Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, grows on a flowering tree of the same name. The small berries are round and bright or yellow-green in color. Although they are quite tart on their own, their flavor can enhance recipes to which they are added.
Cultivated throughout India and neighboring countries, theamla has gained a worldwide following as a"superfruit." It's no surprise: a 100-gram serving of fresh amla berries contains the same vitamin C as 20 oranges.
While we can't be entirely sure when Ayurvedic healers began using the amla berry, historical records tell us that they have been used in remedies for at least 1,000 years.
Incorporating this ancient superfruit into your diet can improve your overall health.
The antioxidants and vitamins found in amla berries offer numerous health benefits. High concentrations of vitamin C in amla help the body recover from illness. Amla berries also include several flavonols, chemicals that have been linked to benefits such as improved memory.
Here are some other health benefits of amla:
The soluble fiber in amla berries dissolves quickly in the body, which helps slow down the rate at which the body absorbs sugar. This can help reduce blood sugar spikes. Amla berries also have a positive effect on blood sugar and lipid count in people with type 2 diabetes.
The fiber in amla berries helps the body regulate bowel movements and can help relieve symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. High levels of vitamin C in amla berries help your body absorb other nutrients, so they may be helpful if you take iron and other mineral supplements.
Amla berries are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for improving eye health. Vitamin A not only improves vision, but it can also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Amla's vitamin C content helps eye health by fighting bacteria, which can help protect the eyes from conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other infections.
A 100-g serving of amla berries (about half a cup) provides 300 mg of vitamin C, more than double the recommended daily value for adults. You'll also find significant amounts of polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Amla has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The phytonutrients and antioxidants in amla can benefit memory by fighting against free radicals that can attack and damage brain cells. Amla's high concentration of vitamin C helps your body produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is believed to improve brain function in people with dementia.
