Thursday 9 July 2015

8 Health Benefits of Superfood Amla

Introduction

Amla or Indian Gooseberry has many therapeutic benefits. Hence, this translucent fruit is considered to be one of the most important plants in Indian traditional medicine Ayurveda. The fruit has a unique balance of sour, sweet, pungent and bitter tastes. It is richly charged with loads of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds that clean up the human body off all the toxins. Its aroma keeps the mosquitoes and other pests away from stored food items in ordinary households.


Properties of Amla

The Indian gooseberry is a rich source of Vitamin C and polyphenols in nature. Incidentally, polyphenols have antioxidant property that prevents the damage of membrane and internal organs from free radicals in the body. Amla also has the ability to fight serious diseases such as different types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases due to the presence of other biologically active compounds. From Ayurveda standpoint, the fruit can help balance all the three doshas in the body. Hence, it is believed to treat holistically treat many health problems. In this blog, we will be looking at different health benefits of amla.


  • Boosts Hair Growth: The constituents such as iron and antioxidants present in the fruit help people to reduce hair loss. They do not allow free radicals to damage hair follicles. This way amla enhances hair growth and prevents its premature greying.

     

  • Improves Eyesight: The carotene present in Amla maintains eye health, reduces intraocular tension and avoids cataracts.


  • Improves Digestion: Fibre-rich Indian gooseberry regularizes bowel movement and reduces constipation. Another constituent found in the fruit improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients and minerals in the gut.


  • Diabetes Management: The amla has a therapeutic effect on diabetic patients due to the presence of chromium metal in compounded form. The organo-metallic compound present in this fruit reduces the level of glucose in blood by stimulating the production of insulin. The same compound also reduces LDL cholesterol in the blood by facilitating the expression of beta-blockers.


  •  Liver Detoxification: The fruit increases the frequency and volume of urination. In this way, it detoxifies the body with the help of water, which is a universal solvent.


  •  Improves Appetite: It improves appetite by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices in the stomach.


  • Slows Down Ageing: The high amount of antioxidants in amla prevents cells from getting damaged due to free radicals. The compounds snuff out all the free radicals formed in the body.


  • Enhances immunity: Amla has antibacterial and astringent attributes. Therefore, it helps in increasing a person's immunity and protects the body from various infections.