It seems that this Indian fruit has flown under the radar in America. While Indian cultures have been using it for years, it’s just now beginning to really surface in the United States. Indian Gooseberry, also called Amla, is known for it’s high concentration of vitamin C. It also seems to be somewhat of it’s own “super food.”
Amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens eyes, improves muscle tone and, acts as an antioxidant.
If one fruit can do all of this then why isn’t everyone taking this version of vitamin C!? This type of fruit grows in the wet areas of India and ripens in the fall. While it’s packed full of vitamins, it takes on a somewhat sour flavor much like lemons and limes.
It also contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent.
The health benefits of this fruit seem to be endless but here is some general background on what makes this fruit stand out above the rest.
Better, Stronger, More Vibrant Hair
Indian Gooseberry is used in a past like form to enrich hair, strengthen the roots, improve pigmentation, maintain hair color, and improve luster. In reducing hair loss and baldness, “the carotene content of Amla, as well as its iron content and general antioxidant capacity, which reduces hair loss by not allowing free radicals to damage hair follicles or impact the hormones that can cause.”
Healthier Eyes
The carotene in gooseberry juice has been show to improve cataracts, nearsightedness, and pressure behind the eyes. The carotene in gooseberry which is combined with vitamin A, also helps to reduce signs of macular degeneration that occur from free radicals.
Increases Calcium Absorption
One of the leading causes of falls in elderly patients is due to osteiporosis. This horrible disease is in part due to calcium deficienceis. One of the biggest reasons for defcicnces because calcium is not absorbed propely. This doesn’t mean the patient isn’t taking it, it just means that the body isn’t uptaking it to protect the body. Amla increases the absorption of calcium making the teeth, bones, and nails stronger.
Stop the Insanity and Stop Menstrual Cramps!
The vitamins and minerals found in Alma have the properties available to decrease menstrual cramps. If you are taking it for that reason alone, it’s best to consume Alma as a daily supplement to keep your system stocked full of important vitamins and minerals that calm monthly cramps.
Prevent and Control Diabetes and Insulin Spikes
In previous articles I spoke of how insulin spikes are the things we avoid to keep our bodies from gaining fat. The gooseberry fruit contains a rich source of chromium.
Indian Gooseberry stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar in diabetic patients and keeping their body balanced and healthy. When blood sugar is reduced, it means that glucose is also being used by the cells as functional energy, so the metabolism is stronger and you have more energy, without the plunges and spikes in blood sugar that are so dangerous for diabetic patients. Chromium also enhances the effect of betablockers, which are used for heart health, by reducing the LDL cholesterol content of the body.
Heart Disease:
Gooseberry increases the strength of the heart muscles. Chromium provided by the fruit, decreases plaque build up, reduces atherosclerosis, and cholesterol in the vessels and arteries. Iron found in Alma, helps to increase the formation of new red blood cells, to help the body regenerate and grow.
Anti bacterial
Indian Gooseberry’s antibacterial properties protect the body from invaders, and increase the immune system to fight off disease. Who doesn’t need that!
Anti Aging
As mentioned above, gooseberry is packed full of antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent oxidation that speeds up the aging process. Consuming Alma (gooseberry) could help you fight off signs of aging.
With so many benefits, we should all be taking this super fruit! You can buy it in pill form (since it’s not native to the U.S.) and it’s very affordable! Here’s one popular brand by Swanson’s.
Adria
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