Cancer, heart disease, diabetes and aging don't stand a chance against the protective benefits of this one unassuming fruit

Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, Indian gooseberry is a force to be reckoned with. Otherwise known as amla, this superfruit protects against an impressive list of ailments, many of which are degenerative. The berry is also famous as a potent beauty elixir for its role in reducing hair loss and graying, as well as smoothing wrinkles and fortifying the skin. A veritable ‘Fountain of Youth,’ amla can help keep you sprightly, vibrant and disease-free. 

The chemistry behind a healing fruit 

With a distinctive sour taste, amla is generally consumed for its therapeutic value. As one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, it’s traditionally been used to tame inflammation, boost the immune system, slow the aging process and increase longevity. Amla is said to have a cooling effect on the body, improve liver function and encourage weight loss. Modern research has also found the berry to be an exceptionally protective food. Research in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine discovered that amla has one of the highest antioxidant ratings of any food by demonstrating exceptional free radical scavenging properties. Likewise, this study found the berry to be one of four superfoods with a “prominently potent ability to scavenge superoxide radical.” And the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology states that the fruit has significant “antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiulcerogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, and chemopreventive properties.” What’s more, amla is nutrient rich and sports remarkable levels of vitamins A, B and C, calcium, chromium, manganese, phosphorus and iron. It’s also an excellent source of the antioxidants ellagic and gallic acid, along with quercetin and corilagin. 

Turning back the hands of time 

Not only is amla an outstanding health promoting food, it also has a long history of use for restoring the hair and skin to a youthful appearance. “Sourced from the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis, a tree native to India), amla oil has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Featuring a number of essential fatty acids, amla oil is thought to strengthen the hair follicles and condition the hair,” notes Cathy Wong, N.D. Topically, amla oil is massaged into the scalp to slow shedding and reverse gray hair. According to Organic Facts: – Read more at: http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/01/-naturalnews-amla-anti-aging-Indian-gooseberry.html#sthash.doYWRrdb.dpuf

About the author:

Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through ThriveLiving.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision. 

Follow on Facebook

Connect via Pinterest 

Find at Google+

and Twitter

Read her other articles on Natural News here.