Amla - A Treasure Of Health Benefits

If you have grown up in an Indian household, Amla (or gooseberry) is a fruit that you're rather familiar with. A powerhouse of health, it is one of the pertinent foods in the Ayurvedic system. In fact, if you you compare it to acai berry, it has double the amount of antioxidants and almost 17 times that of the pomegranate! The essential minerals and vitamins that it contains, are not only integral to our body's well-being, but are also indispensable to preventing and managing some of the most common and widespread diseases. Amla truly provides us with a treasure of health benefits and uses. Some include:

It helps cure colds and sore throats as it is a very rich source of vitamin C. Take about 2 teaspoons of amla powder and mix it with honey and consume this 3-4 times a day for immediate and effective results.

• As it is rich in fiber, it also helps relieve constipation.
• If taken in liquid form, amla can also cure mouth ulcers. Dilute amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle.
• Amla also helps in reducing arthritis-related pain. Snack on dried amla or have it fresh and raw. Both work.
• If you are dieting, try including amla in your diet as it improves metabolism and aids in faster digestion.
• It helps reduce blood sugar, and fight against heart disease.
• Regular consumption of Amla can ward off the ill effects that alcohol has on your liver. It also prevents the oxidative damage that is usually caused by it.
• Want to know how to incorporate it into your daily routine? Here are some simple ways:
• It is best to have amla juice first thing in the morning. Have a small portion (20-30 ml) diluted in a glass of water. You can choose to mix a bit of lemon juice and honey as well.
• Try mixing amla juice with jamun (Indian blackberry) and karela juice (bitter gourd) to manage diabetes better.
• If you have amla powder, warm a cup of milk on the stove, add 1 tbsp of amla powder and stir thoroughly with a spoon. You can add 1 tbsp of honey to taste as well.
• To consume fresh amla, eat it alone or dip it in honey, since amla has a very sour taste.