20 Health Benefits of Amla You Just Cannot Miss

The beautiful green translucent fruit amla derives its origin from the Sanskrit word ‘Amalaki’ that translates to the nectar of life. Known for its immense health benefits in Ayurveda for thousands of years, this super fruit is garnering fame across the globe for all the right reasons.

This inexpensive yet humble fruit is a super immunity builder loaded with fiber, copper, manganese, potassium, Vitamin C, B5, and B6, and antioxidants.

Yes, it also has 2x antioxidants as an acai berry and 17x more than pomegranate? It naturally detoxifies your body and purifies your blood. Its immunity-boosting Vitamin C content helps you fight viruses and bacteria and strengthens your blood vessels.

Scientific research shows that amla, considered to be a natural immunity booster:

• Boosts heart health
• Reduces inflammation
• Manages blood pressure
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Slows down the natural aging process
• Reduces heartburn
• Improves visionFights age-related macular degeneration
• Boosts memory by fighting against free radicals that can attack and damage brain cells.
• Aids in cancer prevention
• Improves insomnia
• Boosts bone health
• Improves oral health and prevents mouth odor.
• Prevents and treats Type 2 Diabetes. Its chromium content stabilizes blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Enhances metabolism and regulates cravings with its low fat and low carb content.
• Boosts digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric and digestive juices.
• Provides relief from constipation, hyperacidity and prevents stomach ulcers.
• Aids weight loss.

Struggling with low hemoglobin?

Mix a tbsp of raw natural honey or jaggery with amla powder and consume.

Hacks for shiny hair

For those unaware, Indians have been incorporating amla in their hair care routines for generations. This super fruit can help you take one step closer to your smooth and silky hair goals. Here’s how.

Need straight hair without damaging it from the heat and chemicals of conventional methods? Try amla juice.

It is a natural hair straightener that repairs your hair follicles and enhances hair growth. Its rich Vitamin C and antioxidant properties also prevent premature greying and reduce hair fall. If you are struggling to find the solution to keep dandruff at bay, amla juice can help you. Apply amla juice to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes. Once done, rinse it off with some lukewarm water.

To harness the power of amla as a great conditioner, mix amla juice with some henna and apply it to your scalp. Once dry, wash it with lukewarm water. Enjoy healthy and shiny hair. Here are other ways to add amla to your hair care routine.

Try this magic oil to reduce hair fall.

All you need

• Take three cups of virgin coconut oil.
• Add 15 shallots, ⅓ cups of each – methi powder, amla powder, shikakai powder, and curry leaves.
• Use a double boiling method to bring two cups of coconut oil and the ingredients to a boil. Leave it overnight to cool.
• Take another cup of cold-pressed coconut oil, boil it separately and add the oil mixture to it. Do not forget to strain it.
• Add 20 ml of essential rosemary and argan oil if you wish.

Application:

Use it to massage your scalp gently with your fingertips. It improves blood circulation and promotes hair growth. The antibacterial properties of this oil will keep your dandruff at bay. Repeat this process twice a week. Warm the oil before application.

Amla and coconut tonic

This power combination has been trusted for centuries to promote hair growth.

Method:

Start by slicing amla into thin slices. Leave them out to dry for four days. Take coconut oil and bring it up to a boil. Add these dried amlas and boil until the mixture turns into a thick dark liquid. Once done, let it cool. Use this oil to massage your scalp regularly.

Amla and lemon juice

Lemon juice has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is the perfect combination to boost hair growth with amla.

Method:

• Mix a tablespoon of amla and lemon juice in a glass bowl. Mix well.
• Massage this solution to your scalp for about five minutes.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash your hair with a mild chemical-free shampoo.
• Do this twice a week.

Amla and yogurt hair mask

If you are a fan of hair masks, try this hack that brings together the goodness of amla and yogurt.

Method:

• Add two teaspoons of Amla powder to some warm water and mix it to form a paste.
• Add two teaspoons of yogurt and a teaspoon of honey to this. Mix it well and apply it to your hair.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water.

Hacks for radiant and glowing skin

Drinking amla juice slows down premature aging and reduces fine lines, dark spots, pigmentation, and wrinkles. Add some honey to amla juice and drink it first thing in the morning. Loaded with antioxidants that flush out toxins, it makes your skin glow.

Struggling with acne? Apply amla paste to the affected area. Let it dry for a maximum of 15 minutes. It will help manage the pimples and reduce acne scars. Drink amla juice to purify your blood naturally and keep breakouts at bay.

Apply some amla juice to your face to lighten skin marks and pigmentation. Once dry, wipe it with cotton.

Amla face scrub

Mix a tsp of amla and a tsp of rice flour with a tsp of rose water and gently scrub the face for 5 minutes. Leave it on for five more minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Amla face mask

Mix a tsp of amla powder, honey, and 1 to 2 tsp of homemade curd to make a quick face mask. Leave it on for approximately 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

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Must-try recipes

Amla is a versatile ingredient. You can create an array of preparations using it right from juice, chutney, sabzi, achaar, or even murabba. Here is a list of preparations to check out.

A refreshing amla drink

Ingredients
3 to 4 amlas or Indian gooseberries
1 tbsp organic raw unpasteurized honey
1-inch finely chopped ginger
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper each
1 tsp cumin powder
2 cups water (around 500 ml)
Mint or coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

• Blend amla with salt, pepper, and cumin powder into a paste.
• Move to a jar. Add honey, water, and ice cubes (optional). Mix well.
• Garnish with a tbsp of crushed mint or coriander leaves and ginger.
• Drink around 150 ml to feel refreshed and energized.

Amla chutney

Ingredients
3 to 4 amlas or Indian gooseberries
2 tbsp coriander leaves
2 green chilies
1-inch ginger
A pinch of jeera/cumin
A pinch of hing/asafoetida
¼ tsp mustard seeds/rai
⅓ cumin seeds/jeera
1 tsp of sesame seeds
Salt to taste
2 tsp oil or ghee

Method

• Soak amla in hot water for five minutes. Peel the skin and deseed.
• Add coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, cumin, and salt. Blend to a paste (without water).
• Heat oil, add asafoetida, mustard, cumin, and sesame seeds. Temper the paste with this, and mix.

Amla Pickle

Ingredients
15 amlas or Indian gooseberries
3 cups water
4 to 5 tsp rock salt
1/2 tsp organic turmeric powder
2-inch Ginger
2 tsp cumin/jeera powder

Method:

• Wash amla and keep aside.
• In a pan, add water, rock salt, and turmeric. Let it rise to a rolling boil.
• Add amla to the water. Turn off the heat and cover.
• Wait till you see cracks or splits into the amla segments.
• Test this by taking an amla and pressing it slightly. If the slits open, you are on the right track.
• Let it cool at room temperature.
• You can add sliced ginger and cumin powder when the water cools down completely.
• Add the amla along with the water in a sterilized glass jar.
• Keep it at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator after three days and use up to six months.

Can amla help with weight loss and detox?

Yes. Amla is also the perfect agent to detoxify your body after a festive binge. Amla extract enhances your metabolism, flushes out toxins from your body, and aids weight loss. Its fiber content eases bowel movement, relieves constipation, boosts digestion, and improves gut health. If you are not a fan of raw amla’s pungent and bitter taste, turn to this delicious herbal tea recipe.

Amla tea

Ingredients
1 tsp amla powder
½ tsp grated ginger
1 cardamom
1 tsp raw honey
200 ml water

Method:

• Boil the water with grated ginger and cardamom for five minutes.
• Strain and move into a cup. Add amla powder and steep it for five minutes. Add honey, mix, and relish your drink.

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Can consuming amla be risky?

Even with its tremendous benefits, you must consume amla cautiously as it may not suit everyone. Always make an informed decision. If you have a medical condition or are allergic to amla, it is best to avoid it.

Here are some cases where you need to be mindful of its consumption.

• While amla is usually known to reduce heartburn, those with hyperacidity should avoid eating amla on an empty stomach. It may worsen your symptoms by irritating your stomach lining and triggering acidity further.
• The fruit has antiplatelet properties that prevent the formation of blood clots. Yes, it is beneficial to a regular individual in reducing the risk of a heart attack. But if you have a blood-related disorder, amla can thin your blood and prevent normal blood clotting that is risky. Always consult your health expert before adding amla to the diet.
• If you are undergoing surgery, avoid eating amla. Excessively eating it may increase the risk of bleeding and several other serious complications. You will notice that this is why most experts advise patients to stop eating amla two weeks before their scheduled surgery.
• Yes, the fruit certainly benefits those with Type 2 diabetes. But if you are already struggling with low blood sugar levels or are on anti-diabetic medications, avoid or limit its consumption. Inform your health expert first and then take a call.
• While amla helps regulate bowel movement due to its rich fiber content, avoid overdoing it. Excess fiber can increase your risk of irritable bowel syndrome, an upset stomach, diarrhea, and even dehydration.
• Are you a pregnant or breastfeeding woman? Reach out to your healthcare expert before deciding to consume or avoid it.

Disclaimer: Make an informed decision. Always check with your doctor or healthcare expert before starting
anything new.

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