The Amalaki plant, as known in Sanskrit, is called Indian Gooseberry in English, Amla in Hindi and Emblica Officinalis, Phyllanthus Emblica or Terminalia Emblica in Latin.
As it provides remedies for many diseases it is widely used in Ayurvedic treatments. Gooseberry is rich in Vitamin C, and contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent. Some of the benefits of Amla are:
- Immunity Booster: Amla prevents common cold and other medical ailments due to its high Vitamin C content. The amla fruit is one of the cheapest sources of Vitamin C. It contains 720 mg of vitamin C for every 100 grams of fresh pulp. Dried amla provides as much as 3000mg of vitamin C per 100gms, which is heat stable that means it is not denatured by boiling. Amla fruit juice is said to contain nearly 20 times as much vitamin C as orange juice.
- Eye Care: Drinking Amla juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. Vitamin A and carotene present in amla, reduces macular degeneration, night blindness and strengthens the vision before the age-related degeneration from free radicals can set in.
- Goodness for Hair &Skin: Amla strengthens digestion, helps the liver detoxify and is rich in Vitamin C and other minerals, which helps in improving one’s complexion. Amla is also a natural astringent and skin toner. It helps in controlling hair loss, removes mild dandruff and is the oldest and most effective natural hair conditioner. Regular massage with Amla hair oil helps in stimulating blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
- Rejuvenating Herb: Amla is known as a rasayana herb that enhances and restores the process of conservation, transformation and resurgence of the life force. It is one of the key ingredients of the famous Ayurvedic compound Triphala. Amalaki is also the chief ingredient in Chavanprasha.
- An antioxidant: Vitamin-C is a good antioxidant agent and Amla being a strong provider of Vitamin C, makes this fruit a powerful tool against a variety of conditions, including various types of cancer. Antioxidants retard or block the oxidation process by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are associated with signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots. Amla therefore prevents and repairs these damages.
- Other benefits: Amla helps in regulating blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It is also a wonderful tonic for strengthening and nourishing the lungs and facilitates absorption of iron in the body thereby improving haemoglobin levels. Amla reduces serum cholesterol, high blood pressure and enhances fertility.
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