India is a treasure trove of natural resources, and one of its age-old gems is Amlaalso known as Amlaki or Indian gooseberry, which has been widely used in Indian cuisine as well Ayurveda remedy. It is believed that eating this small fruit every day can change your physical and mental destiny. This is why this fruit is the best remedy for most seasonal ailments. Read on to find out…
Can amla cure seasonal ailments?
Winter is approaching, and with the change of seasons, the body needs enough strength to withstand the harsh weather and resist the infections and health problems that occur. According to popular Ayurvedic beliefs, amla is a small fruit that can heal all three doshas, ​​such as Vatta, Pittaand Kaphaand improves overall health when consumed daily.
What exactly is amla? What makes it unique?
Biologically known as Phyllanthus Emblica, Amla is a small round green stone fruit that has been revered in ancient medicine like Ayurveda or Unani medicines. Naturally loaded with nutrients and healing properties, consume it amla every day can give the diet a boost of nutrients that help in improving immunity as well as metabolic health. Well, what makes this little round fruit a nutritional powerhouse and cure for some seasonal ailments is its unique composition, which has the right balance of taste and health. Here’s more about this Indian fruit, read on…
How does amla help prevent seasonal diseases?
Amla naturally contains health-enhancing nutrients and antioxidants that can combat seasonal ailments, boost immunity, ensure a healthy gut, and improve digestive health. So, whether it’s a cold, dry or humid, allergy-prone monsoon, amla can help your body adapt and fight common seasonal problems. This is what makes amla such a powerful remedy for almost every health problem caused by the season and revitalizing energy levels. Here are some reasons that make amla a perfect remedy for most seasonal ailments:
How to help with seasonal illness?
One of the main reasons why amla is super effective in treating seasonal ailments is its incredibly high vitamin C content. In fact, just one amla contains about 600-700 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 20 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the richest natural sources of this immune-boosting vitamin. In addition, during seasonal transitions, the body is more susceptible to infections, including colds, flu, and viral illnesses. Consuming a healthy portion of amla daily reduces the frequency and severity of these common diseases and infections by building strong immunity.
Fight infection
According to health experts, the antioxidants in amla, especially vitamin C, help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage the immune system and increase the chances of disease and infection. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and viruses, making it effective against seasonal colds and flu.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Another important thing that makes this little green fruit a holy grail is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are important for managing seasonal health issues and maintaining a better gut as well as overall health. Interestingly, inflammation is often at the root of many seasonal ailments, from digestion to respiratory problems in the winter to skin irritations in the summer. Eating this one fruit can reduce inflammation in the body.
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According to research published in the digital journal ‘Journal of Ethnopharmacology’, an in vitro study called Cyto-protective and immunomodulating properties of Amla in lymphocytes was conducted, and it was found that Amla fruit extract has been reported to have strong. antioxidant properties. In fact, according to the study, there is a lack of studies on the immunomodulatory properties of Amla fruit extract in immunocompromised countries, with an emphasis on lymphocytes. According to the report, experiments conducted with Amla fruit have been shown to have anti-oxidant, adaptogenic, and hepatoprotective and anti-tumor activities. In addition, amla leaf extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity and hypocholesterolemic activity.
According to another study published in the digital journal Functional and Nutraceutical Significance of Amla, it is said that amla is rich in antioxidants such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds and thus helps the immune system and digestion. The rich composition of polyphenols and vitamin C provides significant antioxidant activity along with significant in vivo effects that include improved antioxidant status and endogenous antioxidant defense system activity. Other potential health benefits are anti-hyperlipidemic and antidiabetic activities, as well as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and neurological protective activities.
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Respiratory health
With increasing cases of pollution and respiratory diseases, health experts believe that eating one amla a day is a must during cold weather. This is because throughout this season respiratory congestion and infections like coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma can be aggravated by dry air and fluctuating temperatures. Amla helps soothe the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Detoxification
Consuming amla during seasonal changes can cause and eliminate the accumulation of toxins in the body, especially when the immune system is under stress. This is because amla acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to flush out toxins and cleanse the digestive system. This is especially important during monsoons when water-borne diseases and infections become more common.
Digestive and intestinal health
According to Ayurvedic books, amla has long been used in traditional medicine to support digestive health, as it is believed to reduce the effects of doshas Wata and Pitta doshas that affect metabolism as well as gut health. Amla contains compounds that help in the production of digestive enzymes, which lead to food breakdown and nutrient absorption.
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Another reason why amla supplementation during winters is a must is because this is the time when people enjoy rich and heavy foods that can cause acidity and digestive discomfort. Amla’s ability to balance the pH level in the stomach and reduce acidity makes it a good remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. In addition, amla supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improves overall gut health and improves the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight off harmful pathogens that may be prevalent in certain seasons.
What does Ayurveda say about amla?
Amla is one of the rarest fruits that has the ability to treat all three doshas. In fact, according to Ayurvedic books, just by consuming one amla a day, one can balance all three doshas, ​​such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This is because amla is naturally astringent and soothing, making it effective in calming excess Pitta, which is commonly associated with Jathragini (digestive fire), which is responsible for heat, inflammation, and acidity. In addition, the nutritional properties of amla can also help balance Vata dosha, which regulates dryness, coldness, and irregularity, while also providing stability and hydration to reduce the effects of Vata.
Additionally, amla’s natural detoxifying and revitalizing qualities help balance Kapha dosha, which is associated with fatigue, excess mucus, and heaviness, by stimulating digestion and boosting energy levels. Consuming amla and its extract during the changing seasons can help balance the body’s internal energy, as amla supports overall well-being and helps restore balance in all three doshas, ​​making it a perfect remedy for common seasonal ailments.
Facts about Amla
* Amla is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other important compounds. This little fruit has an impressive nutritional profile that offers many health benefits.
* Amla is rich in carbohydrates, which are usually 70% of its dry weight. In fact, amla has a fiber content of 7.2 to 16.5 grams per 100 grams of dry weight.
*Amla also contains a moderate amount of protein at about 2.0-4.5 grams per 100 grams. Well, that’s not all; This small fruit has a high amount of minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus and a small amount of healthy fat.
*Besides vitamin C, amla has other important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin E, and iron.
*Amla is low in calories and sugar, making it ideal for nutritious snacks and meals. A half-cup serving of amla berries contains only 33 calories, less than 1 gram of protein and fat, eight grams of carbohydrates, three grams of fiber, and no sugar.
* Finally, amla is rich in antioxidants, including flavonols, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. These compounds are associated with health benefits, such as improving cognitive health and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.