“Bitter is Better” a popular saying that we have heard from our dadis and nanis. There is certainly no doubt about it, as the world’s “superfruit” proves it. Amla or Indian Gooseberry is the subtropical fruit of a tree of the same name, native to India. The marble-like berries are not only used in a variety of food preparations, they are also highly revered in Ayurvedic medicine.

Amla are small, round berries with light-green skin. The skin is almost translucent, with 6 to 8 faint yellow striations, making the Amla appear to be segmented. The skin is tough, yet thin with a flesh that is crisp and juicy with a taste both sour and bitter. The flesh of an Amla is also somewhat astringent. In the center of the berry lies a hexagonal-shaped stone with 6 small seeds. 

This superfruit is available in abundance during winters. It’s no surprise — a 100-gram serving of fresh amla berries contains as much vitamin C as 20 oranges.  Though they are quite sour on their own, their flavour can enhance recipes they are added to.  

Ayurveda and AMLA

Ayurveda strongly recommends eating a gooseberry daily for improving immunity, boosting metabolism and longevity. While we can’t be entirely sure when Ayurvedic healers started using amla berry, historical records tell us they’ve been used in remedies for at least 1,000 years. Incorporating this ancient superfruit into your diet may improve your overall health. It is in fact known as a ‘divyaushada’ or a divine medicine as it contains five tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent that help in the functioning of both mind and body. It is also called as sarvadosha hara i.e. remover of all diseases. 

Benefits of consuming Amla

Amla holds great religious significance during rituals in the Hindu month of Kartik, that usually falls in between October and November. In many parts of India, it is a practice to offer the fruit as a Naivedya to Lord Shiva and :

• Eat it to ward off various respiratory infections, common cold, flu and other health problems that are caused due to the imbalances of vata, kapha and pitta.
• Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and ancient medicine endorses the consumption of this fruit to prevent the formation of cancer cells. It can be consumed raw, in the form of juice, churna, candy, pickles or supplements.
• If you are suffering from severe hair loss turn to Indian gooseberry, right away. Massaging the scalp with amla oil strengthens the follicles, provides lustre while vitamin C prevents premature greying.
• The vitamin C in amla is absorbed more easily by the body compared to store-bought supplements. Mix two teaspoons of amla powder with two teaspoons of honey and have it three to four times a day for instant relief when you have a cold or a cough or consume once daily for permanent protection. 
• The carotene in amla improves vision. Daily consumption can lead to improvement in overall eye health as amla can reduce cataract problem, intraocular tension (the pressure you feel) as well as prevent reddening, itching, and watering of eyes.
• A protein present in amla helps prevent cravings. Regular consumers say drinking a glass of amla juice before a meal fills them up and make them eat less. Nutritionists say amla boosts metabolism too, making one shed weight faster. Amla has high fiber content and acids like tannic which help relieve constipation and make you look less bloated
• Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties boost one’s immune system. 
• Amla is the best anti-aging fruit. Drinking amla juice with honey every morning can give you blemish-free, healthy and glowing skin.
• Amla berry protects against DNA damage from the potent toxin aflatoxin B1 as well as damage from heavy metals including cadmium, aluminum, cesium chloride and excess chromium.

Amla juice has become quite popular in recent years and it found a place in the menus of many restaurants offering fresh vegetable and fruit juices.

*You can check out my YouTube channel  for some interesting amla recipes. https://youtu.be/oLIeeF-rUfE

Interesting Facts

Amalaki, as it is popularly known in Sanskrit and in ancient texts of Ayurveda, has various meanings – mother, nurse, immortality and it also means ‘sour.’ It is botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica, It is also known as Emblic, stemming from its other known botanical name: Emblica officinalis. 

So as we can see the numerous names of this magical fruit, similarly there are innumerable benefits that one can get if they consume this super fruit daily.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu…