Amla or Gooseberry is a natural healing herb, which has been used in Ayurveda since time immemorial. There are numerous nutrients and health benefits of Gooseberries that make their inclusion essential in your daily diet.
Amla has a very high significance in Ayurveda and is recognized as a Rasayana Ayurvedic herb. It is believed that the fruit maintains Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, three basic forms which are present in the body, and thus helps strike a balance, making it a Tridoshic fruit. Gooseberry medicinal uses are well and it is considered an effective antioxidant with many nutritional benefits, such as strengthening the digestive system, increasing immunity, and providing the foundation for a long life.
Let’s discuss some exciting benefits of consuming it and a few tricks on how to use it.
1. Rich in Vitamin C
Amla is packed with valuable nutrients like Vitamin C that help in improving the body’s immunity. Daily intake can boost immunity, shorten cold outbreaks, and enhance skin condition. The antioxidants contained in Amla protect from the resulting oxidative stress and the development of chronic diseases.
Quick Tip: Start your morning with a glass of Amla juice for an immunity boost.
2. Improves Digestion
Gooseberry is also rich in fiber and thus helps in the digestion of foods as well as preventing constipation. It supports the secretion of digestion enzymes hence facilitating easy passage of stool. Further, Amla aids in the maintenance of healthy stomach acids and therefore, acts as an herbal medicine for indigestion and acidity.
Quick Tip: Add Amla powder to your smoothies or sprinkle it on salads to support digestion.
3. Promotes Hair and Skin Health
Gooseberry has been used by generations to improve hair growth and the quality of the hair. It has several benefits for hair as its nutritional value feeds the hair roots, eradicates dandruff, and decreases hair loss. Gooseberries are also rich in antioxidants which help remove tan or pigmentation making the skin radiant and helping delay the aging process.
Quick Tip: Apply Amla oil to your hair and scalp to get better and healthier hair. You can also make a face pack with gooseberry, Multani Mitti and rose water for glowing skin.
4. Manages Blood Sugar Levels
One of Gooseberry medicinal uses is that this fruit is also heart-friendly and very good for diabetic patients since it stabilises the blood sugar level. The fiber content reduces the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the body while chromium content improves the efficiency of insulin.
Quick Tip: Drinking Amla juice or raw Amla in the morning or on an empty stomach gives the best results to manage the blood sugar.
5. Enhances Heart Health
The presence of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber in Amla helps lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, and improve overall heart health. Regular consumption of gooseberry can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Quick Tip: Mix Amla powder with honey and warm water for a heart-healthy tonic.
