4 Health Benefits of Amla

The Indian gooseberry or the humble Amla derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amalaki’. Scientifically called as Phyllantus emblica, the small fruit is loaded with Vitamin C and is used in variety of ways. It is a fruit with plenty of benefits. Amla is not only good for the hair but also for immunity, eye vision, skin etc. Amla can be consumed in a variety of forms. It can be eaten raw as a fruit or in its juice or powdered form. The Indian gooseberry is full of nutrients, fiber and vitamins. Consuming a glass of amla juice a day is sure to keep most diseases at bay. The sweet-sour flavor of amla is an instant thirst quencher as well as it provides medicinal values. The amla juice benefits are studied and are being used by many companies to provide amla juice in packaged form in the market. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-004-0019-0). Pills made from Indian gooseberry extracts are also being prepared and are given as health supplements too.

In India it is also consumed in pickle or chutney form. Amla oil is an excellent remedy for hair related issues too.

Amla is a powerhouse of nutrients and hence has plenty of health benefits. Below are 4 health benefits of amla.

1.      Immunobooster

Indian gooseberry is known to help increase the immunity of the body. It is studied to have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643807002745). It has contents that have a wide range of phenolics and its derivatives that help fight disease causing agents.

2.      Hair care

Amla helps the hair in many ways. The nutrients in amla help in providing lustrous and healthy mane by preventing hair fall and hair loss, strengthening of hair, etc. Consuming amla as a raw fruit or drinking its juice daily is beneficial for hair growth and health. Amla oil made out of coconut / olive oil and pieces of amla when applied on the hair helps to fight dandruff and prevents graying of hair. Juice of amla can also be applied directly on the hair and washed thoroughly. Paste made of amla powder mixed with water or oil can be used on the scalp to strengthen roots.

3.      Stomach ulcers

Indian gooseberry is a traditional medicine that was consumed from a long time in treating ulcers of the body. (http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1008.1346&rep=rep1&type=pdf). It is said to cool the body and fight body ailments. A glass of Amla juice consumed on an empty stomach in the morning surely helps in gastric ulcer and indigestion. Dry powder of amla can also be consumed to relieve stomach ulcers.

4.      Skin care

Indian gooseberry is a traditional medicine even for skin care. The antioxidants present in Indian gooseberry makes it an excellent source for skin care. It slows down the process of ageing by getting rid of free radicals that causes wrinkles, blemishes and spots. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-62703-167-7_12) They help in fighting pimples and keep acne at bay.

Besides these benefits, amla also helps in eye health, cholesterol reduction, diabetes control, and many other important uses.