Amla Juice and It’s Power

 

In today's world, people who are health conscious, and want to take care of overall health in a natural way, must inquire about Amla or Amalki and its benefits. Amla is almost universally known for its numerous benefits and its powerful natural ingredients. Not only this, traditionally Amla has gained a popular place in ancient Ayurvedic medicine and in modern health conscious mankind. In this discussion, we will discuss about Amla juice and some of its known names, its nutritional value, some of its benefits and how to use it and its precautions.

What is Amla

Amla, also commonly known as - Indian Gooseberry. It is a nutrient-rich small green fruit that is sour to eat, but tastes slightly sweet after eating. It is scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica. Amla is a native fruit of India and has been used in numerous Ayurvedic medicines for centuries for its numerous health benefits. As a result, it is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and numerous essential nutrients, giving it the reputation of a Superfood.

Amla occupies a highly respected place in Ayurveda and is known by various names. Each of its names actually highlights the characteristics of Amla. For example – Amla, Amlaki, Dhatri etc. These names highlight amla's sour taste, body-rejuvenating powers, and health-promoting and nurturing powers like a mother.

Nutritional Value of Amla Juice (per 100 ml)

No.	Nutrient	Content
1)	Calories	40 kilocalories
2)	Water	95.5 grams
3)	Protein	0.8 grams
4)	Carbohydrates	10 grams
5)	Sugar	7.5 grams
6)	Dietary Fiber	1.5 grams
7)	Fat	0.1 gram
8)	Vitamin C	600 mg
9)	Vitamin A	0.10 mg
10)	Calcium	15 mg
11)	Iron	0.6 mg
12)	Magnesium	10 mg
13)	Phosphorus	18 mg
14)	Potassium	150 mg
15)	Sodium	1 mg
16)	Folate	5 µg

** The values ​​given may vary based on the source of Amla and its process type. Always, check the label and quality of the product while purchasing it.

Brief View about the Nutritional Value of Amla

Apart from the nutrients mentioned in the above table, there are several antioxidants and other phyto-nutrients available, which make amla a unique nutritional value.

Vitamin C  - A large amount of vitamin C is found in amla, which can play a significant role in human health in daily life. Because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which can protect human body cells from various damages. In addition, vitamin C is a very important ingredient for skin health, immune system function and improvement.

Polyphenols - Amla contains natural compounds like Quercetin, kaempferol, catechin and phenolic acid. Known for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, amla is known for its presence in the cardiovascular system and may provide other health benefits.

Gallic Acid - It is a special type of natural powerful anti-oxidant, which helps the body to fight against various oxidative stress.

Ellagic Acid - It is a powerful antioxidant, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help fight cancer.

Saponins - It is a natural compound, which has anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties.

Lignans - These special types of anti-oxidants are found to have anti-cancer properties. The presence of this organic compound can be seen in amla, though in very small amounts.

Flavonoids - These antioxidants have the ability to provide skin and other health benefits.

Tannins - These special compounds are among the antioxidants found in amla. These particular types of compounds are known for their astringent properties and provide various health benefits from those present in Amla.

Also, the various vitamins, minerals in it meet the deficiency of our body's daily nutritional requirements and provide various health benefits overall. In fact, each vitamin and mineral has a different function or role in our body. Therefore, daily supply of these elements is very important to meet the body's needs and maintain proper health and is often lacking due to our today's busy lifestyle and diet, resulting in various lifestyle diseases. The combination of all these nutrients in amla juice can be a great solution to this problem.

Benefits of drinking Amla Juice

Drinking amla juice provides various health benefits, some of the special benefits that can be obtained by drinking amla juice in daily life are mentioned here:-

1) To Strengthen the Immune System :- Amla juice is a powerful source of vitamin C, which is well known for its immune boosting properties. Regular consumption of amla juice helps in strengthening the immune system of the body. As a result, it helps the body fight against common illnesses and infections.

2) Anti-Aging Power :- Amla juice is rich in various anti-oxidants, which help our body to fight against oxidative stress and free-radicals, which especially cause us to age prematurely. Takes a significant role. As a result we can get healthy, glowing skin and keep premature aging at bay.

3) Improvement of Digestion :- Amla juice and its nutrients help in the release of enzymes required for digestion. As a result, digestion improves. Moreover, by alleviating the problem of constipation, it improves the overall digestion by increasing the function of the intestines.

4) Helps in Detoxification :- The ingredients present in amla juice give it an extraordinary detoxifying property, thereby helping in removing toxins from the body and keeping the liver clean. And as a result of which the overall health of our body improves and helps to increase vitality.

5) Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar :- Various tests have shown that regular consumption of Amla juice keeps blood sugar levels under control. As a result, it plays a significant role in controlling diabetes.

6) Improves Skin and Hair Health :- Rich amount of vitamin C and other ingredients in amla juice helps in collagen production, removes free-radicals from the body. Which improves the overall health of the skin. The various vitamins and other ingredients present in it help to strengthen the hair follicles, thereby improving the overall health of the hair as a result of its consumption.

How to drink Amla Juice

Incorporating amla juice into your daily routine for overall immunity and good health is easy and can be done in a number of ways:-

1) Fresh Fruit Juice :- The best way is to extract fresh juice directly from the amla fruit and drink it. Simply juice the fruit in a mixer, mix with a little water and strain through a fine sieve. For taste, you can mix it with honey or lemon.

2) Concentrated Amla Juice :- If fresh amla fruit is not available, you can use market-bought concentrated amla juice or powdered amla mixed with water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing with water.

3) Blended Drinks :- Amla juice can be mixed with other fruit juices or smoothies to increase the taste and nutritional value.

Also, there are many Amla juice supplements available in the market that you can also use. But of course, before buying, look at the label before the pack and buy with research about the manufacturer. Above all, buy from companies that don't compromise quality for price. For best results, it is recommended to consume amla juice on an empty stomach, especially in the morning. In general, about 30-50 ml per day for normal people. Juice is sufficient, but may vary according to circumstances and individual needs.

Precautions for Drinking Amla Juice

Although amla juice offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to keep the following precautions in mind:

1) Advice :- If you have any underlying health conditions, such as blood sugar or blood pressure or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, you should definitely consult a healthcare professional before including amla juice in your diet.

2) Dosage :- Excessive consumption of amla juice can aggravate digestive problems or acid reflux if you have it. So start with the prescribed dose as per the advice of a dietician and gradually increase the dose.

3) Interactions :- Amla juice may interact with certain medications or its ingredients, especially those that affect blood sugar levels. So consult your healthcare provider before drinking amla juice in such cases.

4) Allergies :- Some people may notice an allergic reaction to drinking Amla juice. Although such occurrences are extremely rare, caution should be exercised. So if you notice any adverse effects after starting to drink amla juice, stop drinking and consult a doctor or Dietician.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is Amla and why is it significant in Ayurveda ? 

Ans): Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a small green fruit rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Scientifically named Phyllanthus emblica, it has been a vital part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its health-promoting properties, including boosting immunity, improving digestion, and enhancing skin and hair health.

2) What are the key Nutritional Components of Amla Juice ? 

Ans): Amla juice is highly nutritious, containing approximately - 

(i) 40 kilocalories per 100 ml

(ii) 600 mg of Vitamin C

(iii) 10 grams of Carbohydrates

(iv) 150 mg of Potassium

(v) Other essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and dietary fiber.

3) What are the primary Health Benefits of consuming Amla Juice Daily ? 

Ans): Drinking Amla juice offers numerous benefits, including -

(i) Strengthening the immune system due to its high vitamin C content.

(ii) Anti-aging properties by fighting oxidative stress and free radicals.

(iii) Improving digestion and alleviating constipation.

(iv) Detoxifying the body by cleansing the liver.

(v) Helping control blood sugar levels, thereby aiding in diabetes management.

(vi) Enhancing skin radiance and promoting healthy hair.

4) How should Amla Juice be consumed for optimal Health Benefits ?

Ans): Amla juice can be consumed in several ways - 

(i) Freshly extracted juice mixed with water, honey, or lemon.

(ii) Market-bought concentrated Amla juice or powdered form, diluted as per instructions.

(iii) Mixed with other fruit juices or smoothies for added flavor and nutrition. It is best consumed on an empty stomach, typically 30-50 ml daily.

5) Are there any Precautions to consider when drinking Amla Juice ? 

Ans): Yes, there are several precautions -

(i) Consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or on medication.

(ii) Avoid excessive consumption to prevent digestive issues or acid reflux.

(iii) Be aware of possible allergic reactions, though rare, and discontinue use if adverse effects occur.

(iv) Monitor for interactions with medications, especially those affecting blood sugar levels.

6) Can Amla Juice help in Managing Blood Sugar Levels ? 

Ans): Yes, regular consumption of Amla juice can help control blood sugar levels. It is rich in antioxidants and compounds that support healthy glucose metabolism, making it beneficial for individuals managing diabetes. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating it into a diabetes management plan.

 

Amla juice today stands as a valuable addition to any natural hygiene regimen. Amla can provide various benefits from improving digestion to increasing skin radiance and boosting immunity. By understanding its traditional significance, benefits and proper methods of drinking, we can harness the power of Amla to improve our overall well-being and health.