After the hot summers and humid monsoons, the winters kick-start the season of the Indian gooseberry, better known as amla. It is an extremely sour fruit. Though you might not find the taste of amla appealing, don’t be quick to dismiss it- it’s rich in Vitamin C and also loaded with a range of polyphenols (antioxidants) like tannins, flavonoids, etc.
What makes our Desi Superfood so super?
- Reduces infection and enhances immunity – Amla has anti-bacterial properties. Also, vitamin C in amla helps to boost immunity which helps to improve cough and treat cold.
- Powerful Antioxidant – As mentioned above, amla is a rich source of antioxidants which help prevent damage against the free radicals in the body and fight different types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Promotes Hair Growth –
antioxidants reduce hair loss by not allowing free radicals to damage hair follicles. Amla also enhances hair growth and prevents premature greying. Also, washing hair with decoction of amla helps to remove dryness from scalp and treats dandruff.
- Detoxifies your body – Amla increases the frequency and volume of urination. It has high water content which helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
- Prevents Ageing – High antioxidants in amla prevent cells from free radical damage.Also Vitamin C in amla promotes collagen formation and mitigates the effects of free radicals, helping to maintain firm and youthful skin.
- Management of Metabolic Syndrome – Amla therapy resulted in good glycemic control, blood pressure (both systolic & diastolic) and lipid profile.
- Digestive Tract –
30 ml fresh amla juice taken on an empty stomach in the morning helps to relieve acidity. Whereas, amla powder taken in the night with lukewarm water helps to relieve constipation.
How can you include Amla to your diet?
- Eat it fresh
- Can be taken in the form of amla juice (consume fresh juice to get the most benefits)
- Make amla chutney (to enhance the taste use green garlic)
How much can you take?
Though there is no documented toxicity caused by over consumption of amla, it is always safer to take only 1-3 grams of amla per day for therapeutic benefits.
How do you incorporate amla to your diet?
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