Amla is a superfood
We all know that amla is extremely good for gut health and immunity and hence helps in weight loss. We have grown up listening to narratives and anecdotes on amla and how our moms and grandmoms have prepared several delicacies of it just to make us eat it. Amla is a bit tough to eat as such because of the sour and bitter taste it has.
A superfood, Amla or the Indian gooseberry, is connected to Hindu religion as well. Though the exact reason for associating amla with Hinduism is unknown but due to this association amla is consumed a lot. Amla plants are also worshiped in temples and homes.
Amla as weight loss inducer
Amla is known to reduce weight and most probably its role in promoting gut health is factored in to establish this.
Amla is rich in fibre which keeps the person fuller for longer time. The nutrients present in amla improves digestion and metabolism.
A 2017 study had found that amla reduced weight and belly fat in rats who were put on a high fat diet.
Amla for immunity
Studies have found hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties of amla in animal studies and have said that this might be to the amla fruit containing high levels of vitamin C, tannins, polyphenols, fibers, minerals, proteins, and amino acids.
The complex tannins and ellagitannins present in amla formulations have antioxidants like corilagin, geraniin, chebulagic acid, and elaeocarpusin.
The combined activities of all active components makes amla a suitable source for immunity.
How to eat amla?
Since generations we have been consuming amla in several ways. The traditional ways of eating amla are in raw form, in pickle form, as a dried powder, as sweet concoctions.
It is also consumed as a morning drink by blending it with several green vegetables and seasonal fruits.
The simplest way to eat amla without losing any of its value, is by slicing it and having it like that with just a little bit of salt.
You can also have amla candies available in the market. Chyawanprash, which is mostly consumed in the country during winter season, has amla as its main ingredient.
Simple amla juice
Take two amla
Slice them into pieces
Blend it properly with water; add a little amount of water slowly so that the amla slices get crushed properly. It is difficult to crush the fibre rich fruit of amla, otherwise
Discard the pulp and fibre of the amla juice, if you want
Add pepper powder, little bit of black salt
If you like having sweet juice, you can add honey to this
Have it fresh and immediately after blending
Things to know
Every herbal medicine or herb extract can not be necessarily good for you. While consuming amla, if you feel discomfort in digestion or have any other issue, stop consuming it.
In extreme cases, visit a doctor and take suggestions on the dose and amount of amla you can consume in a day.
Though cases of severe side effects due to amla consumption are rarely seen, it is advisable to consume everything in moderation.
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