concentration of vitamin C helps the body produce norepinephrine a neurotransmitter which is believed to improve brain function in people with dementia. Amla has phytonutrients and antioxidants that can benefit memory by fighting against free radicals that can attack and damage brain cells. The fruit is also beneficial to the nervous system and works as a brain tonic thanks to its cooling properties that balances emotions, improves cognitive abilities and improves memory.
Good for your cardio-vascular health – Once again thanks to its high vitamin C content amla is great for your heart health as it strengthens and thickens arteries, beneficial especially to those with high bad cholesterol. Amla shows good potential towards reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels and creating a favourable balance of lipid ratios.
Promotes healthy skin and hair – Amla is great for your hair, which is why if you want shiny and strong hair it is the fruit for you stimulating hair growth, curing dandruff, slowing down the greying and preventing hair loss. It increases the blood circulation
Conclusion
Fresh amla or in its many variant forms is something you should aim to add to your diet daily for all the above mentioned health benefits and much more.