Although I’m familiar with gooseberries, I had not heard of Indian Gooseberries, also know as Amla Berries, until recently. These little fruits are rich in antioxidants that provide many health benefits, especially to the liver.
What are Amla Berries?
These berries, classified as a superfood, are native to southeast Asia and grow on deciduous trees. The trees range in size from small to medium and produce fruits that are round, greenish-yellow in color, with six vertical stripes.
High in fiber and vitamins C and E, Amla berries also contain micronutrients such as manganese, vitamin A and potassium.
The gooseberry taste is described as sour, strong and bitter. In India, it is often eaten with salt and red chili powder to enhance the flavor.
Health Benefits of the Amla Berry
Amla is used as a natural medicine thanks to its impressive nutrients and the wide array of health benefits that it has to offer.
• High in phytochemicals, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties that fight off harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic disease, aging, and age-related disorders.
• Protects the liver from old inherited toxins as well as new exposure to toxic substances. The berries’ high vitamin C content feeds the liver’s personalized immune system, protecting it from infection while helping the immune system seek out and destroy pathogens inside the liver. Amla berries improve liver function and help to restore glucose.
• Improves heart health and decreases the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing the buildup of plaque.
• Maintains normal blood sugar levels due to their high fiber and antioxidant properties. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and helps to prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Gooseberries prevent high blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes complications such as kidney or nerve damage as a result of uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
• Affects cancer cells and potentially has the ability to prevent cancer.
• Decreases inflammation throughout the body, which lowers the risks for many diseases.
• Improves skin and hair health, and is often an ingredient in beauty products. Amla berries increase the production of collagen, the protein that is responsible for providing youthfulness and elasticity to the skin.
• Protects the digestive system and keeps it working efficiently while preventing problems such as gastric ulcers. The berries promote regularity to prevent issues such as constipation.
• Recent studies show that gooseberry extract increases memory retention and antioxidant levels in the brain while decreasing levels of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
(Info from Anthony William and Dr. Axe)
How to Use Amla Berries
It’s rare in my area to find fresh Amla berries, however they can be purchased in Indian grocery stores, and sometimes in health conscious food stores, in cans or in the freezer section.
It’s easiest to buy dried or powdered berries online or look for the supplement in capsule form. Adults can take up to 2 capsules, twice a day, or add one teaspoon of dried or powdered gooseberries to water or a smoothie.
I’ll be checking out my Joplin health food stores and Natural Grocers, to see if they have Amla berry products in any form. I’ve already found capsules and powdered berries online. See links below.
I look forward to trying this new-to-me supplement and reporting back!
Order your supplements below!
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