Amla - a Treasure of Vitamin C

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 the richest source of vitamin C in fresh and dry states. This fruit contains a chemical substance that prevents the oxidation of vitamins. The vitamin C in it is well conserved by preserving the fruit in solution or dry powder. This fruit is a rich source of pectin, making it helpful in making jams and jellies.

What Is Amla Fruit?

The scientific name of this fruit is Phyllanthus emblica, also called gooseberry. It grows on the blossoming tree. The tiny berries have a present yellow-green color and a spherical shape. Even though they have a strong sour taste, their flavor can improve recipes.

Amla is a natural stimulant that improves mental and physical stamina by decreasing fatigue and anxiety and removing toxins from the body. The entire fruit juice can be ingested, or amla can be used in powdered form and added to soups, smoothies, tea, and water.

Vitamin C can be found in large amounts in amla. Although people may be used to consuming orange juice to meet the requirements for the potent antioxidant, it is readily available in amla.

Amla is a rich source of antioxidants, and it contains various phytoconstituents like:

• Polyphenols.

• Tannins.

• Alkaloids.

• Flavonoids.

• Vitamins.

• Minerals.

• Amino acids.

• Proteins.

• Fibers.

Amla - Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of Amla per 100 g is as follows:

• Protein - 0.5 g.

• Energy - 58 Kcal.

• Vitamin A - 151 IU.

• Carotene - 9 mcg.

• Calcium - 50 mg.

• Iron - 1.2 mg.

• Phosphorus - 20 mg.

• Fiber - 3.4 g.

• Vitamin C - 600 mg.

Health Benefits Of Amla

• Its dried form is useful in hemorrhage, diarrhea, and dysentery. It is also helpful in treating anemia, jaundice, and dyspepsia in combination with Iron.

• It treats skin infections like acne, warts, boils, psoriasis, scabies, eczema, blisters, itching, etc.

• It gives healthy and glowing skin.

• Amla is one of the three ingredients in Triphala. This compound treats headaches, biliousness, dyspepsia, constipation, enlarged liver, and ascites.

• It strengthens heart muscles and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• It regulates blood pressure and lipids.

• It boosts the immune system.

• It reduces infections.

• It acts as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.

• It improves body resistance, nourishes the nerve, and is helpful in paralytic conditions.

• Amla combats urinary problems and helps improve sperm quality due to its sweet Vipaka property (taste conversion).

• It is also helpful for respiratory problems and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• It strengthens teeth and nails.

• It helps boost memory power.

• It improves eyesight.

• Amla improves metabolism, helps regular bowel movement, and aids in faster digestion.

• It treats diarrhea, but excessive consumption can cause diarrhea.

• It protects the body from simple ailments and chronic conditions.

• Amla can also cure mouth ulcers in liquid form when gargled.

• Amla also helps in reducing arthritis-related pain.

• Regular consumption of Amla can ward off the ill effects that alcohol has caused on the liver.

• The vitamin C content in the amla strengthens and thickens arteries in the heart.

• It is hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, cytoprotective (protecting cells against harmful agents), antitumor, and antimicrobial.

• It acts as a hair tonic.

• It manages insomnia.

• It relieves stress.

What Happens When One Takes Too Much Amla?

When taken more than four or more times a day, amla fruits can lead to:

• The dryness of the skin is associated with coldness.

• Fall in blood sugar levels, but when taken in the correct quantity, it helps lower blood glucose levels.

• Burning sensation in the urinary tract and urethra while urinating due to its acidic nature.

• Aggravation of the situation if the patient is already on diabetes medications.

• Foul-smelling urine.

• Worsening 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, and 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 and are 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 fruit's vitamin C and other antioxidants 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 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 a high fiber content and acids like tannic, which help relieve constipation and reduce bloating.

How to Incorporate Amla into The 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 water. One can also add lemon juice and honey to this mixture. Amla can be consumed raw or crushed into juice.

Conclusion

Amla juice has many beneficial effects on the body, but it is essential to have it in the required amount. It is a treasure trove of several vitamins and supplements and must be eaten during the winter. Excessive consumption of amla can make the problem severe. It may result in dandruff, itching, hair loss, and other hair-related issues. Additionally, some of the fruit's components could cause dehydration.