10 ways to include amla in your diet to increase the immunity
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Prekshi Garg
on Jan 30, 2023
Last Edit Made By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 18, 2024
We used to eat gooseberries topped with chilli powder and salt when we were youngsters. But did you know that your benefits also lie in how amla is good for health? Amla, as it is well known in India, provides numerous health advantages for your skin, hair, and overall health. Polyanthus Emblica is the scientific name for this sour and healthful fruit that is high in nutrition.
Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a renowned winter superfood that has been known since ancient times. Amla benefits include its broad nutritious properties and health advantages. This vitamin C-rich meal has a variety of health benefits. From increasing immunity to aiding metabolism and lowering cholesterol levels to lowering the risk of chronic diseases, all are included in the health benefits of amla.
Amlas are gathered every year throughout the winter months, and it is beneficial to incorporate them into your diet, especially during this time of year, to combat colds, flu, and the dangerous coronavirus.
This little green fruit is low in calories and fat and high in minerals such as vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, manganese, and potassium. Eating raw amla is the greatest approach to receiving the most health advantages from this fruit. Because of their high vitamin C concentration, these fruits have a citrus taste that not everyone appreciates. This is now utilised for a variety of applications, including the preparation of pickles, chutneys, and nutritious juice. In India, amla is commonly used to make juice. This healthy drink is high in vitamin C and other nutrients that provide a variety of health advantages.
Benefits of Amla For Skin
You probably know a little about how amla is good for health. But did you know that the benefits of amla include your skin as well? You can eat it with honey or apply it directly to your skin to gain its advantages. If you find it too sour for your taste and have trouble eating it, then try making its juice and drinking it. This will benefit your skin. Here are some of the skin health benefits of amla.
- Anti-Aging Properties: Amla can help your skin age more slowly. As you become older, you always want to seem younger, and this is one of the stages of ageing. But who doesn't want to look young? Simply make some amla juice, add some honey, and drink it. Abundant antioxidants are just one of the amla benefits, which can help your skin appear healthier and fight ageing cells. Amla contains vitamin C, which contributes to bright skin. Drinking amla juice on a regular basis will help you avoid premature ageing, fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles.
- Acne Treatment: Make an amla paste and apply it to the problematic area of your face, leaving it to dry for no more than 15 minutes. This will aid in the management of pimples, fine wrinkles, and scars caused by acne. It is a natural blood purifier that keeps pimples and acne symptoms at bay. As a result, amla juice provides you with perfect skin.
- Even Skin Tone: A high collagen level in your skin contributes to skin firmness and softness. Regular ingestion of amla increases vitamin C levels and aids in the formation of collagen in the skin. This will soften and rejuvenate your skin.
- Treats Skin Pigmentation: It is stated that applying Amla juice to your skin will cleanse it and lessen skin pigmentation. All you have to do is apply some amla juice to your face and, once it has dried, wipe it away with a small piece of cotton. Also, keep one eye closed while doing this. This will help lighten your skin markings and minimise skin pigmentation if done on a regular basis.
- Removes Dead Skin Cells: Another one of amla benefits is that it can renew your skin and add an extra layer of skin brightness, making your skin glow. How much more confident can you be if your skin is glowing and vibrant? That gives you an extra boost of self-confidence. In addition, amla juice is a good cleansing agent whether you apply it directly or drink it. This will aid in the removal of dead cells and promote anti-ageing.
Benefits of Amla For Hair
Amla can benefit your hair by making it look smooth and silky. For centuries, amla has been used as a herbal treatment in India, for preventing dandruff and dry hair. Here are some of the hair health benefits of amla
- Natural Hair Straightener: Do you want your hair to be straight? You must have tried various hair straightening equipment or products in the past that have the potential to damage your hair. Did you know that amla paste may be used to straighten your hair naturally? Yes, amla paste or juice has the ability to heal hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. All you have to do is apply some amla juice to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes. After the paste has dried, rinse your hair with lukewarm water. This will make you stronger and add a layer of shine to your skin.
- Prevents Premature Greying: Premature greying of hair is one of the first indicators of premature ageing. This can become a nightmare for the young, but you must recognise that this is a serious matter. So, how can you keep your hair from turning grey? All you have to do is apply some amla to your hair and let it dry for 30 minutes. Amla is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help prevent hair loss and premature greying.
- Prevents Dandruff: Dandruff can be a very important problem to deal with, especially since it is thought to lower your confidence in public. There are numerous anti-dandruff shampoos and lotions on the market, but why not try something natural to completely eliminate dandruff? Amla hair oil will heal broken strands of hair and provide a layer of gloss to it.
- Natural Hair Conditioner: Amla works well as a conditioner for your hair, leaving it silky and lustrous. All you have to do is combine amla and henna and gently apply it to your scalp. This will make your hair look healthy, and once it has dried, you can wash it away with lukewarm water for added smoothness and shine.
- Prevents Hair Problems: You may experience a variety of hair problems during your adolescence, but the worst hair problem you will confront when you enter adulthood is greying. However, if you have any hair problems, such as dandruff, premature greying, or dryness, you should absolutely try amla powder or juice. Applying it is the most effective technique to combat any of the aforementioned hair concerns.
Benefits of Amla Juice
Still thinking how does amla juice increase immunity? Amla juice is not only versatile and delicious, but it is also incredibly nutritious and related to a number of health benefits. Here are six of the most important benefits of amla juice.
- Enhances the immunological function : Amla juice is high in vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant as it’s a water-soluble vitamin. According to one research, amla is one of the highest sources of vitamin C, with each fruit containing 600-700 mg of vitamin C.
In addition to protecting cells from oxidative damage, Vitamin C works on improving immune cell activity
- Improves liver health : Although human research is sparse, encouraging animal studies suggest that amla juice mayassist enhance liver function. Amla juice is also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects, both of which may be good for liver function.
- Promotes healthy digestion : Surprisingly, a recent study suggests that amla juice may have various digestive health benefits of amla. For example, in one research of 68 persons with GERD, taking two 500-mg tablets of amla extract twice daily for four weeks resulted in considerable reductions in theseverity and frequency of heartburn and regurgitation.
- Improves heart health : Amla benefits your heart health as well. Several studies suggest that amla juice may benefit various aspects of heart health. Lower cholesterol, and triglyceride, as well as inflammation and blood pressure levels, which are all risk factors for heart disease may be lowered by amla extract.
- May promote hair growth : Amla is commonly used for preventing hair loss and promoting hair development. By inhibiting the activity of a certain enzyme and stimulating the proliferation of specific hair follicle cells, amla extract may help prevent hair loss and boost hair growth.
- Enhances kidney health : According to a study, amla juice may benefit kidney health due to its antioxidant content. Amla extract has been found in animal experiments to help protect against kidney damage and retain renal function. More research is needed to discover how consuming amla juice in normal dietary amounts affects human kidney function.
10 Ways To Include Amla For Immunity In Your Diet
While we don't know as to when Ayurveda treatments began incorporating amla berries, as per the historical records this fruit has been utilised in medicines for at least 1,000 years.
As a result, incorporating this ancient superfruit it into your daily diet is an excellent idea. Now that you know how does amla juice increase immunity? Here are a few more options if you're wondering how to add this wonder fruit to your diet. Continue reading to learn more!
1. Candy Amla
Amla Candy is a sweet and sour-recipe that contains all of the advantages of amla and may be utilised to stay healthy and active during the winter. Sun-dried amla chunks are sweetened with sugar. You may keep it in containers and use it all year.
2. Amla Pickle
Amla Pickle is another excellent method to receive your daily dosage of amla. However, you can consume one to two spoonfuls of amla pickle every day without risk. Here's a recipe for sour and spicy pickles.
3. Amla Powder
It is the most cost-effective way to incorporate amla into your diet. To promote digestion, take a tiny amount of amla powder (1 tsp) before each meal.
4. Juice
Amla juice is one of the most convenient methods to incorporate amla into your diet and receive its benefits. It is vital to consume amla for immunity as it boosts your metabolism and protects you from viral and bacterial infections. Amla juice may be made at home by diluting it with water and adding a dash of honey to the drink.
5. Murabba
Amla is most typically used to make murabbas, a sweet and spicy treat. Amla Murabbas can be made in a variety of ways. You can also make some amla jelly and amla jam. These jams and jelly also keep well for weeks.
6. In curries and dals
Amla goes nicely with Indian and South Asian curries, especially when powdered. To add some zesty flavour to your curries, simply add a spoonful of powdered amla. Simply sauté onion, tomato, ginger, and garlic paste in oil with cumin, red chile, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Once prepared, you can add this prepared gravy to your favourite foods. Or Incorporate 1 tsp amla powder or 1 tsp fresh amla with spices into your daal.
7. Amla Tea
Amla tea is simple to make and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Simply bring some water to a boil, add powdered amla or half a teaspoon of grated fresh amla, and let it simmer. Add one teaspoon of jaggery and serve hot.
8. Amla Chutney
Amla Chutney is a quick recipe that may lend a spicy kick to your normal foods and serves as a great side dish. Here's a straightforward recipe for amla chutney: In a pan, heat the oil and add the garlic, coriander seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. Now, add the amla and cook for 4-5 minutes, then set aside. Add salt and fenugreek seeds to the mixture in the mixer and mix till a thick consistency is obtained.
9. Amla Smoothies
Making a smoothie is one of several amla powder choices! A smoothie is an excellent method to consume both raw and powdered amla. When drunk as an amla smoothie, you can not only add your favourite fruits to it, but you can also consume it with breakfast for a more satisfying feeling.
10. Amla Dressings
Sweet and spicy amla dressing goes nicely with mixed green vegetable salad, pasta, curries, rice, or as an evening snack with nachos and chips. You can also add a Mediterranean flair to your amla dressings. Simply season with a touch of olive oil and mixed herbs. This dressing goes nicely with pasta, grains, and salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does amla juice increase immunity?
Amla juice is not only versatile and tasty, but it is also incredibly nutritious and linked to a number of health advantages. Amla juice has been linked to numerous health benefits. According to research, it may benefit kidney, liver, and heart health, boost immunological function and hair development, and increase digestive health. Furthermore, amla juice is delicious and simple to make at home, making it an excellent supplement to a healthy diet.
2. Is Amla effective for weight loss?
Yes, amla is said to help with weight loss, and this fruit should be included in your daily diet. Amla also boosts your metabolism and eliminates pollutants from your body. It also aids in the digestion of meals, which means that the faster your food is processed, the more hungry you will feel. As a result, this reduces your appetite by making you feel full.
3. Are there any downsides to eating amla?
Fresh amla tastes the finest when eaten. There are a few possible adverse effects of taking amla supplements. Blood coagulation issues may be brought on by amla. It possesses antiplatelet characteristics that may prevent blood from clotting. People who take blood thinners or have blood diseases should exercise caution when consuming amla. Additionally, amla might lower the body's blood sugar levels. Diabetes patients with Type 1 or Type 2 should use caution when attempting to control their blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
The Sanskrit word "amlaki," which translates to "the sustainer" or "prosperity," is whence the English term "amla" originates. In India, it is a sacred tree that has long been revered as the "Earth Mother." Amla is a revitalising superfood sometimes referred to as Indian gooseberry or amalaki. Ayurveda claims that consuming amla regularly balances the body's three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. That is how amla is good for health. It is a typical medicine in Indian homes and is utilised frequently in Ayurvedic therapies. Polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and iron are just a few of the nutrients it is packed with. Don’t just eat amla for immunity. It offers a long number of health advantages, including slowing down ageing, regulating stomach acid, nourishing the liver, preventing hair loss, lessening dandruff, and strengthening the heart.