Introduction
Nutritionists and practitioners of indigenous medicine highly value the wonder fruit amla (Indian gooseberry). This is scientifically known as Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus Emblica.
Amla has been held in high esteem in indigenous medicine. It is acidic, diuretic, and laxative in nature. Amla is probably the richest source of vitamin C in fresh and dry states. This fruit contains a chemical substance, which prevents the oxidation of vitamins in it. The vitamin C in it is well conserved by preserving the fruit in solution or in the form of dry powder. This fruit is a rich source of pectin, thus helpful in making jams and jellies.
Amla is a rich source of antioxidants, and it contains various phytoconstituents like:
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Polyphenols.
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Tannins.
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Alkaloids.
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Flavonoids.
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Vitamins.
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Minerals.
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Amino acids.
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Proteins.
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Fibers.
Amla - Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of Amla per 100 g is as follows:
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Protein - 0.5 g.
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Energy - 58 Kcal.
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Vitamin A - 151 IU.
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Carotene - 9 mcg.
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Calcium - 50 mg.
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Iron - 1.2 mg.
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Phosphorus - 20 mg.
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Fiber - 3.4 g.
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Vitamin C - 600 mg.
Health Benefits Of Amla
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Its dried form is useful in hemorrhage, diarrhea, and dysentery. It is also helpful to treat anemia, jaundice, and dyspepsia in combination with Iron.
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It treats skin infections like acne, warts, boils, psoriasis, scabies, eczema, blisters, itching, etc.
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It gives healthy and glowing skin.
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Amla is one of the three ingredients in Triphala. This compound treats headaches, biliousness, dyspepsia, constipation, enlarged liver, and ascites.
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It strengthens heart muscles and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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It regulated blood pressure and lipids.
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It boosts the immune system.
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It reduces infection.
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It acts as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.
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It improves body resistance, provides nourishment to the nerve, and is helpful in paralytic conditions.
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Amla combats urinary problems and helps in improving the quality of sperm due to its sweet Vipaka property (taste conversion).
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It is also helpful in respiratory problems and lowers cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
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It strengthens teeth and nails.
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It helps in boosting memory power.
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It improves eyesight.
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Amla improves metabolism, helps regularize bowel movement, and aids in faster digestion.
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It treats diarrhea, but excessive consumption can cause diarrhea.
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It protects the body from simple ailments and chronic conditions.
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Amla can also cure mouth ulcers in liquid form when gargled.
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Amla also helps in reducing arthritis-related pain.
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Regular consumption of Amla can ward off the ill effects that alcohol has caused on the liver.
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The vitamin C content in the Amla strengthens and thickens arteries in the heart.
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It is hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, cytoprotective (protecting cells against harmful agents), antitumor, and antimicrobial.
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It acts as a hair tonic.
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It manages insomnia.
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It relieves stress.
What Happens When You Take Too Much of Amla?
When taken more than four or more in a day, Amla fruits can lead to:
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Dryness of the skin is associated with coldness.
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Fall in blood sugar levels, but when taken in a correct quantity, it helps lower blood glucose levels
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Burning sensation in the urinary tract and urethra while urinating due to its acidic nature.
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Aggravation of the situation if the patient is already on diabetes medications.
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Foul-smelling urine.
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Worsening of cold and cough.
Therefore, it is advisable to take Amla in the required quantity.
Is Dry Amla Good for Health?
Amla is a versatile fruit that can be consumed in various forms. Dried Amla is prepared by drying fresh amla fruits. The water from the Amla fruit is eliminated during the drying process by leaving the nutrients behind, including chromium. The benefits of dried Amla include improving eyesight and accelerating hair growth. In addition, dried Amla is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods, beneficial for most body parts, commonly used in several ayurvedic and herbal preparations. Amla oil is another form of Amla, which is very popular worldwide.
Can Milk Be Taken along with Amla?
Milk and Amla are superfoods with various health benefits enriched with various nutritional properties. But it is not advisable to have milk along with sour fruits. There should be a gap of at least 30 minutes between the intake of Amla and milk.
Can Amla Help to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
Yes, Amla improves many biomarkers that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Amla has the potential to improve mood, memory, and mental sharpness. Therefore, this age-old fruit can prevent and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. Amla can inhibit beta-amyloid, the neural plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the vitamin C and other antioxidants in the fruit can improve mental functioning and nourish the brain.
Is Amla Juice Good for Weight Loss?
Amla is one such fruit that acts as a catalyst to accelerate weight loss. Researchers say that drinking a glass of amla juice before a meal fills the stomach and causes people to eat less. Since Amla boosts metabolism, it can make one shed weight faster. In addition, Amla has high fiber content and acids like tannic, which help relieve constipation and reduces bloating.
How to Incorporate Amla into Your Daily Routine?
The best way is to have amla juice on an empty stomach every day, diluting it with water. A small portion (20 to 30 ml) of Amla juice is diluted in a glass of water. You can also add lemon juice and honey to this mixture. Amla can be consumed raw or can be crushed into juice.
Conclusion
Amla juice has many beneficial effects on our body, but it is essential to have in the required amount. It is a treasure of several vitamins and supplements and must be eaten during winter.