10+ Health Benefits of Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Health Benefits, Uses and possible Side Effects of Indian Gooseberry/Amla

Overview

The role of fruits in improving our physical health is essential. Fruits are rich in fiber in addition to a variety of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) is one of such nutrient rich fruits.

Indian gooseberry is a nutritious fruit, rich in highly medicinal properties and a mixture of different tastes like sour, bitter and sweet. Indian gooseberry is a plant belonging to ‘Phyllanthaceae’ family. Indian gooseberry is a tree grown in India and in some countries of Middle East and Southeast Asia. Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for thousands of years. The entire plant, including fruits, leaves and seeds, are used in traditional Indian medicine. From being a natural blood purifier to increasing immunity for the presence of vitamin C, Indian gooseberry is also used to cure several diseases.

Benefits and Uses of Amla

Table of Contents

Indian gooseberry is a deciduous tree which can grow up to a height of 20 meters. The Indian gooseberry tree has a smooth, grey-brown bark. The leaves are tamarind tree or fern-like, rectangular but narrow, blurred up to 2 cm and blurred as the flowers are green. Flowers are bisexual and can be seen in groups. The fruits are green-yellow in color which turns orange-brown after maturity. The fleshy portion is tart, juicy and mushy and contains 1 seed.

Contents

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Benefits and Uses of Amla

In the following sections the article will describe the health benefits of Indian gooseberry.

Nutritional value of per 100g Amla/Indian gooseberry

Energy : 44 Kcal
Carbohydrates : 10.18 g
Protein : 0.88 g
Total Fat : 0.58 g
Dietary Fiber : 4.3 g
Vitamin
- Thiamine B1 : 0.040 mg
- Riboflavin B2 : 0.030 mg
- Niacin B3 : 0.300 mg
- Pantothenic acid B5 : 0.286 mg
- Folates : 6 mcg
- Pyridoxine : 0.080 mg
- Vitamin A : 290 IU
- Vitamin C : 27.7 mg
Electrolytes
- Sodium : 1 mg
- Potassium : 198 mg
Minerals
- Calcium : 25 mg
- Copper : 0.070 mg
- Iron : 0.31 mg
- Magnesium : 10 mg
- Manganese : 0.144 mg
- Phosphorus : 27 mg
- Zinc : 0.12 mg

Different regional names of Indian gooseberry

Assamese : Aamlokhi
Tamil : Nellikai
Malayalam : Nellikka
Telugu : Usiri / Usirikaya
kannada : Nellikai
Hindi : Indian gooseberry / Indian gooseberry Ka
Bengali : Amalaki / Indian gooseberry
Gujarati : Ambala / Indian gooseberry
Marathi : Awalah
Odia : Anla
Punjabi : Indian gooseberry
Tulu : Nelli

Scientific classification of Indian gooseberry/Phyllanthus emblica:

Kingdom : Plantae
Clade : Tracheophytes
Clade : Angiosperms
Clade : Eudicots
Clade : Rosids
Order : Malpighiales
Family : Phyllanthaceae
Genus : Phyllanthus
Species : P. emblica
Scientific name : Phyllanthus emblica

Benefits of Amla/Indian Gooseberry

1. Boosts immunity:

Amla is a powerhouse of vitamin C and thus makes it a wonderful immune booster. It contains vitamin A, polyphenols, alkaloids and flavonoids – quercetin and kaempferol. Studies reveal that Indian gooseberry increases the number of white blood cells, the body’s defense system to fight allergies, infections and excreta. Regular consumption of Indian gooseberry daily protects the body from harmful bacteria and inflammation.

Read Also: Immune System of Human Body

2. Gut health:

Ayurveda strongly suggests starting your diet with a receipt made from Amla as it helps in detoxifying and excising waste. Rich in fiber it regulates intestinal movement and also increases the production of digestive juices. It helps the body in better absorption of nutrients. If you are suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation or other bowel problems, eat Indian gooseberry juice in the morning to clean your system.

3. For Diabetes:

Indian gooseberry is a traditional and a wonderful home remedy for diabetics. It also manages blood sugar levels besides preventing pancreatitis. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and reverses the effects of oxidative stress, which is one of the causes of diabetes.

4. For high Blood Pressure:

Studies reveal that regular intake of Indian gooseberry helps in lowering blood pressure and reduces the effects of cardiovascular disease. The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in Indian gooseberry makes this fruit really notable for high blood pressure diets. Potassium is extremely effective in spreading blood vessels that lower blood pressure and control various symptoms of high blood pressure. To reduce blood pressure naturally, mix a tablespoon of honey with Indian gooseberry juice. Eating this juice daily helps in controlling both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

5. For PCOS:

Ancient texts of Ayurveda suggest Indian gooseberry to improve fertility of women. It excretes toxins, regulates the menstrual cycle and creates hormonal balance. It also fights negative effects of PCOS such as obesity, unwanted facial hair growth etc.

Consume the mixture of Indian gooseberry juice and hot water daily in the morning to exalted the toxins and lose weight. Adding small pieces of Indian gooseberry to your daily diet is also beneficial.

6. For Weight Loss:

Indian gooseberries also have benefits in weight loss. It stimulates metabolic activity, prevents fat from accumulating in unwanted places and exaplates toxins. Slow metabolism, fat accumulation and accumulation of toxins are the primary causes behind obesity and Indian gooseberry helps in fighting all of them. Eat raw Indian gooseberry, crush Indian gooseberry with honey and hot water to reduce weight and excess fat.

7. For Skin Conditions:

Indian gooseberry is a natural blood purifier and taking juice or fruit helps the skin shine from within. If you are suffering from acne, pimples, spots, freckles, apply an Indian gooseberry based face pack to restore skin health. This juicy fruit helps in increasing collagen, keeping it youthful.

8. For Digestion:

Indian gooseberries contain enough soluble food fiber. Fiber has a role to play in controlling intestinal movements, which will help in the intake of Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS) . Due to the high amount of vitamin C in the Indian gooseberry, it helps in absorbing a lot of essential minerals.

9. Mental Health:

Antioxidants present in Indian gooseberries have a strong free radical control capacity, which can help avoid damage to brain cells and boost memory. This may be the reason why Indian gooseberries are effective in treating patients with dementia.

10. Healthy Eyes:

Indian gooseberry is a good source of vitamin A, which is known to boost eye health. Vitamin A of Indian gooseberry helps in improving vision. This can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and conjunctivitis, which comes with ageing.

11. Hair Health:

Indian gooseberry oil has been used for a long period of time as a home remedy to boost hair growth. Better hair growth can be achieved when coconut oil and Indian gooseberry mixture is regularly used for hair massage. Indian gooseberry oil can stimulate hair functions for their better growth. Treatment using Indian gooseberry oil improves the length and volume of hair. It contains vitamin C, which helps in increasing collagen levels. It directly affects the growth of new hair by changing dead hair cells in the scalp. Indian gooseberry not only helps in hair growth but also prevents the problem of dandruff by moisturizing the scalp. Vitamin C, for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, prevents hair itching and scaling.

Uses of Amla/Indian Gooseberry

We can eat Indian gooseberry as a fruit in both raw and dried form. It can also be used to make different food items, such as juices, pickles, murabba etc.
Fruit juices, powders, and supplements of Indian gooseberry can be used to cure different types of diseases. Oil made from Indian gooseberry fruit can be used specifically for hair health.

Side Effects and Precaution

Can cause acidity.
Can cause leprosy.
May show problems during pregnancy.
For some allergic people, taking Indian gooseberry products can increase the risk of bleeding or other allergic reactions.
For diabetics, Indian gooseberry should be taken with proper care as its intake can significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
Indian gooseberry juice sometimes can cause dry skin.
The use of Indian gooseberries should be avoided if you are suffering from cough problems.
Use of Indian gooseberry during and after operation is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Note

It should be used carefully in the right quantity keeping in mind the benefits and disadvantages of Indian gooseberry as excessive use of any product can harm our health. Its use should be avoided in some physical conditions. The above mentioned information is provided only for general knowledge based on the prevailing use in public health. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using Indian gooseberry as a medicinal product.

Conclusion

The above article provides you a brief knowledge of Indian gooseberry and its health benefits along with other related information. We hope this information benefits you in various ways. Thank you!

FAQ

1) Which plaque is called Indian gooseberry?

Ans- Indian gooseberry fruit which is commonly known as Indian gooseberry.

2) What is the scientific name of Indian gooseberry fruit?

Ans- The scientific name of Indian gooseberry fruit is – Phyllanthus emblica.

3) Can Indian gooseberries grow hair again?

Ans- Indian gooseberry can effectively treat hair loss. This edible fruit is considered a miraculous cure for hair care. It promotes hair growth and improves hair quality. It contains calcium, which increases healthy hair.

4) Does Indian gooseberry cause bleeding?

Ans- Indian gooseberry can increase the risk of bleeding or injury in people with bleeding disorders. Therefore, Indian gooseberries should be taken carefully in such cases. Indian gooseberries may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

5) Indian gooseberry is a plant belonging to which family?

Ans- Indian gooseberry is a plant belonging to the ‘Phyllanthaceae’ family.