Amla

Amla is a fruit with a lot of health benefits. It is also known as Indian gooseberry. Amla is cultivated throughout India and nearby countries. The whole plant — including its seeds, leaves, and fruits — has been used in traditional Indian medicine since time immemorial.

The name of this green fruit comes from the Sanskrit word "amlaki," which means "nectar of life." Phyllanthus emblica and Emblica officinalis are two of their scientific names.

The plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. It has light-green simple leaves. The tree blooms with greenish-yellow flowers from the start of the spring. By autumn, the flowers will ripen into a nearly spherical-shaped edible fruit. The amla fruit's taste is described as bitter, sour, and astringent.

 

Amla in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the world’s oldest healing system, developed more than 3,000 years ago. The roots of Ayurveda originate from the Indian subcontinent and its Vedic heritage. Ayurveda is a holistic medical system. It is based on the idea that health and wellness depend on the balance between a person’s body, mind, and spirit.

Amla has very important uses in Ayurveda. We often consider the fruit as a natural boon. Amla is a magical fruit with a high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants. It offers many health benefits. Flavonols in amla are good for improving memory.

There are three doshas in Ayurveda, which are Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. The coldness in amla is attributed to the reduction of the Pitta dosha. The sourness of amla decreases the Vata dosha and the sharp nature of amla helps to keep the Kapha dosha properly.

 

Benefits of amla

Amla has been known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. We can use amla in a variety of forms, like dry, powder, juice, oil, and tablets. It is a fruit rich in nutrients and has a lot of health benefits. Let us explore the five most important benefits of amla, which are mentioned below:

Amla as an immunity booster

The immune system is a network of proteins and cells in our body. It is essential for our survival. The immune system in our body will protect us from infections caused by various microorganisms. The immune system is important to ensure a healthy body.

Amla is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids. All these compounds in amla are immunity boosters. Vitamin C in amla helps to increase the white blood cell count in the body. White blood cells are made from powerful antioxidants and vitamins and can boost our immunity.

Amla is a common ingredient in almost every Ayurvedic product. Drinking amla juice can detox and revitalize the body. It is a natural immunity booster that we use in various products we make in Ayurprabhava. It is also one of the key ingredients in Antidiamix, our antidiabetic medication.

 

Amla for diabetes

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease. About 415 million people in the world are suffering from it. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels or sugar levels become high. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1; type 2 diabetes; and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that cannot be cured. But we can reduce the symptoms through a healthy lifestyle and proper medication.

Amla shares an important space in diabetic medicine. It is a traditional remedy for controlling blood sugar levels. Chromium in amla can control the metabolism of carbohydrates, which keeps our blood sugar levels in an adequate range. Amla can also control sudden sugar spikes after eating.

We can also add amla to our diabetic diet and it can help with our blood sugar levels. This is why we are using amla as one of the key ingredients in Ayurprabhava’s Antidiamix. 

 

Amla improves digestion

Digestion is a complex process in our body that converts food particles into nutrients. What remains after digestion is excreted as waste material. In this process, food particles break down into smaller compounds that our bodies can easily absorb. Proper digestion is an important process for our body.

Amla is rich in fiber, which is essential for digestion. Eating amla is highly beneficial for people who have digestion and constipation-related problems. Fiber can help reduce constipation and improve digestion. Vitamin C in amla is an effective compound that can absorb other nutrients. Amla can also assist in the production of gastric juices, which are essential for digestion.

 

Amla for skin and hair care

Skin and hair are the outermost organs that act as a shield for our bodies. They are responsible for the protection of our internal organs from exposure to external elements and microbial attacks. These organs also play an important role in creating a unique physical identity for every individual. Good skin and hair care can help keep us healthy and hygienic. People are getting more and more sensitive about skin and hair care these days. As a result, there is a huge demand for cosmetic products for skin care and hair care.

Amla is rich in micronutrients like vitamin A and C, which are essential for the health of skin and hair. Amino acids and minerals in amla can increase blood circulation to the scalp by massaging. Using amla in our hair helps to strengthen our hair from the roots, and reduces hair fall and greying of hair.

Taking amla juice can decrease pigmentation, wrinkles, and signs of aging on the skin. It can help in the regeneration of skin cells and the removal of dead skin. Regular consumption of amla helps with the production of collagen. Collagen is important for smooth and soft skin. Antioxidants in amla play an important role in hydrating the skin.

Overall, amla is an important ingredient in skin care and hair care products. It is present in most natural-based products from most brands.

 

Amla lowers cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance present inside our cells. Our body needs some amount of cholesterol for processes like making hormones and digesting food. But if we have too much cholesterol in our body, it can harm our body and cause dangerous health conditions like heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.

Consuming raw amla can reduce unwanted cholesterol levels. Vitamin C, present inside amla, can repair and regenerate body tissues. Amla can destroy the bad cholesterol in the arteries and can increase heart health. According to research, amla can help lower cholesterol by increasing high-density lipoprotein levels.

 

Facts about Amla

• The largest producer of amla

In India, the amla tree is cultivated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of amla in India.

• A sacred tree in India

Amla has been regarded as a sacred tree in India.  Some people believe that the God Vishnu resides in the tree.

• The Weight of amla

The average weight of an amla fruit is only between 60-70 gms.

• Amla tree is bisexual

The flowers of the amla tree are bisexual, which means each flower has both male and female structures.

• More vitamin c

100 g of amla contains 600 mg of vitamin C. So, eating one or two fresh amlas per day can help us get our daily dose of vitamin C.

 

FAQ

What is the taste of amla?

Amla has a slightly bitter and sour taste.

 

What is the English name for amla?

Amla is known as Indian gooseberry in English.

 

Can we eat boiled amla?

We can eat amla by boiling it with turmeric powder and salt.

 

Is amla good for the teeth?

The antibacterial property of amla can prevent cavity-causing bacteria in teeth and can help us maintain healthy teeth and gums.

 

Can we drink amla juice daily?

Drinking amla juice daily is beneficial as it improves immunity and has many other benefits.

 

Conclusion

Amla is a super fruit with tons of health benefits. Ayurvedic and other holistic medicinal systems regularly utilize the rejuvenating properties of amla in their medicines. Amla is used in numerous medicines and products for diabetes, skincare, haircare, cholesterol, brain boosters, etc. Modern medicine is catching up with the properties of amla. The number of clinical studies to prove the benefits of amla is increasing rapidly. We are looking forward to exploring more about the health benefits of amla that are still unknown.