Amla: 8 Reasons to eat everyday
Amla has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry, and around 17 times that of a pomegranate. The humble Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, truly deserves its superfood status.
The translucent green fruit, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amalaki’ meaning “nectar of life”, can protect us against countless ailments, be it the common cold, cancer, or infertility. Ayurveda doctors claim that amla can help balance the three doshas (Kapha/Vata/pitta) in the body and eliminate the underlying cause of many diseases.
If you are not already convinced, read this long list of amla’s health benefits and you would know why you should indulge in this sour treat daily.
1. It helps fight the common cold
The vitamin C in amla is absorbed more easily by the body compared to store-bought supplements. Mix two teaspoons of the best amla powder in India with two teaspoons of honey and have it three to four times a day for instant relief when you have a cold or a cough or consume once daily for permanent protection.
2. It improves eyesight
Studies have shown that the carotene in amla improves vision. Daily consumption has also been linked to improvement in overall eye health as amla can reduce cataract problem, intraocular tension (the pressure you feel) as well as prevent reddening, itching, and watering of eyes. So don’t wait to buy amla juice to be benefited from the natural goodness of amla.
3. It burns fat
This is the least talked-about yet most exciting benefit of amla. A protein present in amla helps prevent cravings. Regular consumers say drinking a glass of amla juice before a meal fills them up and makes them eat less. Nutritionists say amla boosts metabolism too, making one shed weight faster. Amla has high fibre content and acids like tannic which help relieve constipation and make you look less bloated. So when you go looking for things that can help you lose weight, do yourself a favour and buy amla juice.
4. It builds immunity
Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties boost one’s immune system. A significant number of health problems including cancer are caused by oxidative damage when body cells use oxygen, they leave harmful by-products called free radicals behind. Considering amla is a potent antioxidant agent, it can prevent and repair the damage. Remember when your mother told you to eat the amla murabba? You should definitely buy amla murabba now or make one!
5. Amla beautifies hair
Amla like curry leaves is a proven tonic for hair. It slows down greying, prevents dandruff, strengthens hair follicles, and increases blood circulation to the scalp thereby improving hair growth. Amla also acts as a natural conditioner giving you soft shimmering locks. You could apply amla oil or mix the best amla powder in India into henna for a hair pack.
6. It improves skin
Amla is the best anti-ageing fruit. Drinking amla juice with honey every morning can give you blemish-free, healthy and glowing skin.
7. It helps manage chronic conditionsAmla is loaded with chromium which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and also helps stimulate insulin production, thereby reducing the blood glucose level of diabetics. Drinking amla juice early every morning or when one’s blood pressure is raised helps keep the blood pressure level under control, too.
8. It relieves pain
Be it arthritis-related joint aches or painful mouth ulcers, amla can provide relief owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. For ulcers, you simply need to dilute amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.