Amla juice benefits: Amla or Indian gooseberry, rich in vitamin C, can help in fighting coughs & colds, boosting immunity, slowing down aging, & improving hair, skin, and throat health. These berries may also help in reducing blood sugar levels and improving heart health.
Amla acts as a diuretic agent and is therefore thought to enhance food absorption, balance stomach acids, fortify the liver, and improve overall health.
Nutrition Facts
Gooseberries are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin C. They can also help you meet your daily needs for micronutrients like manganese, vitamin A and potassium.
A hundred grams of raw gooseberries contains about
- 44 calories
- 10.2 grams carbohydrates
- 0.9-gram protein
- 0.6-grams fat
- 4.3 grams fiber
- 27.7 milligrams vitamin C (46 percent DV)
- 0.1-milligram manganese (7 percent DV)
- 290 IU vitamin A (6 percent DV)
- 198 milligrams potassium (6 percent DV)
- 0.1-milligram vitamin B6 (4 percent DV)
- 0.1-milligram copper (4 percent DV)
What is Amla?
Indian gooseberry has been used for its medicinal properties in making Ancient medicines like Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Right from being a natural blood purifier to boosting immunity due to the presence of vitamin C to being a good source of fiber, Amla has been used for preventing as well as curing several ailments.
Health benefits of Amla
1. Improves Immunity
Amla contains eight times more Vitamin C than an orange, it has twice the antioxidant power as of acai berry and 17 times that of a pomegranate. No wonder Amla is called a superfood! The Vitamin C content of Amla makes it an excellent source of building your immunity and metabolism. It is known to fight both viral and bacterial ailments efficiently and reducing the impact of various health problems such and cancer and heart-related ailments.
2. Acts as a Natural Blood Purifier
The best way to reap the benefits of amla is by eating it raw. However, if you are always on the go then consuming amla juice or amla powder can also work wonders. In fact, a glass of amla juice with 1 teaspoon jaggery powder helps in giving your body the much-needed dose of iron, which helps in improving the hemoglobin level and also helps in purifying the blood naturally.
You can also take amla powder and honey, mix it well and consume it anytime. Apart from that, amla juice keeps you hydrated and helps in keeping the body replenished.
3. Improves Eyesight
Amla berries are rich in vitamin A, which is key to improving eye health. Vitamin A not only improves vision, but it also may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Amla’s vitamin C content aids in eye health by fighting bacteria, which can help to protect your eyes from conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other infections.
4. Amla Benefits for Hair
Amla works wonders for your hair, you would be amazed to know that amla extracts can help in strengthening hair follicles, slow down aging and fading hair, prevent dandruff, and give a natural shiny texture to your hair. According to Rupali Sharma, Founder & Expert, Aegte Hair & Skin Luxury, Amla is known for its potent healing powers. It stimulates hair growth, moisturizes frizzy hair, treats dandruff, strengthens hair from the root, and prevents premature greying of hair naturally.
5. May Treat Cough and Cold
Amla is a very rich source of vitamin C, which makes it a great treatment for colds and coughs, as per research published in the journal Biomolecules. It is one of the primary ingredients in Chyawanprash, which is an Ayurvedic health supplement consumed to increase immunity and overall health. It also possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby making it effective against cold and fever.
6. Better Digestion
The fiber in amla berries helps the body regulate bowel movements and may help to relieve symptoms from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. High levels of vitamin C in Amla berries help your body absorb other nutrients, so they may be helpful if you take iron and other mineral supplements.
7. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Amla helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeps the levels of good cholesterol optimal. It can reduce the accumulation of fats in arteries and veins. It lowers the risk of getting atherosclerosis and promotes healthy circulation along with overall cardiovascular health
8. Relieves pain
Amla is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing ulcers, muscle pain, joint pain caused due to several reasons. Apart from that, drinking amla juice and honey with a pinch of turmeric helps in healing pain.
9. Prevents Constipation
Since Indian gooseberry is high in fiber, it may act as a natural laxative, therefore preventing constipation.
The fiber helps to add bulk to your stool and keeps it moving through your intestines. Dozens of studies confirm that eating foods high in fiber, like Indian gooseberries, may increase stool frequency and keep you regular.
10. Has Anti-Cancer Properties
One of the most impressive benefits of the gooseberry is its effect on cancer cells and the ability to potentially prevent cancer. A 2005 animal study conducted at the University of Rajasthan in India showed that treating mice with a concentrated dose of gooseberry extract decreased skin cancer tumor formation by 60 percent.
Gooseberry helped inhibit the growth of human lung, liver, breast, ovarian, cervical, and colorectal cancer cells.
How to Prepare Amla Berries
Handle amla berries the same way you handle grapes. You’ll want to be careful not to burst them if a recipe calls for whole berries — amla berries are a bit fragile.
Amla berries will stay fresh in your refrigerator for about two weeks. They also freeze well.
Here are some ideas for incorporating this tart fruit into your diet:
- Pickle fresh amla fruit as you would cucumbers.
- Use amla berries in chutneys and curries.
- Combine amla with sweeter fruits for a summery fruit salad.
- Juice Amla berries with a juicer. Or mash them and soak in water overnight, drain the pulp and seeds, and then drink the juice.
- Make amla berry jam or jelly.
4 Few side-effects of Amla
1. Trigger hyperacidity
Amla is acidic in nature because it contains a high amount of vitamin C. However, Amla is often prescribed for detoxification purposes, but it might actually trigger hyperacidity. You should avoid eating this fruit if you have any case history of sensitivity to vitamin C foods or hyperacidity.
2. Constipation
It is a natural remedy for constipation. Amla contains rich amounts of fiber. However, it might harden the stool if you consume amla in high quantities. If your water intake reduces the condition worsens. Hence, take the fruit in the form of juice or dried amla powder with adequate water intake to prevent constipation.
3. Cold
Amla lowers the body temperature to a great extent. Thus, eating the fruit can worsen the symptoms of a cold as it is a natural coolant. It will further aggravate the condition if you are already suffering from a cold or any other associated conditions. Use amla in the form of Triphala. To avoid any of these side effects of amla powder dilute it in warm water with a teaspoon of honey.
4. Heart ailments
It is a powerful cardiovascular stimulating agent. However, Amla does not impose any harsh effects on your heart. But according to the studies, to avoid any possible negative effects people with cardiac issues should consult their doctors before using this fruit.
Gooseberry Juice Ingredients:
Before we get into how to prepare this healthy juice, here is what you need to have at first.
- 1 cup of Indian gooseberry (Sliced into tiny pieces).
- Sugar 1 cup
- Salt 1 pinch
- cardamom powder 1 pinch
How to Prepare Gooseberry Juice?
Now that you have all your ingredients set up, here is how you need to prepare this sour and healthy juice that will do good for your skin and hair.
1. Firstly, you need to wash the neatly washed amla and keep it aside.
2. Then take a pressure cooker and add 1 and a half cups of water to it. Cover the cooker and keep it on low flame.
3. The moment you get one single whistle, switch off the stove/hob.
4. Next, gently press the gooseberries that were kept aside and see if they are softer. Once this is done you can remove the seeds and keep them aside.
5. Once this is done, you will have to grind the sugar and make it into powder.
6. Then grind the amla pieces along with the sugar powder. Once this is done, you need to mix the amla with some sugar powder and salt and again grind them together.
7. Add some water to the amla powder to make it even more watery. Stir well and apply it on your skin and hair and you can witness the difference.
4 Amazing Amla juice benefits
1. Lauki, amla, and honey juice
Lauki or bottle gourd is a vegetable loaded with water content. This juice is popularly consumed for weight loss. Drinking this juice can boost heart health and help control blood pressure. This juice is also beneficial for diabetics. You can prepare an immunity-boosting drink with bottle gourd and amla. Take two amlas and two to three large pieces of bottle gourd. Grind them well to prepare a paste. Now, strain this mixture to extract the juice. Add some honey for a taste before drinking. You can drink a half cup of this juice in a day.
2. Alma juice in water
Half a cup of amla juice can be added to a glass of water. You can drink this first thing in the morning. Add some honey for taste. You can also take lukewarm water. This juice can promote weight loss and lower cholesterol levels.
3. Reduces Pigmentation
Exposure to pollution, harmful UV rays, and stress are common factors that lead to pigmentation making the skin look uneven and dull. A high vitamin C content in amla juice helps combat pigmentation. It has cooling effects on the body and acts as a purifier and cleanser that helps lighten dark spots on the skin which are a cause of pigmentation. You can add amla juice to your skincare routine by either drinking it or applying it externally.
4. Exfoliates Skin
Filled with vitamins and antioxidants, amla juice acts as a potent agent for skin exfoliation. Being a natural cleanser, it helps remove dead skin cells and brightens your skin tone. Further, it also has a tightening effect by making the skin firm and toned. Whether ingested or applied topically, you can make the most of this juice both ways. Along with amla for skin, you can also add another potent herb Giloy to your diet. Giloy helps in detoxifying the skin and improves its quality by making it soft and supple. An easy way to do this is by consuming the amla Giloy juice every morning on an empty stomach.
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 versions are available in the market and can be mixed with water, honey, or yogurt to be made into a hair or face mask.
- Amla oil: This oil helps to strengthen the hair, prevents premature greying and stops hair fall. Learn to make amla oil at home here.
- Amla juice: Taking amla juice diluted with water early in the morning on an empty stomach helps keep the digestive system healthy and aids in managing blood sugar levels. You can check out how to make amla juice here.
- Fresh amla: These are available in season in Indian stores. You can eat amla slices raw with salt and spices, like in India or you can mix a teaspoon of honey. Honey balances the tart taste of amla.
- Dried amla: Dried amla fruit can be chewed on, but be aware that it may have a lot of sugar added to it. In India, the candied pickle is called amla murabba.
Also read: Grapefruit: Everything You Need To Know
How can you get Amla?
Amla-based products are currently distributed globally, may be available in organic stores, some spice markets, and of course online shopping sites.
Also read: How To Get Rid Of Dark Skin Armpits: Know Everything About Dark Underarms