In Hinduism and many other Indic religions, Amla is considered sacred. It is said the Amla tree was born during the legendry samudra manthan when a few drops of Amrit fell on the earth.

From ancient times, the amla fruit has been valued for its supposed ability to cure any disease and confer longevity on people whom consume it. We don't know how true this is but like most superstitions, there seems to be an element of truth in it.

Did you know the Amla (or Indian gooseberry as it is known in the west) is the richest source of Vitamin C in nature? In fact, the Amla's therapeutic value is primarily derived from its high concentration of Vitamin C. Now let's see what health benefits are conferred by ingesting Amla.

Amla is rich in antioxidants
Amla is the richest source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. It is also the only Vitamin that does not cause toxicity when taken in high doses. Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in the body and accelerate cell repair. This slows down the ageing process.

Amla is good for the skin, hair and eyes
Teenagers are asked to drink Amla juice because it fights acne. Regular drinking of Amla juice also delays the formation of wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines. Amla makes the hair lustrous and reduces breakage and hair fall. Taken with honey, amla juice is a home remedy to improve eyesight and prevent problems of the eye.

Amla improves digestion
Amla juice aids better digestion by balancing stomach acids. Amla is rich in fiber which adds bulk to food, helping it move freely through the digestive system. Amla juice is also rich in soluble fiber, which performs the same function. So eating Amla or drinking Amla juice regularly can reduce constipation.

Amla juice is a diuretic
Amla juice is rich in water but it is also slightly diuretic. A diuretic increases the volume and frequency of urination. It removes toxins from the body as well as excess salts, water and uric acid. This way amla juice keeps the kidneys healthy and helps you lose weight.

Amla improves diabetes
Diabetics are recommended to drink amla juice regularly. It is because Amla is rich in chromium, which is beneficial for diabetic patients. Amla also stimulates the production of insulin, which reduces blood sugar in humans. Now more glucose is available to the body cells for their function.

Amla can delay heart disease
Amla juice improves heart conditions by strengthening the heart muscles, helping the heart pump blood more effectively. The chromium component in Amla reduces incidences of plaque buildup in the arteries and vessels, further reducing the chances of heart attacks or strokes. Amla's high iron content increases the production of red blood cells which consequently improves circulation.

Amla is good for the liver and the pancreas
If you take medicines or if you drink alcohol regularly, it can cause toxins to build up in your liver. Amla flushes these toxins from the liver and improves liver function. So if you are undergoing a detoxification program, do include amla in your diet because it can make a big difference. This way, Amla cleans and purifies the blood. Taking amla juice also reduces the incidence of pancreatitis and promotes spontaneous repair/regeneration of the pancreas.

Amla improves appetite
People who don't feel hungry should take Amla. Gooseberry powder, taken along with honey and butter before eating, improves the appetite. It works like a tonic for the gastro-intestinal system. The Vitamin C in Amla improves immunity which is essential for mineral absorption. Don't forget, improper nourishment can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Amla also balances nitrogen levels in the body, helping you gain weight the right way.

Amla fights diseases
Amla juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C and other important nutrients. The body requires nutrients to develop resistance against diseases and improve immunity. In Ayurveda, Amla is said to rejuvenate body tissues and build Ojas or strength. That is why people who are recovering from diseases are given Amla juice to accelerate recovery.

Amla juice cools the body. It is also a mild laxative. Amla juice can be taken to improve hyperchlorhydria (a burning feeling in the abdomen) and gastric syndrome. In its role as a laxative, Amla aids in elimination and flushes out toxins from the body. So if you are suffering from constipation, start taking Amla juice.

Amla is an excellent home remedy for colds and coughs
If you are suffering from a cough, cold or even mouth ulcers, before rushing to the doctor taking Amla juice. Take two teaspoons of Amla juice with an equal amount of honey every day until the cough or cold is cured. To heal mouth ulcers, mix two teaspoons of Amla juice in water and gargle with the mixture twice a day.

Amla fights ageing
The ancients believed that eating Amla or drinking Amla juice increased longevity. Amla is rich in antioxidants which reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Increased concentration of free radicals in the body is one of the major reasons for accelerated aging.

Amla fights menstrual problems
If you are suffering from menstrual cramps, try taking Amla. In Ayurveda, some herbs are said to support reproductive health. One of these is Amla. That is why Amla is called a vrishya herb because it enhances the health of reproductive tissues. Amla supports healthy conception and fertility in women. Amla is also used to treat problems of women such as hemorrhage, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia and discharge from the uterus.

Amla is really a miracle fruit. It may be bitter but when it comes to health, bitter is better. In Ayurveda, Amla is said to balance the three doshas (Kapha, Pitta and Vata). It is also unique in that is contains five out of six tastes recognized by Ayurveda. All parts of the Amla tree are used in Ayurvedic preparations. Drinking green tea mixed with Amla is a good way to benefit from this miracle plant.