Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, is a fruit that comes from a small, deciduous tree that is native to India. The amla tree is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for the amla fruit.
Amla is full of surprises – it’s little on the outside but a treasure trove of nutrients and goodness on the inside. It is a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Modern science is going crazy about using the benefits of Amla while ancient Ayurveda has been using its extracts since ages for wellness and health. While we have eaten or seen Amla at some point of our lives, many of us rarely know what’s in this ‘superfruit’ that makes it so special.
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In this blog, we will explore the many benefits of Indian Gooseberry, its medicinal uses, and its role in Ayurvedic medicine.
Benefits of Amla
The advantages of eating Indian Gooseberry are plenty. Its confusing taste – bitter, sour, sweet and tangy at the same time makes us wonder about its composition. By looking at some of the benefits of amla, we can also find out what it’s made of:
1. High in Vitamin C
One of the most well-known benefits of Indian Gooseberry is its high vitamin C content. In fact, amla is one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C, with a single fruit providing up to 20 times the recommended daily intake.
How can all this Vitamin C help you? It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Our immune system is also heavily dependent on this vitamin. It is essential for its proper functioning, helping to reduce the severity and duration when we catch a cold or flu.
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2. Rich in Antioxidants
In addition to Vitamin C, Indian Gooseberry is also a rich source of other antioxidants, including flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.
These compounds help to protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Did you know that half of chronic human illnesses are due to inflammation and oxidative damage? These often end up in serious health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
3. May Boost Hair Growth
Indian Gooseberry is often used in Ayurvedic hair care products due to its potential to boost hair growth. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that is important for healthy hair. And guess what Amla is abundant in – Vitamin C!
Amla oil, made from the fruit, has been shown to improve hair growth and reduce hair loss in some studies. What’s more? It also helps prevent early aging signs in the form of grey hairs.
4. May Support Digestive Health
Indian Gooseberry has traditionally been used to support digestive health in Ayurvedic medicine. How does this work on our digestion? Amla is believed to have mild laxative effects, and may help to relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
In addition, amla is rich in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation. Its Polyphenol and water content also makes it a great antidote if you have an upset stomach. If you suffer from acidity, heartburn etc., trying out Amla juice may be worth the shot.
5. May Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Research suggests that Indian Gooseberry may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who took a supplement containing amla extract had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and an increase in insulin sensitivity. In another study, people with high cholesterol who took amla extract had a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
All of this shows us that Amla can do so much more than its size shows. It’s much more powerful than we fathom!
Medicinal Uses of Amla
In addition to its use in Ayurvedic medicine, Indian Gooseberry has a number of medicinal uses. Here are just a few examples:
1. It Gives a Strong Immune System Boost
As mentioned earlier, Indian Gooseberry is high in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. For this reason, amla is often called a natural immune booster. It has a high percentage of tannins and in the combination with polyphenols, it has a unique free radical scavenging property.
If you suffer from long bouts of cold or flu that leave you feeling fatigued for weeks, it is a sign that your immune system is suffering. Here’s how the effects of Amla can be seen in your immune system:
- Amla helps to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu
- It may also help to prevent infections.
- It soothes the throat by providing instant sore throat and cough relief.
- It helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals on the body and improves the body’s ability to fight disease.
2. It acts as an Effective Digestive Aid
Some people live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which means constant bloating, bouts of diarrhea or constipation and belly cramps. Indian Gooseberry can help ease symptoms of IBS in addition to its support in digestive health in Ayurvedic medicine.
Along with its mild laxative effects, amla may also help to reduce bloating and improve digestion. Here’s what Amla does to your digestion:
- Amla stimulates gastric juices in our stomach that help with digestion.
- It helps to regulate bowel movements, thanks to its high fibre content.
- It helps in easier absorption and assimilation of food, so it ensures that you get all the nutrients in the right amount from your food.
- Amla has a double benefit: it also helps in the absorption of iron supplements if you’re taking those for health reasons.
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3. It is a Potent Skin Tonic
In addition to just being a rich source of Vitamin C, Amla extract has a high Vitamin A content. Indian Gooseberry is often used in Ayurvedic skin care products due to this, in combination with its antioxidant properties.
Amla may help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. When consumed on an empty stomach it has the following effects:
- It keeps your skin looking young and elastic.
- It slows down the degradation of collagen, which is important for skin health.
- It also helps the body produce more collagen.
- It may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines on skin or premature aging.
4. It Can Improve Male Fertility
Yes, you read that right. There has been a lot of recent study that found out that this small fruit has the ability to improve sperm quality.
Sperm quality is often determined by sperm motility and sperm count among other factors. Amla has a high iron content which has the following effects on the male reproductive system:
- It enhances sperm properties.
- It increases virility and sexual vigour when consumed on a daily basis.
- It reduces symptoms of Oligospermia in men, a condition where a man has low sperm count.
- It increases the motility of the sperm as well as sperm production.
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Amla and Ayurveda Combined for Male Fertility
Amla has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used to treat a wide range of health conditions.
Its use in regulating male fertility inspired Sava Herbals to create the unique formulation of Maxper – a holistic treatment option for a number of male reproductive disorders like mild erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and infertility.
Maxper had a significant impact on sperm count and motility with 90 days of therapy. This is because of its naturally obtained, hygienically manufactured ingredients including:
- Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry
- Shwet Musli
- Ashwagandha
- Gokshura
- Shatavari
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Ayurveda’s rich history of treating infertility has its roots in herbs and fruits like Amla or Indian Gooseberry. Considering all the ways in which this fruit benefits us, no wonder it is called a “superfruit”!
You can get the all-natural benefits of Amla for male reproductive health in your own bottle of Maxper(TM).