Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a superfood used in Ayurveda to cure and prevent many diseases. This superfood is beneficial in multiple forms, like juice, powder, or extract. In the Indian subcontinent, people have been using Amla for ages. For them, using it in any form is not a new thing. But for many Western countries, Amla is new. A rich source of vitamin C, consuming it in any form helps build your immune system. It is also rich in other nutrients and is ideal for smooth skin and glowing hair. Before you include this in your daily routine, learn about the astonishing benefits of this superfood below.
Benefits of Amla
It has anti-aging properties
Aging is natural, but it is a sign of concern when you start developing signs of aging in your 20s or 30s. There are multiple reasons for this, but consuming Amla can slow the skin’s aging process. In juice, powder, or any form, it can help as it is high in antioxidants, which help your skin glow. It fights aging cells, and vitamin C in it ensures you have glowing skin. Using the herbal extract of amla fruit in serum form can help fight blemishes, dark circles, and other signs of aging.
It treats acne
Do you suffer from chronic acne? Apart from working on the root cause, you can use amla paste to reduce its scarring and severity. Put a paste on the acne or its mark for 15 minutes. Do it once a week to see better results. Also, take amla juice, a natural cleaner of blood that can prevent acne.
It helps lower cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels are never good for your body. Thankfully, you can make dietary changes to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. One dietary change to make is to introduce Amla into your diet. It balances the good cholesterol level, promoting healthy cardiovascular health by removing or reducing fat accumulation in your veins and arteries.
It aids in weight loss
Amla juice can also help with weight loss as it helps improve digestion. The studies show that amla juice improves metabolism, reduces fat deposits, and enhances protein synthesis. It is also a diuretic, which helps promote the secretion of organic toxins through your urine. As everyone knows, controlling weight is essential to preventing problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It helps you achieve a good skin tone
Collagen is necessary for a good and firm skin tone. It makes your skin soft and supple. Amla juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps produce collagen. So, regular consumption of Amla in any form will help you achieve a desirable skin tone.
It can straighten your hair naturally
How often do you straighten your hair for functions or events? Using this much heat on your hair will lead to dry and damaged hair. Instead of this, start using amla paste, which is a natural hair straightener. It also promotes hair shine and repairs the follicles. For this, you can make a paste or use the juice. Apply it to your hair evenly, then wash it with lukewarm water.
It improves your digestion
Amla is also rich in fiber, which is necessary for intestinal transit. You should include Amla in your diet if you suffer from digestive discomfort like constipation. The fiber in Amla also reduces other gastric problems like gas or heaviness. It does so because it can increase the action of gastric juice, which helps with food decomposition.
It can prevent premature greying of the hair
Greying of the hair has many reasons, like genetics, stress, a deficiency of Zinc, and more. If you stress more or have a family history of early greying of the hair, try amla juice or paste. Apply it to your hair for thirty minutes and rinse it afterward. Doing it once a week will help with premature greying of the hair.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
Studies show that Amla can reduce the seriousness of arthritis, hay fever, joint pain, and osteoporosis. The superfood can work at the cellular level, reducing proinflammatory cells like COX and cytokines, which can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and arthritis.
How do I take Amla?
- Amla powder: Amla powder is crushed dry, which you can take on an empty stomach. Take it with warm water or honey to reap its benefits.
- Amla juice: Amla juice is ideal for digestive prowess. Take fresh juice on an empty stomach. Mix 1 teaspoon of amla powder with fresh aloe vera juice for better results.
- Chywanprash: Indians eat chyawanprash daily to build their immune systems. The main ingredient in it is Amla. You can have it on an empty stomach or two hours after a meal.
- Amla pickle: Pickling or making murabba using this is another delicacy you can enjoy in the winter. Have it with your meal and reap the benefits of this superfood.
- Fermented Amla: You can even ferment Amla to have it daily as a probiotic fruit.
- Amla extract: As an herbal extract, you can use it as a serum too. Amla extract has the same properties as vitamin C serum. So, you can put it on your skin to reduce hyperpigmentation and blemishes, fight signs of aging, and hydrate it. You can buy moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products with amla extract to boost your skin. The best skincare with this herbal extract is Taila Prana Facial oil, Moon juice beauty dust, and Go-To, a useful face cream.
It is not surprising that Amla is beneficial in all its forms. This sour and bitter fruit is especially ideal for winter as it strengthens your immune system. Apart from this, applying it to your face or hair through oil or serum is ideal too. If you are not using this superfood, it is time to make it part of your life. Include the juice in your diet or get skin care with amla extract, but make it part of your daily routine. In time, you will see the benefits this has to offer.