Health benefits of amla: Rich in vitamin C, nutrients and antioxidants, you need this superfood in winter

Health benefits of amla: The high vitamin C content in amla strengthens the immune system and protects against infections

A small, tangy fruit, botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica, popularly called amla or Indian gooseberry, is a treasure trove of health benefits and culinary versatility. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, amla boasts an impressive array of health benefits.

Health benefits of amla:

Have you ever noticed how amla enhances the taste of dishes like chutneys, pickles, candies, and more, adding flavour while bringing a host of health benefits? Its tangy and slightly bitter taste gives a unique flavour to both sweet and savoury foods.

The fruit, whether used on its own or combined with other plants, serves as a remedy for various conditions like the common cold and fever. It acts as a diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, restorative, alterative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hair tonic, plus helps in preventing peptic ulcers and dyspepsia, while also supporting digestion.

The high vitamin C content in amla strengthens the immune system and protects against infections. Additionally, amla aids digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, relieving constipation, and maintaining gut health.

Thanks to its antioxidant-rich nature, amla revitalises the skin and combats ageing signs and also promotes hair growth. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to reducing cholesterol levels, thereby supporting heart health, while its potential in regulating blood sugar levels offers considerable support for managing diabetes.

Amla-based home remedies provide natural remedies for diverse health issues:

Amla juice for immunity: Extract the juice from fresh amla and consume it daily in the morning to improve immunity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), amla's rich vitamin C content plays a pivotal role in bolstering the immune system, aiding in the body's defense against infections and diseases.

Stimulate hair growth: Create a paste using amla powder and water and apply it to the scalp. Keep it for 30 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. This helps to stimulate hair growth and enhance scalp health. Research suggests that Amla possesses properties that nourish hair follicles that help to promote hair growth and improving scalp conditions.

Amla powder for smooth digestion: Amla powder mixed with warm water or in pickled form helps to aid digestion and reduce constipation. Moreover, amla candies, chavanprash, and murabba are also considered beneficial options to promote digestive health.

Amla facepack: Combine amla powder and honey into a paste and apply it to the face for skin rejuvenation. This helps reduce blemishes, and enhance complexion. Amla's antioxidant properties may contribute to skin health, potentially reducing signs of aging and blemishes.

Manage blood sugar: Include amla in your everyday diet in any form, whether raw, as juice, or in powdered form, to assist in managing blood sugar levels. The active compounds in amla may help regulate blood sugar, thus helping in managing diabetes.

It is, however, recommended to consult a doctor before adopting new remedies or significant dietary changes, especially for managing specific health conditions.