Amla is an ayurvedic super food worth adding to your diet. Amla or Emblica Officinalis is an antioxidant considered to be the richest natural source of Vitamin C. The fruit also contains cytokine like substances identified as zeatin, z. riboside, z. nucleotide. Amla’s traditional uses include being a cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, antidiabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal tonic. It raises the total protein level due to positive nitrogen balance. It has been found to have an anabolic effect. The list continues with Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties preventing infection and helping in the healing of ulcers. A native plant of India, Amla has been used as a valuable ingredient in various Ayurvedic medicines. Although only one inch in diameter, the Amalaki fruit has the same antiscorbutic value as two oranges.

Composition

Amla is highly nutritious and is an important dietary source of Vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. The edible fruit tissue contains protein concentration 3 times an apple and ascorbic acid concentration 160 times an apple. The fruit also contains higher concentrations of minerals and amino acids compared to apples. The amino acids include glutamic acid, proline, aspartic acid, alanine, and lysine. The pulpy portion of fruit, dried and freed from the nuts contains: gallic acid, tannin, sugar, albumin, cellulose, and minerals (chromium, zinc, and copper).

Check out Pubmed.gov for the clinical studies if you are feeling extra scientific. Here are the key active constituents contained in Amla: Emblicanin A&B, Puniglucanin, Pedunculagin, 2-keto-gluconolactone (Vitamin-C equivalents). Ellagic acid, Hexahydroxy-diphenic acid and conjugates, and super oxide dismutase (possible anti-aging benefits).

Ayurvedic Remedies

Indian Gooseberry or Amla is used for all Pitta diseases, all obstinate urinary conditions, anemia, biliousness, bleeding, colitis, constipation, convalescence from fever, cough, diabetes, gastritis, gout, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, liver weakness, to relieve stress ,osteoporosis, palpitation, spleen weakness, tissue deficiency, vertigo, rebuilds blood, bones, cells, and tissues. It increases red blood cell count and regulates blood sugar. It is a heart tonic, cleanses mouth, stops gum bleeding, stops stomach and colon inflammation…amla cleanses intestines, strengthens teeth, aids eyesight, balances acidity, eye and lung inflammations, ulcerations, G.I. disorders, painful urination, and internal bleeding.

Want to give it a try?

I discovered amla in my search to avoid synthetic vitamins. I personally like Pure Planets Amla-C Plus. They have both tablets and powder making it easy to incorporate into your daily regime. Amla is a whole food so you can take it on an empty stomach or with a meal. If you are lucky you may even find jars of this tangy fruit in an international market. Join me in using this elixir of good health. The medicinal value of this fruit is practically endless.