Powerful Health Benefits of Amla for Immunity & Hair Care

It contains a lot of vitamin C and strengthens immunity and skin and hair to be vibrant while preventing most infections like cough and cold. Amla does the heart good; it has its effects on blood sugar levels, aids digestion, and detoxification. Thus, the traditional medicines make it a real ornament of health.

What Is an Indian Gooseberry(Amla)?

The Indian gooseberry or amla from Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica is a rather sour, nutrient-dense fruit of a tree occurring in India, the Middle East, and a number of other countries in Southeast Asia. In India, the fruit is termed amla, whereas the term Amalaki is used in Sanskrit. Because of its potent antioxidant properties, it has been popular since ancient times in Ayurveda for skin and hair health and, by extension, the body’s overall immunity. It falls under the family Euphorbiaceae. The ripening of this fruit takes place in autumn in the place of wet forests and hills in the Indian subcontinent, and is regarded as sacred in India.

The fruit is light green and may prove to be quite sour and fibrous for swallowing. In India, it is eaten with salt and chili powder or made into a pickle or sweet candy. It is also an important ingredient of both Triphala and Chyawanprash, which are traditional Indian herbal health formulations. Amla has various forms such as powder, juice, oil, tablets, and spice. Among other things, many consume amla tea and dried amla purely for their nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Composition of Indian Gooseberry

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, contains the highest vitamin C and vitamin A content. Besides that, it may also contain enormous folic acid and minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, and magnesium. They are low in calories, with the USDA National Nutrient Database stating that the fruit has only 44 calories per 100 g. Though protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber form their constituents, fresh Indian gooseberries also contain more than 80 percent water. It is their high antioxidative properties that make them most medicinal.

Benefits of Indian Gooseberry(Amla)

Now, let us study some important benefits of Indian gooseberry (amla):

Boost Immune Response

These are natural immune boosters such as vitamin C and A, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. Of all vitamins, vitamin C is the one that acts powerfully in the area of immunity, which minimizes cellular damage and inflammation as a potent antioxidant.

Plus, the Indian Gooseberry increases immune defenses from proliferating immune cells such as phagocytes, and is involved in the formation of antibodies that ensure protection. Amla juice is an Ayurvedic remedy said to increase white blood cells in individuals; this is, however, the first line of defense in the immune system. The immune system protects the body by attacking foreign toxins and substances across the bloodstream throughout the whole body. According to a study published in the Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, Amla exhibits significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Take the plunge with Indian gooseberries, whether it’s a fresh fruit, juice, or capsules, or use these natural remedies to help elevate your immune system.

Could Possibly Aid in Hair Care

The Indian Gooseberries, or amla, not only promote hair growth but also keep the hair from falling out. Strengthen roots, nourish the color, and add luster. Use amla oil on the roots of your hair to increase growth and deepen color.

It is from these facts that we can attribute this hair-improving property of Indian Gooseberries or Amla to the presence of carotene, iron, and antioxidants. In India, Amla Oil is very popular in preventing damage to hair follicles from free radicals known to cause loss of hair and baldness.

In line with these benefits, consider using Indian gooseberries or amla for your hair care. Extracts, oils, or tonics, however you like, these natural remedies will breathe new life into the hair, naturally revitalizing it in the process.

Anti-ageing Agent

Amla may act as a very good, thorough anti-aging agent. With its antioxidant property, it may tone down the hyperlipidemic state related to health by quenching free radicals. Signs of aging, such as wrinkles or age spots, are scavenged by vitamin C and antioxidants. A laboratory experiment done in 2016 outlined amla’s antioxidant prowess and its ability to act against substances responsible for wrinkle formation and aging skin. Amla powder can also be utilized as a facial mask to treat age spots.

May Assist in the Improvement of Heart Health

Indian gooseberries or Amla, help in the health of the heart as well. It becomes really beneficial by strengthening the muscles of the heart, which fosters blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. Iron also helps in stimulating the formation of new red blood cells and thus hastens tissue development and regeneration.

Gooseberries supply antioxidants, which prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, while phytonutrients such as flavonols reduce blood pressure and modify the workings of the blood vessels. Gooseberries are charged in potassium, which regulates the heartbeats and their health.

A 2020 study documents Indian gooseberry supplementation improving endothelial function and oxidative stress while lowering cholesterol.

May Control Blood Sugar

Chromium is present in gooseberries, which have some therapeutic value in diabetes. This element stimulates the isolated group of cell clusters that secrete insulin, thus lowering blood sugar in diabetic individuals. On the lowering of blood sugar, glucose becomes usable by cells for functional energy. Thus, the metabolism is running faster, and the person possesses more energy, without uncontrolled plunges or spikes, which may be a hazard for diabetic people. Chromium also enhances the action of beta-blockers in heart health, as they aid in lowering the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the body.

According to a 2011 research study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition [26] on the effect of amla fruit on blood glucose and lipid profile of type 2 diabetics, it has anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties.

May Act as a Diuretic

According to an animal study published in the International Research Journal of Pharmacy, amla is slightly diuretic in nature and may possibly have high-water content. Thus, it can induce urination. Increased urination eliminates unwanted toxins, excess water, salt, and uric acid from the body, which are important in kidney health and the prevention of urinary and uterine infections.

May Aid in Eye Care

Drinking gooseberry juice with honey is famous for improving eyesight. It reduces intraocular tension while improving myopia and cataracts due to its high carotene content; this carotene is known for its strong effects on all types of vision-related problems, particularly those due to free radical damage. Vitamin A and carotene can therefore repair eyesight while lowering the risk of macular degeneration and night blindness.

May Cure Cough and Cold

Amla is a great cure for colds and coughs due to its very high vitamin C content, according to a paper published in Biomolecules. [30] Amla is one of the major constituents of Chyawanprash, an Ayurvedic supplement taken to enhance immunity and general well-being. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are, in turn, considered useful to treat colds and fevers.

May Boost Liver Health

Ayurveda states that drinking amla juice increases strength and vigor, and this is likely linked to its liver-revitalizing properties. Liver health does not receive the attention it warrants, despite the fact that a wide cross-section of the population is affected. According to a 2013 research paper published in the Food Function journal on the hepatoprotective activities of Indian gooseberry, the fruit protects from the toxic effects of overdose of drugs and also from toxic metals. Free radical scavenging and detoxifying actions are beneficial and may be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals, such as quercetin, gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid, in amla.

Apart from that, amla extract has also been reported to improve liver functions by bringing down the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), which is of prime importance in liver ailment diagnosis.

May Help Reduce Menstrual Discomfort

Traditionally, in India, amla was used to reduce menstrual discomfort and to reduce nausea during pregnancy, according to a book published on Indigenous Health Care and Ethno Medicine. It may suggest that consuming amla regularly allows its nutrients to stay in the system and may help reduce menstrual cramps.
Indian gooseberries act as a natural booster for immunity due to the cocktail of vitamins C and A.

May Help Suppress Appetite

According to research published in Food [35], eating gooseberry powder mixed with cayenne pepper, cumin seeds, and turmeric may provide prolonged satiety between meals. This may suppress hunger, and it may also decrease the craving for immediate eating thereafter. Still, more research is warranted.

How To Eat Amla Fruit?

You can consume Indian Gooseberry (amla) like fresh fruit, juice, or in a dried powder form to see a big improvement in your health.

• Amla Powder: Organic ones are available from the markets. It can be mixed with water, honey, or yogurt for a hair or face mask.
• Amla Oil: This oil helps in strengthening hair, prevents premature greying, and stops hair fall. Learn to make Amla oil at home here.
• Amla Juice: Taking Amla juice diluted with water every morning helps to keep the digestive system healthy and helps manage blood sugar. You can check here how to prepare Amla juice.
• Fresh Amla: These are available in seasonal Indian grocery stores. You could eat slices of amla raw with salt and spice, like in India, or mix it with a teaspoon of honey. Honey balances out the tangy taste of amla.
• Dried Amla: The dried fruit can be chewed, keeping in mind that they are flooded with sugar. In India, the candied pickle is called amla murabba.

Conclusion:

It is said to be a superfood; amla possesses all these with high vitamin C, antioxidants, and nutrients to support immunity, promote hair growth, and instigate overall growth. Therefore, whether in juice, powder, or fresh form, internal consumption of amla on a regular basis will also strengthen the body, nourish the scalp, and maintain healthy hair. The presence of amla in the regime will ensure everlasting energy and natural beauty.

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