Good
Side of Amla/Amlaki/Gooseberry
Amalaki is a natural remedy long used in Ayurveda (the alternative medicine of India). Sometimes referred to as amla or Indian gooseberry, Amalaki is sourced from Emblica officinalis (a tree native to tropical regions in southeastern Asia).
The
Indian gooseberry, known locally as Amla, is a tree
that is famous for its nutrient rich fruits. It has been a common ingredient in
the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda.
It’s a potent source of Vitamin C and also contains iron and calcium. Because
it is so versatile, it has become a favourite among
the health conscious masses.
Hair Care
Amla is used in many hair tonics
because it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens the
roots, maintains color, and improves luster. Eating fresh gooseberry or
applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color. Amla oil is very popular in India because it has been shown
to reduce the chances of hair loss and baldness. This quality is due to the
carotene content of amla, as well as its iron content
and antioxidant capacity, which reduces hair loss by not allowing free radicals
to damage hair follicles or impact the hormones that can cause premature hair
loss.
Slows Down Ageing
Amla is virtually a superfruit. It is full of antioxidants that are effective
in reducing cell damage. It reduces the effects of free radicals (which are
responsible for damaging protein, DNA, and cell membranes) and thus effectively
combats the aging process.
Makes Skin Glow
Because
it’s packed with vitamin C, Amla gives your skin a
smooth and youthful look (15). It is known to exfoliate skin and remove dead
skin cells. Amla juice can also be used as a face
mask. Simply leave it on your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off.
Amla
for Digestion
From
an Ayurvedic perspective, digestion begins with the
experience of taste and amla contains five of the six
tastes, lacking only the salty taste. Further, amla
sharpens the sense of taste itself and so it is both stimulating and tonifying to the first stage of digestion. Amla also improves appetite and kindles agni (the digestive fire), which are both at the core
of healthy digestion. Despite the fact that its predominant taste is sour, amla stokes the digestive fire without aggravating pitta And, amla
cleanses and protects the liver, which plays a critical role in transforming
food into physiologically useful nourishment. Because pitta
and agni are so intimately
connected, the health of the digestive fire suffers when pitta
is aggravated. Amla is particularly suited to
clearing excess pitta from the digestive tract; its
bitter taste and cooling energy help to flush excess heat out through the
bowel. Amla can be especially supportive to digestion
during the summer months when heat tends to accumulate in the body,
particularly for those with pitta-predominant
constitutions.
High Cholesterol
Amalaki may help prevent hyperlipidemia (a condition marked by abnormally high
levels of cholesterol and other blood fats), according to a 2007 study from the
British Journal of Nutrition. In tests on rats, the study's authors found that Amalaki may help fight hyperlipidemia
by curbing oxidative stress.
Antibacterial properties
Amla berry extract
has been shown to be an effective antibacterial against illness causing
bacteria like staphylococcus and cholerae. It has
even been demonstrated to combat ulcer causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Improving
liver function.
Studies
show amla powder benefits include reducing oxidative
stress on the liver by increasing master antioxidants glutathione and
superoxide dismutase.
Cures A Sore Throat
If
you’ve got a pesky sore throat problem, then Amla is
the fruit for you. Amla juice mixed with a few pieces
of chopped ginger and mixed with a tablespoon of honey has been proven to be an
effective treatment for a cough and a sore throat.
Purifies Blood
Because
it is packed with antioxidants, Amla works as a blood
purifier. It also increases haemoglobin and red blood
cells count.
Fights Against Heart
Disease
High
cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease. By reducing the build up of bad cholesterol, Amla
reduces the risk of heart disease. It also reduces clogging in the arteries by
boosting good cholesterol or HDL. Studies have also shown its benefits in
preventing the thickening of blood vessel walls, the first sign of heart
disease.
Eye Care
Drinking Gooseberry juice with honey is good
for improving eyesight and studies have shown it to improve near-sightedness
and cataracts while reducing intra-ocular tension. This is mainly due to its
impressive carotene content, which has long been known for its powerful effect
on vision-related conditions, including those that stem from the free radical
activity. Vitamin A and carotenes reduce macular degeneration and night
blindness while strengthening your vision before the age-related degeneration
from free radicals can occur.
High Blood Pressure
A
study published in Cardiovascular Toxicology in 2011 found that Amalaki may help prevent the development and progression of
high blood pressure. In an experiment involving rats, scientists determined
that antioxidants found in Amalaki may help normalize
blood pressure in part by reducing oxidative stress.
Diabetes
Amalaki may help protect against diabetic
complications, suggests a 2012 study from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
In the study, researchers found that treating rats with Amalaki
reduced risk of diabetic complications by improving the animals' antioxidant
status and neutralizing free radicals.[N.B: Zinc is also reduce diabetes complications and here is - Zinc benefits]
Cancer Protection
One of the most interesting and important
areas of amla research is in the field of cancer
prevention. Alongside its powerful antioxidant effects, the Indian gooseberry
has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic,
chemopreventive, antiproliferative
and immunomodulatory properties that are beneficial
in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Osteoporosis and Arthritis Treatment
Certain
cells known as osteoclasts are involved in bone loss
in osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found an amla extract was able to induce cell death in mature osteoclasts, thus potentially limiting the damage they can
do to our bodies bones and joints.
Amla
for Rejuvenation
Amla is a highly revered rasayana (rejuvenative) for the
entire system. Specifically, it promotes youthfulness, bolsters immunity, tonifies all the body’s tissues and promotes overall health
and well-being. It is a brain tonic, it promotes memory, and its sattvic nature fosters subtle awareness, balanced emotions,
and clarity of mind.
Calcium Absorption
One
of the less discussed benefits of amla is how it
helps the body absorb calcium in a positive way. Calcium is an essential
component of our bones, teeth, and nails, and also ensures that we have
beautiful lustrous hair. So, eating a vitamin C-rich fruit like the Indian
gooseberry is a great way to keep your body looking and feeling great.
Improves Metabolic Activity
Eating
foods that are high in protein is one of the most important ways to stay
healthy since proteins are an essential part of our body’s metabolic
activities. Our enzymes can break down plant proteins into amino acids and
reassemble them into usable proteins for our body. Protein is necessary for
cellular growth, muscle development, organ health, and
a wide range of metabolic activities that we need to remain healthy.
Treats Menstrual Cramps
The
minerals and vitamins in amla combine to make it very
useful in the treatment of menstrual cramps. Since it takes a while for the
necessary elements to accrue in the body, it is better to consume amla on a regular basis so that its nutrients are always in
the system and menstrual cramps can be prevented.
Increases Diuretic Activity
Any
fruit that is diuretic in nature improves the frequency and volume of urination.
Because urination helps your body release unwanted toxins, salts, and uric
acid, consumption of Amla has a detoxifying effect on
your body.
Prevents Formation Of
Gall Bladder Stones
Extra
cholesterol is the primary cause of gall bladder stones. Vitamin C converts the
cholesterol into bile in the liver. Consuming Amla
regularly reduces the chances of a build-up of cholesterol as well as the
likelihood of any pesky gallstones. It also keeps the gallbladder functioning
well and in perfect health.
Anti-Inflammatory
It
reduces the level of acid in the stomach and combats stomach inflammation. It
also keeps the liver in check and flushes out unhealthy toxins.
Strengthens Bones
Amla is excellent for strengthening
bones not just because of its high calcium content, but also for the fact that
it lowers osteoclasts. These are the cells
responsible for breaking up bones. Thus regularly consuming Amla
will result in stronger bones.
Cools The Body
Amla has three times the vitamin C of
an orange. Vitamin C improves tannin levels in the body that shield from heat
and light. It keeps your skin cool in the summer by regulating the heat.
Purifies Blood
Because
it is packed with antioxidants, Amla works as a blood
purifier. It also increases haemoglobin and red blood
cells count.
Relieves Diarrhea & Dysentery
Due
to its strong cooling and laxative properties, Gooseberry is a useful component
in remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. It provides great relief for the
gastric syndrome and hyperchlorhydria (burning
sensation in the abdomen). As a laxative, it helps flush out toxins or harmful
substances that cause discomfort or illness, so the healing process can begin.
It then cools the burning sensation and reduces the discomfort often felt
during diarrhea.
Improves Appetite
Consuming
Gooseberry powder with butter and honey before a meal improves appetite. It
also helps balance nitrogen levels, thereby increasing weight in a healthy way.
Prevents Constipation
Because
of its high fiber content, Amla is great for the
digestive system. A happy side-effect of this is its effectiveness against
constipation.
Prevents Jaundice
Because
of its antibacterial nature, Amla prevents infections
like jaundice and scurvy. Consuming Amla on a daily basis
in the liquid form is the most efficient way to fight off these infections.
Gastric Ulcer Prevention and Treatment
Amla health benefits also include
preventing and even treating ulcers. An extract of Emblica
Officinalis (Indian gooseberry) was shown to inhibit
the growth of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, responsible for painful gastric
ulcers.