Health Benefits of Gooseberry The health benefits of Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, can be partially attributed to its high vitamin-C content. Amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens eyes, improves muscle tone and, acts as an antioxidant. The Indian Gooseberry belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This fruit ripens in the autumn in wet, forested, hilly areas on the Indian subcontinent. In India it is considered a sacred tree. The fruit is very nourishing, but it tastes sour. Both dried and fresh fruits can be consumed for their health benefits. It provides remedies for many diseases, so it is widely used in Ayurvedic treatment. Gooseberry is very rich in Vitamin C, and contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent. Many health problems are caused by oxidative damage (when body cells use oxygen, they produce by-products called free radicals that can cause damage). Antioxidant agents prevent and repair these damages. Vitamin-C is a good antioxidant agent, which makes gooseberries a powerful tool against a variety of conditions, including various types of cancer. Here are some amazing Health Benefits of gooseberries: Heart Health and Cholesterol Eating gooseberries may contribute to a healthy heart by fighting the development of plaque in the arteries and preventing oxidative stress. When plaque builds up, blood is not able to travel as easily through the arteries, which puts stress on the heart. Plaque can also cause blood circulation problems, high blood pressure and some types of heart disease. Some research shows that gooseberries can help lower cholesterol as well. Two of the compounds in gooseberries, Dgg-16 and Corilagin, may prevent LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from sticking to arterial walls. By decreasing cholesterol, gooseberries can lower the chances of plaque buildup. A 2008 study found that people who had dried gooseberry extract showed not only a decrease in LDL cholesterol after six months, but also an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Historical Uses Ancient cultures have prescribed Indian gooseberries for many conditions. People with mild to moderate conditions such as upset stomach, fever or the common cold may find relief from consuming dried gooseberry powder. It can also work as a diuretic or laxative too. Gooseberries have also been used for serious conditions such as cancer, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and immune system disorders. People also take gooseberry supplements for cancer prevention. Cancer Research indicates that gooseberries may slow the growth of cancerous tumors. The antioxidants in gooseberries help protect cells from the damage that leads to cancer. Diabetes Studies show that gooseberries are beneficial for people with diabetes and diabetic complications. A study published in 2012 stated that gooseberries had positive effects on fasting glucose levels. It also lowered hemoglobin A1c (HB-A1c). A 2011 study found that taking gooseberry extract and green tea decreased measures of diabetes while improving oxidative status in diabetics on dialysis due to kidney damage. Phytonutrients Gooseberry also contains substances known to be beneficial to health called phytochemicals. Dried gooseberry is a rich source of furosin, corilagin, tannis, gallic acid, proanthocyanidins, methyl gallate, and polyphenols. These vitamins and phytochemicals are responsible for the health benefits of gooseberries so it is important to retain as much of the nutrition as possible- so you want to choose a minimally processed (or raw) powder form. Extract from dried gooseberries and raw fruit provide plenty of nutrients for health and well being. Supplements of dried powder are readily available at your local health food store. You can also buy freeze dried and fresh berries to add to cultured dairy, desserts or just eat them by themselves. Hair care Gooseberry is used in many hair tonics because it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens the roots of hair, maintains color, and improves luster. Eating fresh gooseberry or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color. Gooseberry oil is very popular in India because it has been shown to reduce the chances of hair loss and baldness. This quality is due to the carotene content of Gooseberry, as well as its iron content and general antioxidant capacity, which reduces hair loss by not allowing free radicals to damage hair follicles or impact the hormones that can cause premature hair loss. Eye Care Drinking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight, and studies have shown it to improve nearsightedness and cataracts, while reducing intra-ocular tension. This is mainly due to its impressive content of carotene, which have long been known for their powerful effect on vision-related conditions, including those that stem from free radical activity. Vitamin A and carotenes reduce macular degeneration, night blindness, and strengthen your vision before the age-related degeneration from free radicals can occur!
