In the ayurvedic system of medicine, Amla is widely used. Amla, known in India by various names like amalaki, dhatriphala. In English, it is known as Indian Gooseberry, which directly denotes that it is indigenous to India and makes it the key element of many Ayurvedic formulations. Scientifically refered as "Emblica officinalis", amla nowadays, has been accepted by almost all medical branches as a result of extensive research carried in India, Germany, England, and various other countries. It is said that amla maintains balance amongst three Doshas of wind, bile and phelgm (Vayu, Pitta and Cough), one of the strongest rejunevatives (rasayana), particularly for blood, bones, heart, liver and skin and effectively plays a vital role in the overall health of an individual.
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| Amla Benefits |
Source of Natural Vitamin CVitamin C is essential for the body. Collagen which is produced by vitamin C plays the vital role in growth and repair of tissues in all human body parts. Thus it is useful for treatment as well as prevention of many diseases, enhancing the overall immunity. Amla is exceptionally rich source of vitamin C. Research has shown that Amla is 12 times more assimilable and creates more potent medicinal effect than synthetic vitamin C. 100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges.
Research Report: Importance of Vitamin C in Human BodyAccording to a report carried out by University of Cambridge researchers, when concentrations of vitamin C in blood plasma go up, the risk of dying from all causes goes down. This report published in March 3, 2001 issue of 'Lancet' state that the risk of death from all causes reduces by half for individuals who have highest levels of vitamin C in blood. High blood levels of vitamin C are associated with a decreased risk for cancer. H.L.NEWBOLD, in his book "VITAMIN C AGAINST CANCER", has taken interviews of four Noble Prize Winner scientists, and professors from some of the world's best-known medical centers, who have all said that vitamin C is a promising new weapon in the battle against cancer- not only for treatment, but also for prevention.
Recommended DosesDaily intake of dietary vitamin C (According to U.S. RDA) are listed below :
Infants age below 1 year : 30 to 35 mg
Children age 1 to 14 years : 40 to 50 mg
Adolescent age 15 to 18 years : 65 to 75 mg
Men age over 18 years : 90 mg
Women age over 18 years : 75 mg
How Should Amla be TakenWhen amla is in season it should be consumed raw . It can be added in chutneys and pickles. Fresh juice can be squeezed out from the fruit and consumed with water. Amla fruit can be dried and consumed also. You can also powder the dried fruit and consume it later. And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba. Amla juice and Amla Powder are available in chemist shops today.
Benefits of AmlaThe modern sciences and various researches have proved the supremacy of Amla towards imparting health and beauty. As we cannot make our own vitamin C, the regular intake of herbal Amla Fruit/ Amla Powder/Amla Juice is highly recommended for all the people. As per the above chart, about one teaspoonfull of vitamin c rich, quality Amla Powder is sufficient for enhancing general immune system. Daily doses of powder can be adjusted with the age. The benefits of taking amla are given below:
- Reducing Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure: The regular intake of fatty foods, irregula lifestyles, alcohol, no exercises lead to the collection of unused cholesterol in the blood vessels , resulting in blood pressure and heart attacks. The Vitamin C in Amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and there by reducing the blood pressure/cholesterol. Prepare a powdered mixture of dry Amla. Mix one teaspoonful of this mixture in a glass of water and consume daily in empty stomach. This helps in stabilizing the blood cholesterol level.
- Curing or Preventing Diabetes: Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to regulate the blood glucose levels. Amla powder mixed with water or amla juice is effective in checking diabetes. If possible prepare a mixture by mixing equal quantities of Amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder and have with water every morning.
- Anti Ageing: Amla juice is a perfect remedy for sagging skin which individual develops with age. Instead of going for the cosmetic remedies you should opt for this juice. It dissolves with the blood and get mixed with it and yield better resultd than cosmetic creams.
- Anti Acidity: Frequent intake of spicy and oily food, excessive coffee, tea and smoking, including anger, grief and depression causes acidity. In acute or chronic acidity, simply take one gram of Amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.
- Reducing/Preventing Skin Ailments: Drinking regularly amla juice improves and clear your skin. For pimples and other skin ailments, drinking amla juice will change and improve your skin drastically. You can drink it solely or for a better taste you can mix with lemon pepper or any spice good for juice.
- Enhancing Hair Beauty and Anti Graying: Applying amla powder soaked in water kept in an iron utensil serves as shampoo, conditioner and hair-dye. Regular application of this mixture for a few hours at a time is ideal to make your hair shine and prevent pre mature whitening of hair.
- Preventing Constipation: Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay.
- Preventing Gall Bladder Disorder: According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.
- Amla also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.
- Immune Booster: Amla is an immunity booster and regular use of amla powder in the morning can improve the body's resistance and provide vigor and strength, especially for those suffering from pain, heart and nerve disorders.
