Welcome winter!
As winter knocks at our doors in the northern hemisphere, it is the time equip ourselves with enhanced immunity. This is the time when the Indian subcontinent gets flooded with winter fruits and vegetables – carrots, peas, oranges, green leaves to name a few. One such fruit which has caught everyone’s fancy around the world is the small round ball of humble Amla or the Indian Gooseberry.
According to Ayurveda, Amla is the best among all fruits and the best medicine among all medicines. This small fruit is loaded with Vitamin C & Vitamin A and has almost 20 times more vitamin C than orange. This miracle fruit has the power to completely rejuvenate (kaayaakalp) our body as is known to cure over 100 diseases.
Amla is extremely beneficial in treating cold and cough. It helps improve vision and strengthens the eyes in general. Since it is loaded with antioxidants, it helps in removing toxins from kidney and burn fat from the body (thereby enabling weight loss). Amla juice clears uric acid from the blood, helps lower the bad cholesterol, and is a traditional remedy to keep blood sugar levels steady. It is also found to increase haemoglobin levels in the blood and because of its anti-inflammatory properties helps in reducing arthritis-related pain.
Amla berry helps sharpen the memory and enhances several other cognitive functions including concentration and recall. It even augments nerve health. Not surprisingly, it is a vital ingredient for various mental tonics & supplements like Chyawanprash (a dietary supplement of Indian origin) or Triphala powder/ capsule (made with extract from three fruits, one of which is Amla).
Since, Amla is extremely rich in Vitamin C, this makes the fruit acidic in nature. Hence it is advisable to consume its juice with honey, mishri (crystallized sugar/ rock sugar) or jaggery. Diabetic patients can take the juice diluted with water.
Throughout the winter season we can avail benefits of Amla in different forms – chutney, pickle, jam, candy, murabba (sweet fruit preserve) or Chyawanprash. And if you are up to it, enjoy it raw.
So, do add Amla to your everyday diet and enjoy the benefits of its abundant nutrients. Have a happy and healthy winter!
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