Alma
Healthy Habits: Amla
Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla is a small, sour, yellow-green fruit that is native to India. It contains potent antioxidants and has been used in Ayurvedic treatments for thousands of years. One small amla fruit contains 8 times more Vitamin C than an orange and 17 times that of a pomegranate.
Here are just some of the many health benefits of consuming amla: improves eyesight, prevents hair loss/promotes hair growth, boosts the immune system, anti-cancer, anti-aging, helps with weight loss/management, protects the liver, improves digestion, increases metabolism, eliminates toxins, regulates blood sugar levels, improves cognitive function, antioxidant, helps in the management of chronic conditions, relieves gastric issues, helps clear the skin, treats peptic ulcers, helps cure sore throat, reduces cholesterol, provides pain relief/analgesic, promotes a healthy respiratory system and lowers blood pressure.
You can take amla fruit in a variety of ways, aside from eating it fresh or juicing it; there are tinctures, juices, powders, oils and capsules. Make sure to purchase from a company with integrity when choosing supplements. Look for: non-gmo, organic, raw, whole fruit, freeze-dried and cold pressed. Ask your local health food store or grocery to stock it for you.
Amla is said to be the whole food with the most antioxidants, containing 75 times the antioxidants of pomegranate, 50 times the antioxidant power of raw blueberries and twice as much as turmeric. A 3.5 ounce fresh, raw serving contains: 478 mg of Vitamin C, 1.2 mg of iron, as well as minerals such as calcium & phosphorus and Vitamins E & A. The recommended amount for adults is to take around 75-90 mg a day.
There are many books in the library and information online you can find with traditional amla recipes, such as for amla chutney, pickled amla, amla masala and amla murabba – a delicious marmalade. www.archanaskitchen.com/
Be Well and God Bless You,
Jennifer Wimmer
