Amla Fruit

Other Names:

Indian Gooseberry

Nutrition:

The Indian Gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines for thousands of years. It is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet, containing eight times the amount of vitamin C in an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry, and 17 times more than a pomegranate.

Deriving from its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ which means ‘nectar of life’, it can protect against a variety of illnesses from the common cold to cancer.

Health Benefits:

Immune System support

Amla is full of powerful antioxidants and one of the purest forms of of vitamin C (according to Dr. Shalini Minglani, a Bangalore-based nutritionist). These are vital nutrients for strengthening the immune system and clearing out free radicals before they can do enough damage to weaken important bodily functions. The fruit also has a regenerative effect on the immune system, thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – studies show Amla extract has been effective in combating bacteria like staphylococcus and cholerae. It has also shown to be effective against one of the main causes of gastric ulcers – Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Heart Health

The content of vitamin C in Amla has a powerful effect on heart health, as it can strengthen and thicken the arteries in your heart – this is particularly important for those suffering from high levels of bad cholesterol.

Research shows the efficiency of Alma in reducing dyslipidemia, which can put a person at risk of developing atherosclerosis. It shows significant potential in stimulating a better balance of lipid ratios and reducing total cholesterol levels.

Liver Health

Amla is full on antioxidant that can help to restore elevated liver enzymes to normal by increasing the production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The powerful fruit has also been used in the rehabilitation of alcoholics with severe liver damage, treatment of liver cirrhosis and people suffering with hepatitis.

Typical Uses:

The dosage of Amla fruit powder or capsules is dependent on the vitamin C content, however it is generally recommended that adults take a dose that provides no more than 2000 milligrams of vitamin C per day – this is the safe upper limit for most adults.

History:

Said to have come from the first tree to appear on Earth, manifested out of the tears of Brahma as he was meditating, Amla is one of the most revered medicinal berries in the entire subcontinent of India. Of all of the Rasayanas, this superfruit is considered one of the most important medicinal plants in the Indian traditional system of medicine.

Sources:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231590198_Anti-Helicobacter_pylori_and_antioxidant_properties_of_Emblica_
officinalis_pulp_extract_
A_potential_source_for_therapeutic_use_against_gastric_ulcer

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330571161_
A_randomized_double_blind_placebo_controlled_multicenter_
clinical_trial_to_assess_the_efficacy_and_safety_of_
Emblica_officinalis_extract_in_patients_with_dyslipidemia