The Amla or Neelikkai (Phyllanthus Embilca) is also called Amalka in Hindi. In Sanskrit its name is Amalaki, which translates as ‘the sustainer’ or ‘the fruit where the goddess of prosperity presides’. It is a small tree with leathery leaves and a fleshy fruit. Amla is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, its fresh juice containing nearly twenty times as much vitamin C as orange juice. A single tiny Amla is equivalent in vitamin C content to two oranges.

Amla is the fruit of a deciduous plant, of the same name, grown in many states of India. Its English name is ‘Indian Gooseberry’ and it has been associated with a number of health benefits.

Amla is very good source of Vitamin C and has been found to have great antioxidant properties. Apart from helping in curing a number of ailments, it also boosts the immune system of an individual.

In fact, Amla is regarded as a widely-used herb, in case of ayurvedic medicines, owing to its high nutritional value. In the following lines, we have provided information on the nutritional benefits of eating Amla/Indian gooseberry.

Amla (gooseberry) nutrition’s

Vitamin C is an excellent anti-oxidant and as Amla is so rich in Vitamin C, it has strong anti-oxidant properties and helps combat free radicals. Free radicals are unstable ions in the body, responsible for ageing and cell degeneration.Amla stabilizes these free radicals and is believed to be the most powerful rejuvenating agent known to man. Just like most berries, it is low in sugar and has high fibre content, making it an ideal daily fruit for almost anyone.

However, if you have a heart condition, you may want to check with your doctor before taking Amla regularly. This is because Amla stimulates the heart.

Amla strengthens the body, expel toxins from the body and improves defense mechanism of the body. It is an essential vitamin to improve eye sight

Weakness of body, heart and mind shall be dispelled by taking fresh Amla juice in between meals. Massaging the head with Amla oil induces sound sleep and is good for hair.

Prevents premature graying of hair.Wash eyes daily, in the morning with Amla water, soaked in water and drink the water to improve the eyesight and remove constipation. Insert 2-4 Amla juice drops into each nostril to cure bleeding for nose.

Regular use of pain killers, antibiotics and medication, regular intake of alcohol, all cause toxin build-up in the liver. Amla helps strengthen the liver, and rid the body of these toxins. It thus helps purify and clean the blood. This is why Amla is good for the skin, and if taken in combination with neem, it can help clear out pimples that are caused due to impure blood.

Amla calories
100 gm of Amla contains:
Calories: 96(energy)
Carbohydrate: 6.9 gm
Iron: 1.2 gm
Protein: 0.9 gm
Fat: 0.1 gm
Fiber: 3. 4 gm
Indian Gooseberry has also been found to be low in Saturated Fats, Dietary Fiber, and Vitamin C.

Amla contains good amount of Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene, Vitamin B Complex, Protein, Carbohydrates, Cholesterol and Sodium, making it good for health.

Health tips for Amla
Amla is considered a powerful food for the brain. It nourishes the mind, improves memory power and enhances intelligence. Drinking Amla juice twice a day can do wonders to your body. It is better to drink it before food.