Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit with rich history and amazing health benefits. This fruit comes with wonderful uses that make it a fantastic thing to add to your daily life for a healthy living.
In this post, we have come up with some interesting facts associated with amla but before that let us first know what amla is.
What is Amla?
Amla is a small, round fruit which is typically about 1 to 3 cm in diameter. This fruit grows on Phyllanthus Emblica tree, native to the Indian subcontinent. It has a smooth, translucent skin that ranges from light green to yellowish-green when ripe. Featuring a unique flavor profile of biter, sour, and slightly sweet tastes; the fruit is firm and fibrous, with a juicy consistency when fresh.
This miraculous fruit is used in culinary creations for its refreshing tangy taste and traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, for its numerous health benefits.
Intriguing Facts About Amla
- Rich in Vitamin C: Amla is a rich source of vitamin C. Researches have revealed that amla has more vitamin C than oranges and this makes it an effective immunity-booster. The high vitamin C content in amla contributes to its status as a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits ranging from antioxidant protection and immune support to skin health, cardiovascular protection, and more.
- Traditional Ayurvedic Uses: For centuries, amla has been in Ayurveda as an important medicine. It has been used for its wonderful health benefits which include improving digestion, boosting immunity, improving skin health, and conditioning hair.
- Natural Dye: In various cultures, amla is used as a natural dye. By mixing amla powder or amla juice with other herbs, once can create a natural and healthy black dye for coloring hair and textiles. It makes a wonderful alternate to conventional dyes.
- Antioxidant Properties: Amala is known to be packed with various antioxidants which are helpful in neutralizing free radicals in our system and offer protection to our cells against damage. They play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Healthy Mouth Freshener: Enjoy chewing on dried amla slices works as a natural mouth freshener. The amla-based mouthwashes are effective traditional options for oral health.
- Part of Ayurvedic Formulations: There are many Ayurvedic formulations and herbal supplements in which amla powder is vital ingredient. It is often used in combination with other herbs to create potent formulations for various health purposes.
- Sustainable and Adaptable: Amla trees are capable of adapting to difficult environmental conditions. They can survive in poor soil quality and even drought-prone regions. Low fertilizer needs, minimal water requirements, and ability to survive without pesticides make them a wonderful crop for cultivation across different climatic conditions.
- Longevity: Amla trees are known for their longevity. Because of their adaptability to different climatic conditions, they can live for over 100 years. These trees, therefore, are able to provide a regular supply of amla fruits for many decades.
- Environmental Benefits: Amla trees are known for the ability to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. They make wonderful trees to plant in urban areas as they can reduce pollution and improve the quality of air. They are drought tolerant fruits that are helpful in conserving soil and improving its overall health.
- Cultural Significance: In India and in various other countries, amla holds cultural importance. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that amla tree is sacred to God Vishnu and is associated with longevity and immortality.
These exquisite qualities highlight the different benefits and uses of amla beyond its nutritional value, thereby making it a fantastic fruit having medicinal, cultural, and environmental importance.