5 Ways to Include Indian Gooseberry (Amla) In Your Diet

The healing properties of fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables can’t be stressed enough. The 5000-year-old healing science of India- Ayurveda, depends wholly on nature to treat any disease in the body. There are a few food items that are essential and must be included in our everyday diet for better health and immune responses. Amla or Indian Gooseberry is one of such. 

What are the benefits of including Amla in the diet?

• Chromium in Amla reduces bad cholesterol in the body. Hence, improving heart health.
• It has potent antioxidants, that help in neutralizing free radicals damage in the body.
• It reduces acne and dandruff. 
• It can help in burning fat and the fiber content in Amla keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time, hence maintaining weight.
• It boosts immunity and also, strengthens your respiratory system. 

What are the probable ways in which you can include Amla in your diet? 

Amla Juice: 

Amla has high amounts of vitamin C, which boost your immunity, metabolism and prevents viral and bacterial infections, including cold and cough. In Ayurveda, amla juice is known to bring an equilibrium in all the three doshas- Vata(earth+water composition), Kapha(air+ether composition), Pitta(fire+little water composition). It aids in slowing down the aging process, and is required for collagen production, which keeps your skin and hair healthy. You can simply have 30 ml of amla juice in equal parts of water, add it in your green juice or mix it with aloevera juice. 

Pro Tip: Have it lon an empty stomach. 

Amla Pickle: 

Pickle though isn’t recommended in large quantities, for it has loads of salts and oil in it. However, having 1 whole home-made amla pickle is safe. Amla pickle, improves digestion, protects your liver due to its hepatoprotective properties, aids in weight loss, good for pregnant women, it is rich in vitamin K- which promotes bone health, and also reduces ulcers. Make it when amla is in season, to enjoy throughout the year. 

Amla Murabba: 

Murabba is a sweet and spicy relish which can be made in jaggery syrup. It has multiple benefits for the body. It has digestive benefits, is a good source of chromium, zinc, copper, and iron, it also boosts immunity, benefits arthritis pain- since it is a rich source of vitamin C, and prevents constipation too. 

Amla Chutney:

Pastes or chutneys are versatile. You can have it with so many things. Also, they can help in better digestion. All that you need to do, to make a detoxifying, antioxidant rich chutney is- take some coriander, mint, amla, cumin powder, Himalayan salt and parsley. Blend them together in a grinder and use it with chapatis, or even sandwiches.

Amla Tea: 

Amla Tea is the easiest way to incorporate it into your diet. It aids weight loss and controls your hunger pangs. In a shallow vessel; boil mint leaves, ginger and amla powder together. Have this tea twice a day to get maximum benefits. 

Over to you. 

Amla is a delicious, all-round ingredient which is also a good source of calcium. If you have amla early in the morning, it cleanses your colon and removes excess toxins from the body. If you include this ingredient every day, it will lead your way to healthy, glowing skin, improve your eyesight, regulate your blood sugar levels and strengthen your immune system. Have them in the above-mentioned ways and see the wonders that it does to your health.