Scientific name: Phyllanthus emblica

Common name:  Indian gooseberry

Other Names for Amla

In Sanskrit, it is known as Amalki, Shriphala, Sheetaphala, Dhatri, Tishyaphala.

In Hindi, it is known as Amla.

In Marathi, it is known as Avala.

In English, it is known as Indian Gooseberry.

In Kannada, it is known as Nelli.

In Tamil, it is known as Nellikai.

In Telugu, it is known as Usheeri kaya.

In Malayalam, it is known as Nelli.

ADVANTAGES:

1: Amla and Hypertension

Amla is a rich source of various antioxidants. It is a known antioxidant property to scavenge the free radicals produced by the human body during stress. Along with antioxidants, Amla contains a notable amount of potassium. Therefore, due to potassium’s ability to regulate blood pressure, it has been used regularly in the diet of patients suffering from blood pressure problems. The major mechanism involved in managing hypertension by Potassium is by dilating blood vessels, which further reduces the chances of blood pressure. In this situation, the drinking of Amla juice could be effective.

2: Amla in Diabetes

Traditionally, Amla is used as a home remedy to regulate or control diabetes. The main reason behind diabetes is stress conditions. Amla is a good source of vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxidant that will help reverse the free radical generation and the effect of oxidative stress. The consumption of Amla products regularly can prevent the chances of diabetes. In another mechanism, Amla’s fibres can help absorb the excess sugar in the body to regular blood sugar levels. So, including alma in your Diabetes Diet Plan can help in the effective management of diabetes.

3: Amla and digestion

Amla berries contain enough soluble dietary fibres. The fibre has a role in regulating bowel movements, which could help relieve irritable bowel syndrome. Due to the higher amount of vitamin C in Amla, it also helps absorb a good amount of essential minerals. Therefore it has synergism with different health supplements.

4: Amla and mental health

Amla berries’ antioxidants have a strong free radical quenching ability, which can help avoid brain cells’ damage and enhance memory. This could be the reason that Amla is effective in treating patients who have dementia.

5: Amla and weight loss

The reason for the fat accumulation could be a slow metabolism. Irregular eating habits can lead to the fat formation in unwanted places. Amla helps prevent the fat formation and helps in flushing out the toxins from the body. Generally, eating raw Amla, candies, and Amla powder with lukewarm water is recommended for weight loss.

6: Amla oil and hair health

Amla oil is used for a long-time as a home remedy to enhance the growth of the hair. Better hair growth can be achieved when a mixture of coconut oil and Amla is regularly used for hair massage. Amla oil can stimulate follicles of hair for their better growth. The length and volume of hair get improved when treated using Amla oil. It contains vitamin C, which helps increase collagen levels. This directly impacts the growth of new hairs by replacing dead hair cells on the scalp. Amla not only helps in growing the hairs but also prevents dandruff problems by hydrating the scalp. Vitamin C, due to its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, prevents hair from itching and scaling. Ayurveda says the reason behind premature greying is due to excessive pitta. Therefore, Amla helps to reduce the pitta to retard the process of hair greying. This is the reason Amal is found in different hair colourant formulations.

7: Healthier Eyes

Amla is also a good source of A, which is known to enhance eye health. Vitamin A of Amla berries helps improve vision. This can also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and conjunctivitis, which comes with ageing.

8: Amla and Polycystic ovary syndrome

Amla can help in flushing toxins from the body during the menstrual cycle and maintains the hormonal balance, which will automatically improve women’s fertility.

9: Amla and skin health

Amla contains a natural blood purifier, and the regular intake of such products can help in skin glow. The Amla products can also help in fighting different allergies related to the skin.