Amla

The Indian gooseberry, known locally as Amla, is a tree that is famous for its nutrient rich fruits. It has been a common ingredient in the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda. It’s a potent source of Vitamin C and also contains iron and calcium.

Amla is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an uncommon balance of sweet, sour, pungent and bitter flavours. It can be consumed in any form be it juiced, powdered or eaten raw. You can pickle it, make a jam. It also offers a number of beauty benefits for your hair and skin.

One of the best ways to have it is in the powdered form. Since it’s powder is a bit bitter tasting, you can drink a mix of it’s powder, ginger powder, honey and lime juice. Or you can even add the powder to a glass of fresh juice for breakfast. You can also sprinkle some of it’s powder on fruits such as banana, apple or papaya and have as a mid-meal snack.

Health Benefits

1. Amla is full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing cell damage. It reduces the effects of free radicals and thus effectively combats the aging process.
2. It’s juice mixed with a few pieces of chopped ginger and mixed with a tablespoon of honey has been proven to be an effective treatment for a cough and a sore throat.
3. By reducing the build up of bad cholesterol, it reduces the risk of heart disease. It also reduces clogging in the arteries by boosting good cholesterol or HDL.
4. These are a great way to boost your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate is how fast your body burns calories. Boosting it will lead to faster weight loss, higher energy levels.
5. It assists the body in the proper absorption of insulin, thus reducing blood sugar levels. Because of this, it is invaluable for people afflicted with diabetes and should be a part of their daily diet.
6. Since it’s rich in antioxidants, it has various medical applications. Superoxide dismutase, which fights free radicals and reduces cell damage, acts as a potent tool in the prevention of cancer.
7. Mix two teaspoons of amla powder with two teaspoons of honey and have it three to four times a day for instant relief when you have a cold or a cough, or consume once daily for permanent protection.
8. Amla slows down graying, prevents dandruff, strengthens hair follicles. It also increases blood circulation to the scalp thereby improving hair growth. Acts as a natural conditioner giving you soft shimmering locks. You could apply amla oil or mix amla powder into henna for a hair pack.

How To Use ?

Drinking the juice of fresh amla is the best way to reap the benefits of this fruit.

Dried:

Remove the seeds and chop amla into small pieces. Mix with a little salt and leave to dry in sunlight for a few days. Once it is completely dehydrated, store in a dry jar for an ideal on-the-go snack.

Pickled:

Make a spicy amla achaar or a sweet murabba by soaking amla in sugary water.

Different Varities Of Amla

In other words, consume Indian Gooseberry (Amla) as a fresh fruit, juice, or its in dried powder to see a big improvement in your health.

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