Amla- A Small but Super Fruit

Amla-A Small but Super Fruit

Amla –Indian Goosbarry

"Amla is better than Vitamin C of the synthetic form." ~ Andrew, Illinois

Amla is the richest source of Vitamin C in natural form (30 times the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges), and contains rich minerals, amino acids and pectin.

 Amla's antioxidant Vitamin C, unlike synthetic Vitamin C, does not lose its value through processing due to the presence of tannins in Amla.

Pharmacological Properties of Amla

Amla is a proven antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, yeast inhibiting, nematicidal, anabolic, anti-hepatoxic, anti-hyperhidrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive relieving properties.

Benefits of Amla

·         Anti aging:   Being rich in Vitamin C, amla has great antioxidant properties. It helps in fighting free radicals that are responsible for ageing and cell degeneration.

·         Weight Loss : people who have a tendency to gain weight easily tend to have poor metabolism. The better your metabolism, the better the body's ability to burn fat and keep you slim. As amla enhances metabolism, it helps you lose weight faster.

·         Healthy Skin : Regular use of pain killers, antibiotics and medication, regular intake of alcohol, all cause toxin build-up in the liver. Amla helps strengthen the liver, and rid the body of these toxins. It thus helps purify and clean the blood. This is why amla is good for the skin, and if taken in combination with neem, it can help clear out pimples that are caused due to impure blood.

·          Control hair loss: Its internal use as well as its local application on scalp helps to control hair loss. It stimulates hair follicles thus promoting hair growth and also improves texture of the hair. It also prevents premature graying of hairs and dandruff.

·         Lower Cholesterol: Amla's pectin decreases serum cholesterol in human beings. It inhibits platelets aggregation and lowers cholesterol levels. Amla has been shown in studies to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by 16% while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol by 25%. Amla juice contains polyphenols which helps to control high blood pressure.

·          Control sugar level: It is also very useful in controlling blood sugar level. Amla contains chromium. It has a  therapeutic value in diabetes. It is known to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. This decreases the blood sugar.

·          Improves eyesight: It is very useful in improving eyesight. It also counters diseases like reddening, itching and watering of eyes. It has also shown some good results in cataracts.

·         Amla ensures better digestion of food and also balances stomach acid.

·         Amla  is associated with fortification of liver and nourishment of the brain, resulting in better mental functioning.

·         Iron and various other minerals are not always easily absorbed by the body. Amla is a fruit that enhances food absorption and thus helps you get the most out of the food you eat. It helps the body digest food better and assimilate minerals like iron.

·         . It also strengthens the body's central nervous system. It is a gentle laxative and helps cure constipation

These are just some of the reasons to include an amla in your daily diet.