Amla (Indian gooseberries) has been used for thousands of years for its nourishing, nutrient-rich properties. It is also one of the most popular substances found in Ayurvedic medicine. Amla is world-renowned for offering multiple health benefits. Amla features a high concentration of Vitamin C, containing one of the highest doses in the entire plant kingdom.
Amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acids, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, and supports the heart. It also strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, improves skin quality, and promotes healthier hair.
This fruit acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, aids in vision care, improves muscle tone, and acts as an antioxidant.Since the list of benefits of Amla is so exhaustive, most people are skeptical about whether these benefits are even true. To back our claim, here are some scientific reasons why Amla is unlike any other substance:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Amla has one of the highest levels of antioxidants found in any whole food. The antioxidant value of amla berries dried described in ORAC units is: 261,500 μ mol TE/100g. To put that in perspective, Amla contains 75 times the antioxidant power of goji berries, 60 times the antioxidant power of pomegranate, 50 times the antioxidant power of raw blueberries, 13 times the antioxidant power of black raspberries, 2.5 times the antioxidant power of acai berries, and 2 times the power of ground turmeric.
Not only do antioxidants slow down aging, but they are also very effective against free radicals. Since free radicals can damage a number of important parts of cells like proteins, cell membranes, and DNA, antioxidant-rich Amla is a great Ayurvedic supplement which can easily combat the negative effects of free radicals on the body. To see a recent study done on the effectiveness of Amla as a powerful antioxidant click here.
2. Protection From Cancer
A number of studies demonstrate that Amla berry inhibits cancer cell growth. The extract was antiproliferative in numerous human tumor cell lines. It caused cell death in two cancer cell lines in another study. A 2010 study showed that Amla berry extract inhibited the growth of lung, liver, cervical, breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer cells in vitro—yet was not toxic to normal lung cell lines. A 2007 study found the same lack of toxicity in healthy hamster ovarian cells. A 2004 study found the extract inhibited proliferation of two breast cancer cell lines, and the extract significantly reduced tumors in mice with lymphoma. Tannins in Amla berry are cytotoxic to human oral squamous cell cancer lines, as well as to salivary gland tumor cell lines, but nontoxic to healthy fibroblasts from gingival (gum) tissue. [1]
A fascinating 2009 study found that a powerful compound in Amla berry, known as pyrogallol, had a potent antiproliferative effect on human lung cancer cell lines. Mouse studies confirmed the effect; when the mice were injected with pyrogallol, tumors shrunk. The authors conclude: “Taken in vitro and in vivo studies together, these results suggest that pyrogallol can be developed as a promising anti-lung cancer drug particular for the non-small cell lung cancer.”[2] The compound also inhibited four other human tumor cell lines in a study of Amla berry and other herbs; Amla berry proved the most potent.[3]
3. Protection Against Diabetes and Depression.
Amla berry is cardioprotective in diabetes, as well as protective of kidney function. In a 2011 study, diabetes was induced in laboratory animals, and those treated with Amla berry extract did not have an increase in blood glucose or disturbed lipid profiles. Antioxidant levels in the heart were protected.[4]
In another 2011 study, 13 uraemic patients with diabetes (these are patients with kidney disease and diabetes) were screened after receiving a mixture of herbs including Amla berry extract, for three months. The researchers conclude: “We found that [this] mixture…for 3 months significantly improved antioxidant defenses as well as diabetic and atherogenic indices in uraemic patients with diabetes.”[5]
Another study found that Amla berry reduced key enzymes linked to Type 2 diabetes.[6] And finally, Amla berry extract, along with two other herbs in the well known Ayurvedic remedy called Triphala, lowered blood sugar in diabetic laboratory animals within four hours of administration. Daily administration of the extract produced a sustained effect.[7] The extract may also exert an antidepressant effect. In a test where mice were forced to swim, the extract was comparable to fluoxetine and phenelzine, two popular antidepressants. When drugs that block antidepressant activity (by binding to key receptor sites) were given to the mice, the extract was ineffective in enhancing swimming activity. The researchers speculate that “aqueous extract of E. officinalis showed antidepressant-like activity probably by inhibiting MAO-A and GABA; and also due to its antioxidant activity.”[8]
4. Effects On Cholesterol
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of Amla are even beneficial for the health of the heart. In fact, research proves that Indian gooseberry protects against cardiovascular disease in multiple ways.
High-density lipoprotein levels of cholesterol among people who regularly consumed small quantities of Indian gooseberry were improved whereas the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as bad cholesterol, among these people was decreased. [9]
5. Helps Improve Cardiovascular Health
Lipid peroxidation, a process which contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease, is also inhibited by the substances found in Amla. Amla can also prevent blood vessels from thickening and the sticking of blood cells to endothelial linings is also reduced with the consumption of Amla. [10]
Using Amla Berries as a base, Siddha Ayurvedic Medicine created one of the most powerful overall herbal health jams for people of all ages known traditionally as Chyawanprash.
Using an ancient formula handed down through generations, Sensitive Planet is pleased to provide the highest-quality, authentic (and best tasting) Chyawanprash.
*Wild-Crafted Herbs *Sustainably Grown & Harvested
*Suitable for All Ages