Amla is the fruit of a deciduous tree (Emblica officinalis) that is also commonly known as Gooseberry or Indian gooseberry. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to balance all three doshas (bodily humours). It is considered unusual because it contains five of the six tastes recognized in Ayurvedic medicine. As a fruit or supplement, alma was and is still used to enhance digestion, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough and asthma, and strengthen and tone the entire 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.
Amla Supplements Key Health Benefits
Digestion and Diabetes
The amla fruit is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of 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. It has commonly been used as an antacid to help in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For more information, please see our GERD article. It has also been found to help regulate blood sugar, a property that is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.
Vitamin C - Antioxidant
Interestingly, amla is the richest food source of vitamin C currently known. 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.
