The Indian gooseberry, or more commonly the amla, comes from the word ‘amalaki‘ in Sanskrit, which literally translates to the ‘nectar of life’. Dozens of health benefits come loaded into the green translucent ball of fruit. And while a lot of people can’t quite bite into an amla because it’s extremely tart, it’s the amla juice that’s catching on the world over. A lot of people drink it first thing in the morning. From building immunity and encouraging weight loss to even helping with mental health, this little fruit is truly a treasure. Loaded with iron, calcium, vitamins C and A, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants, the amla is often called the elixir of life.
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Importance Of Amla In Ayurveda
In India, the amla is quite literally the most revered medicinal berry. Ayurveda resorts to it constantly for its medicinal effects on various ailments. It can balance the three doshas (bio-elements) of the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The fruit packs in more benefits that one can care to remember. It’s extremely good for boosting immunity and keeps vital organs in good condition. If you are a follower of Ayurveda, you’ll know that you can take this super-berry in almost any form – raw, powdered, as a juice or pickle. Even candies made from amla give you the same benefits. Now let’s take a look at the pros of drinking amla juice.
Benefits of Amla juice
1. Immunity Booster
Amla juice has plenty of Vitamin C which is known for strengthening immunity. It has eight times more vitamin C than an orange. Research of Indian agricultural research Institute says that amla juice increases the white blood cells of the body and with regular consumption can show clear signs of improved immunity.
2. Can Prevent Diabetes
The Chromium in amla helps to regulate the glucose levels in one’s body and improves the secretion of insulin. Drink amla and honey twice a day to keep diabetes at bay.
3. Controls Heart Problems
Heart-health is of serious concern all around the world. And cardiac issues could be hereditary or caused due to lack of exercise and proper sleep, a poor diet, stress, and high cholesterol levels. A powerhouse of antioxidants, consuming amla in most of its forms can build a fortress around the heart, keeping it healthy and beating.
4. Treats Cold And Cough
Being a powerhouse of Vitamin C and essential antioxidants, amla juice can treat cold, cough, and flu quite easily and protect your body against them as well. So if you feel the sniffles coming in, mix a few ml of amla juice with water or honey and gulp it down.
5. Helpful In Cancer Prevention
According to an article published by NCBI, ellagic acid, gallic acid and other flavonoids present in amla juice are helpful in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. The high antioxidant level reduces the free radical activities in the body and that’s what contributes towards its prevention (1).
6. Makes Liver Healthy
Harmful chemicals and toxins affect the proper functioning of the liver. The antioxidants in amla juice protect this extremely busy organ against infections and damage. Amla detoxifies the liver, strengthens it, and keeps us healthy.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
7. Helpful In Gastric Disorder
Poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can cause several gastric-related problems. Amla juice is very beneficial in alleviating hypochlorhydria (the burning sensation in one’s abdomen). It’s effective even in fixing peptic ulcers and acidity. You can have it with pure ghee twice in a day to get relief from gastric disorders.
8. Strengthens The Bones And Muscles
As we grow older our bones start to lose calcium and become weak and fragile. Amla juice provides us with a good amount of calcium and reduces the cells called Osteoclasts, which are responsible for weakening our bones.
9. Respiratory Health
Amla juice helps in reducing irritation in the respiratory system and therefore is extremely beneficial to those with asthma or bronchitis. It can lower the risk of chronic cough and tuberculosis.
10. Cures Acne And Pimples
‘A flawless skin is always in’. Amla juice works as a blood purifier and therefore can acne and pimples. It brings the skin’s natural glow back by expelling toxins in the body. Apart from drinking the juice, you can also apply it on your face with a cotton pad, keep it on for a few minutes and wash it off with clean water.
11. Anti-aging Properties
People spend a lot of money to look younger. And it can be achieved by consuming amla juice, which won’t cost you a fortune. The abundance of vitamin C and antioxidants in this berry keeps blemishes away. It aids in collagen production, which is known to delay the aging process of the skin.
Also Read: Benefits And Side-Effects Of A Vitamin C Rich Diet
12. Helpful During Menstrual Cycle
Rich in minerals and vitamins, amla can also help to give women some serious relief from menstrual pain and might even help to regularize one’s periods.
13. Lowers Cholesterol Level
Being high in amino acids and antioxidants, amla juice can lower the cholesterol level of the body and improve the overall functioning of the heart.
14. Improves Eyesight
If your screen time is embarrassingly high, know this: your eyes are paying for it. The high levels of Vitamin A in amla promote good eye health and keep you from developing itchy, tired, and water eyes. You can also wash your eyes with amla water to refresh them in no time.
15. Healthy And Beautiful Hair
Amla juice has been used for boosting hair-health for thousands of years. All the nutrients, minerals and antioxidants present in it contribute towards fixing hair fall, dandruff, premature greying, inflammation, weak hair and split ends. You can either drink it every day or even apply it on your scalp as a tonic. There are also other organic products in the market that use amla.
Also Read :Best Foods For Hair Growth
16. Maintains Oral Hygiene
Dental health is often a sign of overall health. After all, no matter what you eat, your teeth will always show signs, be it good or bad. Amla juice prevents us from bad breath and scurvy, a scary gum disease. Again, all the credit goes to vitamin C is amla. It also relieves mouth ulcers and can be used as a natural mouthwash. You can chew on a small piece of the fruit or rinse your mouth with diluted amla juice for good oral health.
17. Aids In Weight Loss
Even though it’s rich in Vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids, amla has very little calories. It boosts our energy levels without taking up too much room in the stomach. The antioxidants and polyphenols in amla increase the metabolism of the body, and as a result help in weight loss.
18. Relieves Constipation And Piles
Constipation and piles can be an extremely painful condition. Amla juice regulates one’s bowel movement and makes the digestive system healthy and strong. Regular consumption of amla juice can treat constipation caused by piles, even if it’s a chronic situation.
19. Can Cure Insomnia
If you don’t sleep well and enough, you don’t give your body the chance to heal from its daily wear and tear. And most often, stress does not let us sleep properly. Sipping on some amla juice before bed – the berry is considered to have sedative properties – and it might help you to sleep. A pinch of nutmeg powder mixed with one teaspoon of amla juice makes for a great tonic. Take this three times a day and your sleep troubles might actually be fixed.
20. Effective Cooling Agent
One of the best energizers found in nature, a tall glass of diluted amla juice, chilled, of course, can work wonders when it comes to cooling the body down. It also protects us from the ill-effects of the sun. You can even mix amla with another fruit juice – orange for instance – and absorb the benefits of both the fruits.
Also Read : Benefits And Side-Effects Of Amla Powder
How To Consume Amla Juice?
- If you want to drink amla juice for general health then consume it anytime before your meal once in a day.
- Amla juice can be consumed after 1-2 hours of your meal for curing acidity.
- It should be taken empty stomach in the morning for detoxification.
- Consume it thrice before 1-2 hours of your meal for strengthening the liver.
- It can be taken twice or thrice a day along with your meal, or as per your doctor‘s advice, for better digestion.
- You can drink a small dose of amla juice mixed with water throughout the day for kidney health but that too after considering your doctor’s suggestion.
- For boosting the immunity of kids, amla juice can be given with honey or sugar.
Side- Effects Of Amla Juice
- Amla juice is not compatible with milk so there must be a gap of at least 30 minutes between drinking this juice and consuming milk or any dairy products.
- Although its maximum benefits can be reaped by having it on an empty stomach in the morning, it can also cause hyperactivity, and too much of vitamin C can lead to an upset stomach.
- Amla juice has plenty of fiber which is known to cure constipation but too much of it might harden the stool hence gives adverse effects.
- Even though amla juice regulates the sugar levels in the body, its high intake can cause glucose deficiency. Diabetic people must consult their doctor before getting on an amla juice routine.
- Excessive consumption of amla juice can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- In some cases of an allergic reaction, it can cause swelling of lips, tongue, or throat. It should be discontinued immediately in that rare situation.
- If you are on blood pressure medication, amla juice can be dangerous for you. Always consult your doctor first.
Conclusion
Amla is known as ‘Divyaushada’, which translates to ‘divine medicine’. The healing properties of amla give it the status of an antidote. However, too much of anything, even a good thing, can have adverse effects on our bodies. So drink amla juice to improve your health and lifestyle – you will be thanking it later – but do it in moderation.