Amla is the fruit of the deciduous tree Emblica officinalis. People also know it as gooseberry or Indian gooseberry. Ayurvedic medicine uses amla to balance the three doshas (bodily humours). Amla contains five to Ayurveda's six recognized tastes. People traditionally use amla to support digestion, reduce fever, purify the blood, ease coughs and asthma, and strengthen the body. It is one of the main ingredients in Chyawanprash, a remedy for improved immunity and vitality. Today, amla is available in fruit, powder and supplement form.
What Are The Health Benefits of Amla Supplements?
Digestion and Diabetes
Ayurvedic practitioners commonly use amla to support digestive health and manage digestive disorders. It is a laxative and carminative, meaning that it can help to reduce the formation of gas, and promotes the movement of stool through the digestive tract. People commonly use amla as a natural antacid to help manage gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD). Research suggests amla may also help support healthy blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C - Antioxidant
Amla is one of the richest natural food sources of vitamin C. Each fruit contains two times the vitamin C found in oranges, which is pretty impressive considering how tiny amla fruit is in comparison. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. For more information, please see our Vitamin C article. It also contains a number of other nutrients, such as chromium, zinc, and copper. These and other nutrients support the building and maintenance of tissues.
Cardiovascular Health
Research in India has found that 500mg of amla extract when taken daily for over 6 months helps to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, while significantly increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This type of cholesterol shift helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Immune Protection
Amla has also been found to protect the immune system at the cellular level. This supports healthy immune responses in the body, even during toxic assault. This is often the role it is intended to play in Chyawanprash.
Shopping For Amla Supplements
When shopping for amla supplements, dried berries, or amla powder, be sure to look for organic varieties when possible. You will also want to make sure there aren't any added preservatives or fillers in your supplement. You can find quality amla supplements at a reputable health food store like Nationalnutrition.ca.
