6 Proven Health Benefits Of Amla

Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a citrus fruit that grows on the deciduous tree of the same name and belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. Amla is well known for its medicinal benefits and other benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc

# Strengthens Immune System

Our Immune is a defense mechanism of the body that prevents and treats various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as external wounds and injuries.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in amla protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.

Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.

When our immunity is stronger, we are less likely to get infected by a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.

The antimicrobial properties of amla protect us from various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and keep us healthy.

Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in amla also contribute to better immune health.

# Good For Weight Loss

A half-cup serving of raw amla provides 33 calories of energy and because of its low calorific value, it helps in weight loss.

Dietary fibers in amla provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a prime cause of obesity.

For weight loss, eat raw amla or drink amla juice without added sugar. In the market, you can also find amla candies but those should be avoided as they are often coated with salt or sugar.

# Protection against cancer(s)

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in amla protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.

Amla not only minimizes cancer risk but also counter-attacks the side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs.

# Maintains Cholesterol Level

Dietary fibers in amla reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

# Regulates High Blood Pressure

Amla contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.

Hypertension is a common health problem that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.

Zinc and magnesium in amla also aid in regulating high blood pressure.

Consume amla moderately as over-intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.

If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume pumpkin after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

# Improves Cardiovascular Health

Amla improves our cardiovascular health.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in amla protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage and improves its efficiency.

Dietary fibers in amla reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.

Potassium in it relaxes our blood vessels and regulates high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.