Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has its origins in Asia. Its small, green fruits are celebrated for their unique flavour, often described as tart, bitter, and astringent. Amla fruit is not only enjoyed pickled or candied but also available as a powdered supplement or consumed as a juice, offering a convenient and nutritious way to incorporate its health benefits into your daily diet. Here, we will look at the various health benefits of amla juice.
What are the different benefits of amla juice?
Some notable benefits of consuming amla juice are:
- Promotes Immune Function
- Enhances Liver Health
- Supports Healthy Digestion
- Promotes Heart Health
- May Improve Hair Density & Growth
- Improves Kidney Health
- Helps Fight Common Cold
Let's explore the various health benefits of amla juice. It will help you understand its versatility and potential to enhance your well-being.
1. Promotes Immune Function
Amla juice is a potent source of water-soluble vitamin C, renowned for its antioxidant properties. It is one of the main sources of vitamin C, containing 600–700 mg of this micronutrient in each fruit. It safeguards your cells from oxidative stress and enhances immune cell function. Research suggests that regular consumption of vitamin C may prevent certain infections. While some animal studies have demonstrated amla’s potential to protect against oxidative stress, more research is needed to determine its impact on human immune health.
2. Enhances Liver Health
Although research in humans is limited, promising animal studies indicate that amla juice might positively impact liver function. In one study, amla consumption by rats on a high fructose diet led to increased metabolism-related proteins, potentially preventing fructose-induced fatty liver disease. Another study noted that amla extract improved fatty liver disease and reduced body weight and belly fat in rats on a high-fat diet. Amla juice’s antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties can also contribute to liver health. While these findings are encouraging, further research in humans is necessary.
3. Supports Healthy Digestion
One of the noteworthy benefits of drinking amla juice on an empty stomach is aiding digestion. Amla juice has demonstrated the potential to offer several benefits for digestive health. One study involving individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) found that amla extract significantly reduced the severity and frequency of heartburn and regurgitation. A study suggests that amla fruit possesses antidiarrheal properties and may prevent muscle spasms, making it a possible remedy for stomach cramps and discomfort. Several animal studies have indicated that amla extract could heal and prevent stomach ulcers, possibly due to its antioxidant content. However, more research is needed to confirm its effects on human digestive health.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Multiple studies suggest amla juice may positively impact various aspects of heart health. One study found that consuming amla extract for 12 weeks reduced triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in individuals with abnormal blood lipid levels. It also reduced the atherogenic index, indicating a lower risk of cholesterol build-up in arteries. Another study reported amla extract improves heart disease risk factors in overweight or obese adults. Some studies suggest that amla extract may lower blood pressure, a vital risk factor for cardiac ailments. However, further research is needed to evaluate the specific effects of amla juice on heart health.
5. May Improve Hair Density & Growth
Amla is frequently used to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Applying a serum containing amla and other ingredients like coconut water and selenium can significantly improve hair growth and density. Amla has also been found to block a specific enzyme associated with hair loss and promote the proliferation of hair follicle cells. While the effects of drinking amla juice on hair growth remain unclear, it contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamin C that could potentially benefit hair health. Additional research is needed to understand its impact fully.
6. Improves Kidney Health
Amla juice, with its antioxidant content, has been associated with potential benefits for kidney health. Animal studies have indicated that amla extract can protect against kidney damage, preserve kidney function, and even reduce age-related kidney dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress. It is known to normalise kidney function and increase antioxidant status in rats exposed to a kidney-toxic medication. However, more research is needed to determine how amla juice may affect human kidney function when consumed in typical amounts.
7. Helps Fight Common Cold
Among the natural food sources of Vitamin C and antioxidant properties, amla helps fight the common cold and improves the performance of macrophages and other cells. Amla helps the metabolism of free radicals resulting from the reactions between hydrogen and oxygen from the environment and our dietary intake. Consumption of amla decreases the presence of free radicals that lead to cell damage and premature ageing. Also, amla juice fights bacterial and viral illnesses, reducing the effect of several chronic health conditions.