Amla fruit is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine because of its incredible antioxidant potency and multitude of therapeutic attributes. Amla fruit is used to protect the health of your heart and your brain, and it counteracts radiation and inflammation. It also stimulates the digestive system, boosts the immune system and balances blood sugar levels. These reasons combined are why many people in Asian countries where Amla fruit is found consume this superfood on a daily basis.

Amla fruit, often known as Indian gooseberry, is one of the most important plants that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It’s a superfood that can be eaten in its whole form as a fruit or can be taken as a supplemental liquid extract or encapsulated powder for a more concentrated dose of its active compounds. Amla fruit contains numerous plant compounds that deliver medicinal benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, preventing diabetes and cancer, lowering inflammation and improving memory. It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, B vitamins, calcium, iron and phosphorus.

1. Excellent Source of Antioxidants

A study found that the antioxidant power of Amla fruit has the ability to help lower cholesterol and reduce damage caused by radiation and heavy metal toxins, by reducing free radicals in the body. Some of its antioxidants include vitamins A and C, tannins and gallic and egallic acids. These compounds are shown to have anticancer activities and to fight both age-related degenerative diseases and the visible signs of aging [1]. Ounce per ounce, Amla fruit gives you 50 times the antioxidant power of blueberries, 60 times the antioxidant power of pomegranates and 75 times the power of goji berries–all of which are well known for their antioxidant prowers [5].

2. Protects Against Radiation

Increased exposure to modern technology, such as cell phone radiation is a contributing factor to oxidative stress and potentially even cancer [2]. Amla helps protect against damage from radiation, according to animal studies. Researchers found that rats that were exposed to lethal radiation levels had an 88 percent chance of survival if given Amla fruit for seven days before exposure, as opposed to a zero percent chance without it [3].

3. Helps Keep Blood Sugar Balanced and Helps Treat Diabetes

Amla fruit is shown to improve blood sugar levels in both healthy people and diabetics. In a study involving patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers, both groups had lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels after 21 days of supplementing with Amla fruit [4]. It works by stimulating cells to secrete insulin, which is the hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream and into cells where it’s used for energy. This not only helps lower blood sugar levels but also gives you more energy and boosts your metabolism so you can burn more calories [5].

4. Boosts the Immune System

Amla fruit’s medicinal qualities include its antibacterial and astringent properties, which reduce the body’s bacterial load and help fight infections. Additionally, it also helps boost the immune system’s response to infections by increasing the body’s white blood cells count. White blood cells fight off pathogens throughout the body, serving as the first line of defense against infections [6].

5. Improves Digestion

Due to its high content of dietary fiber, Amla fruit helps keep your bowels regular, minimizing constipation and diarrhea. It increases the production and flow of gastric and digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and the assimilation of nutrients [7]. At the same time, it protects the stomach and intestines from ulcers by bolstering the protective mucus lining [8].

6. Boosts Brain Function

Besides its benefits for the body, amla fruit also improves the functioning of the mind. In a study on rats, researchers found that amla fruit extract improved memory recall and lowered levels of acetylcholinesterase which is an enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s disease [9]. In addition to improving memory, another study found amla fruit boosts learning ability in rats [10].

7. Protects Heart Health By Helping to Lower Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Inflammation

Several studies have linked amla fruit to a reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and blood pressure, all of which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease [11]. This may make it a better alternative to using statin drugs, which lower cholesterol with undesirable side effects. Another way amla fruit helps protect you from heart disease by lowering inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with most chronic diseases, including heart disease, as well as cancer and diabetes. Amla is shown in lab studies to lower levels of inflammation in human blood vessel cells by modulating the immune system and neutralizing free radicals that damage cells [12].

8. Helps Fight Cancer

Impressively, amla fruit is helpful in the prevention and treatment of cancer. According to test tube studies on human cells, it stops the growth of lung, breast, liver, ovarian, cervical and colon cancer cells. In addition to fighting cancer, it also helps in its prevention by neutralizing free radicals and reducing DNA damage caused by oxidative stress [13].

How to Take Amla Fruit

You can take amla as a powder, juice, oil or in capsules. Dried amla is also drank as a tea, and in some countries, Amla is available in its whole fruit form. Its taste is sour and bitter, and in India, it’s commonly eaten with salt and red chili powder. With its impressive nutrient profile and proven ability to improve and prevent several chronic conditions, amla fruit is a “superfood” you can consume daily to boost overall health.

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Top 8 Benefits of Amla Fruit: a Medicinal Powerhouse 

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Amla fruit is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine because of its incredible antioxidant potency and multitude of therapeutic attributes. Amla fruit is used to protect the health of your heart and your brain, and it counteracts radiation and inflammation. It also stimulates the digestive system, boosts the immune system and balances blood sugar levels. These reasons combined are why many people in Asian countries where Amla fruit is found consume this superfood on a daily basis.

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Nutrients Solutions®

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Nutrients Solutions®

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