Amla, also referred as Indian Gooseberry, provides numerous health benefits ascribed to the remarkable content of Vitamin C. The key functions provided by this citrus fruit include improved food absorption, liver fortification, balancing stomach acid, brain refreshment, mental functioning, eliminates free radicals, and the list is unending. Although highly nourishing, this fruit tastes sour.
Adding further, it is considered remedial for numerous health ailments and is, therefore, used in Ayurvedic medicinal therapies. Besides being rich in Vitamin C, Amla also contains numerous other vitamins and minerals like phosphorous, carotene, calcium, iron and Vitamin B complex. Furthermore, Amla is also believed to be an effective anti-oxidant.
Amla & Health Benefits
Most of health ailments occur due to oxidative damage which can be repaired by anti-oxidants, like vitamin C. Other health benefits of Amla include:
Hair Benefits
Amla is known to provide enriching hair pigmentation and hair growth as well. Moreover, it strengthens hair roots in addition to improving and maintaining the lustrous color and sheen of hair. Eating fresh Amla or application of Amla paste on scalp provides improved hair growth.
Amla is also used in the form of oil and is known to control baldness and hair loss. This quality of the fruit is attributed to the content of carotene and iron combined with the antioxidant qualities that prevent hair fall by preventing free radicals from damaging hair follicles.
Eye Care
Amla juice combined with honey shows effective results in improvement of eyesight as well as cataracts and nearsightedness in addition to reduction of intra-ocular tension. This quality is because of the carotene content contained in the fruit. Vitamin A and carotenes are also known to control macular degeneration and night blindness thus strengthening the vision that can occur with growing age.
Calcium Absorption
Although not much popular, calcium absorption is one of the important health benefits provided by Amla. Calcium is one of the key components contained in our teeth, bones and nails besides ensuring lustrous and beautiful hair. It is, therefore, recommended to eat fruits with high content of vitamin C to not only look but also have the feel of a healthy body.
Menstrual Cramps
Amla contains some highly efficient vitamins and minerals that jointly make the fruit helpful in treating menstrual cramps. However, it is recommended to have Amla on a daily basis to make it stay in the system thus reducing the occurrence of menstrual cramps.
Diabetes
Amla contains essential Chromium content. This mineral features a therapeutic essence for patients with diabetes. Amla is known to stimulate the cells responsible for the secretion of insulin, thus regulating the blood sugar levels in diabetic patient and maintaining the health.
Diuretic activity
Amla is a fruit with diuretic nature for containing high content of water. This implies that it raises the urinary frequency, thus providing for detoxification of your body. Moreover, more urination implies elimination of excess salt, water, and uric acid from the body.
Digestion
Containing high content of fibre, this citrus fruit helps in improving digestion, as well as helping with constipation. Where on one hand fibre adds bulk to stool for easy bowel movements, it also, conversely, bulk up loose stool to help diarrhea. Furthermore, the fibre content contained in Amla also instigates the secretion of digestive and gastric juices for better digestion process.
In addition to the above mentioned health benefits of Amla, this fruit is also known for its anti-aging qualities for it controls the quantity of free radicals responsible for aging signs like age spots and wrinkles. Taken in either form, dry or fresh, Amla can really work wonders for your health, if consumed on a regular basis.