Even though amla juice is not very popular around the world, it has had a notable presence in India for centuries, where it has been succinctly dubbed as Indian Gooseberry. Loaded with nutrients, it is a powerhouse that you would be foolish not to take advantage of.
What Is Amla?
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is a small bitter-sweet tasting fruit, resembling the shape of a cherry bit with a greenish yellow color. Possessing the binomial name Phyllanthus emblica, in some parts of the world it is just known as gooseberry. The Amla originated in India, but can now be found growing many places over the globe.
To make the juice, finely chop the amla fruit, removing the seeds in the process. Blend thoroughly mixed in water, then strain. Sweeten or flavor to taste, blend once more and enjoy chilled.
Amla Nutrition Facts (Per cup. 145g)
Calories-66
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5% RDI
Dietary Fiber-6.4g 26% RDI
Protein-1.3g 3% RDI
Vitamin A-435 IU 9% RDI
Vitamin C-42mg 69% RDI
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)-0.6mg 3% RDI
Thiamin-0.1mg 4% RDI
Niacin-0.4mg 2% RDI
Vitamin B6-0.1mg 6% RDI
Folate-9mcg 2% RDI
Pantothenic Acid-0.4mg 4% RDI
Calcium-37.5mg 4% RDI
Iron-0.5mg 3% RDI
Magnesium-15mg 4% RDI
Phosphorus-40.5mg 4% RDI
Potassium-297mg 8% RDI
Copper-0.1mg 5% RDI
Manganese-0.2mg 11% RDI
Selenium-0.9mcg 1% RDI
11 Amazing Benefits of Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry)
1. Supports Liver Health
Consumption of amla juice may help support liver function, enabling it to efficiently partake in the digestive process and also exerts a protective effect on this organ. Even though the liver is extremely resilient and hardy, it can still become subject to oxidative stress that decreases its function.
Regular consumption of the Indian Gooseberry juice can also safeguard the liver against harmful toxins and promote their breakdown.
2. Helps Reduce Cancer Risk
Amla juice is extremely rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which play important roles in helping decrease the risk of developing various types of cancers. These include cancers of the skin, breast, ovaries and colon. It appears to be especially effective for also decreasing the likelihood of hepatic (liver) cancer developing in conjunction with its other benefits on the liver.
What is also very interesting to note is the fact that not only does the juice reduce the likelihood of cancers developing in the first place, but it also stagnates the growth of early stage cancers, rendering them more susceptible to immune system action.
3. Can Help Optimize Cholesterol Levels
While many juices can help reduce cholesterol levels by virtue of your fiber content, Indian Gooseberry juice is a little strange in the sense that it is not fully understood why it does this. Nevertheless, studies have been conducted using it has been found to decrease levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while simultaneously increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
These are all properties of the ideal cholesterol medication, is there currently exists no one pill that does it all. It was also interesting to note that upon cessation of the juice cholesterol levels started increasing again, positive indicating that the juice was responsible for the benefit.
4. Reduces Levels Of Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is a necessary body response, one that safeguards us but often times ends up causing harm as well. Think of information as fire; controlled it is extremely useful, but left to run amok the damage can be catastrophic and far-reaching. As such, it is in your best interest to temper inflammatory processes, and one great way to do that is to consume amla juice.
Regular consumption of the juice is associated with a decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body, which means that less inflammatory processes are being undergone. The juice is also known rich source of various antioxidants which safeguard cells from damage that may precipitate inflammation.
5. Very Beneficial For Hair And Skin
Amla juice contains a significant amount of vitamin C and modest amount of vitamin A, both of which are powerful antioxidant vitamins that help to prevent damage to the most visible structural tissue on our body – skin and hair. Vitamin C is a necessary precursor that can increase the body’s production of collagen, which helps to keep skin youthful looking and supple.
Increase collagen production rates also equate to minimized scarring, faster healing and even an increased rate of hair growth. The juice also contains a little vitamin E that also lends itself to activating here growth.
6. Useful For Gastric Hyper Acidity
There are many instances that cause the stomach to produce more acid than it normally does, which in turn may affect the protective lining of the organ, or even extend to the esophagus. Amla juice has a protective effect on the lining of the stomach walls, which reduces the likelihood of an ulceration occurring. It also helps to reduce overall acid production to facilitate the healing of pre-existing ulcers.
7. Can Help Manage Diabetes
Amla juice is not very high in sugar, making it a good option for diabetics. But besides it being a good option for diabetics to consume, the juice can also help to control blood sugar levels, which is attributed in part to the presence of the rare trace mineral chromium. Chromium enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism so that it is the most out of your blood and into the bloodstream. The juice also retains a small amount of soluble fiber which plays a role in slowing insulin spikes in response to glucose.
8. Promotes Memory And Brain Function
Many fruits and vegetables are known to be extremely rich in antioxidants, but Indian Gooseberry juice is much more effective for supporting brain function than other juices. In particular, is the fact that the juice inhibits levels of an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the chemical acetylcholine and leads to an acute reduction of brain function. Low levels of this neurotransmitter are also associated with greater risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
This is why many supplements that help you to focus on study actively working to increase levels of the screen chemical.
9. Possesses Diuretic Properties
Amla juice is considered a natural diuretic, which is something that helps to promote diuresis, or urination. Why would you want a diuretic? Under certain circumstances, such as if you are hypertensive or are suffering from kidney failure, your urine output may be decreased as her body abnormally retains water. This can have complications as well, making it necessary to promote the elimination of excess fluid.
10. Supports Vision
The presence of the vitamin a and related carotenoid compounds found in Indian Gooseberry juice are very helpful in supporting the well-being of your eyes. This includes protecting them from excessive oxidative damage, helping enhance sight in low light conditions, and even safeguarding you from premature macular degeneration.
11. Can Reduce Frequency Of Asthma Attacks
Amla juice is rich in vitamin C and flavonoid compounds, which are excellent for improving lung function and reducing the frequency of asthma attacks or respiratory disease. Regular consumption of the juice can also reduce your need for rescue inhalers.
Conclusion
Even though amla juice can be considered somewhat of an “acquired” taste, you can safely sweeten it with a low calorie natural sweetener such as Stevia, or use honey or a small amount of table sugar as necessary. Do not miss out on its benefits because you dislike the taste, it will be well worth it.