What Are the Benefits of Amla Fruit?

Amla fruit, or what is often referred to as gooseberry fruit, has numerous health benefits. The plum-sized fruit grows on a small leafy bush that has a strong lemon scent. This fruit is full of vitamin C, protein, fiber and minerals. The amla fruit is revered by both the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine.

Vitamin C Source

The amla fruit is even better than the orange fruit in its vitamin C levels. It has 30 times more vitamin C than an orange, which makes it one of the richest vitamin C fruits available. Research has proven that vitamin C can reduce the severity of colds, act as a natural antihistamine and boost the immune system. To get the full vitamin C benefit from the amla fruit, it should be eaten raw.

Antioxidants

Foods rich in antioxidants can protect from harmful free radicals, which contribute to a variety of serious diseases including cancer. Amla is one of the healthy fruits that is rich in antioxidant chemicals such as quercetin (also found in apples), gallic and ellagic acids (found in green tea), and corilagin.

Cancer-Fighting Benefits

A study done in Japan by scientists at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nagasaki University discovered through preliminary research that amla fruit extracts prevent the growth of cancerous cells. The cells that reacted best to the amla fruit extracts were the cells of the stomach, skin and womb. Along with these results and the powerful combination of antioxidant chemicals found in amla fruit, it is no wonder that this fruit is playing an important role in the fight against cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Amla fruit is known for having anti-inflammatory properties along with its other healthful benefits. It has been found to be effective against hay fever, which causes inflammation of the nose and eyes, and also has been found to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and joint pain.

Other Benefits of Amla

Whether eaten raw, mixed with other herbs, or dried and used as a seasoning, amla fruit is one of the healthiest fruits around. Research has proven that amla can help prevent free radicals, fight cancer and reduce inflammations caused by various conditions, but it can do so much more. Other benefits of eating and ingesting amla fruit include regulating bowel movements and easing constipation because of its high fiber content, and preventing cataracts in diabetic patients by blocking aldose reductase, which contributes to the onset of cataracts in diabetic patients. Amla also can be helpful in relieving stress. Research has shown that amla fruit acts as a sedative, which improves sleep, relaxes muscles and can have a calm, soothing effect.

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