Amla/ Indian Gooseberry - The Complete Health Tonic

by Sam Malone

Indian gooseberry or amla is the common name for the fruit Emblica officinalis. The Indian gooseberry is a small fruit, pale green or yellowish green in color, and roughly the size of a cherry tomato. The Indian gooseberry for its small size packs quite a punch. Research indicates that this tiny fruit helps battle most minor illnesses like the common cold and has been known to benefit people with cancer.

For centuries Indians have used the gooseberry to treat a wide range of illnesses. It is used in a particular form of alternative medicine called Ayurveda. Today, the West too has come to acknowledge the benefits of this amazing fruit, as there is a lot of evidence to back it up. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of the Indian gooseberry and why a lot of Indians and others all over the world are taking advantage of this complete health tonic.

Why Eat Indian Gooseberry?

Amla is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Its exceptional anti-aging and good health promoting properties have now being recognized world over. This humble fruit may just end up being what wins over our battle with cancer. Whether eaten raw, as a fresh fruit juice or in the form of powder, you can only reap good things from this amazing fruit. Sour to taste, it may take a little getting used to, but its refreshing flavor will only leave you coming back for more of its goodness.

Properties of the Indian gooseberry

It is not very surprising that this little fruit has so many beneficial properties. Indian mythology does not exaggerate the benefits of this fruit. It is considered to promote longevity and health. Listed below are some of the proven properties of the Indian gooseberry.

Proven antioxidant properties
Cancer preventing and treating properties
Diuretic properties
Protects the liver
Protects the heart
Protects the kidney
Protects the nerves
Antipyretic, brings down fever
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-anemia
Used in the treatment of diarrhea
Used to treat the common cold and fevers
Antiviral properties
Antimicrobial properties
Used in the healing of the pancreas
Prevents and manages diabetes
Helps lower cholesterol levels

We will now take a look at the Indian gooseberry and how it may be cause allergic reactions in some people. We will also look at its benefits in people suffering from candida infections and acne.

Allergies and Indian Gooseberry

While gooseberries in general are extremely good for us, with more beneficial properties than most foods that you eat, there are some who are allergic to gooseberries. Here are some of the symptoms of gooseberry allergy:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling around the mouth and face
Hives and itchy skin
Difficulty breathing

If you are experiencing any of these reactions to eating a gooseberry, it is best to seek medical help immediately.

Gooseberries are also best avoided in the following conditions:

Low blood sugar
Low iron levels
When taking anticoagulant drugs
Low immunity

Indian Gooseberry and Candida Infections

Gooseberry has known antifungal properties, which is why it is great against candida infections. Also, candida infections occur more in diabetic patients. This is because the high sugar content in the body supports the growth of fungi such as candida. As gooseberries help control diabetes, they will indirectly suppress the growth of this type of fungi.

Indian Gooseberry and Acne

In most cases, acne especially in adults, is caused because of excess toxins in the blood. It is a known fact that amala or the Indian gooseberry helps purify the blood, reducing the incidences of pimples.

References

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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