Indian gooseberry, better known as amla, was considered as a miraculous food in the ancient Ayurveda. The abundance of vitamin C and other nutrients make it a super food and it’s still used in various forms for its well-known health benefits. Botanically known as Emblica Officinalis, amla is a very sour fruit and is found mostly in India and tropical South East Asia. The taste might not appeal you at once, but do not dismiss it right away because the health benefits of Indian gooseberry are much more than you can imagine. Also, there are many ways by which, you can savor the fruit in the forms of yummy chutneys, pickles, jams, marmalades and juices. Here are 35 amazing health benefits of Indian gooseberry you must know.

1. Rich Source of Vitamin C

Amla is the greatest natural source of vitamin C, so instead of tossing vitamin C supplements and pills, try dried amla. It’s easily absorbed by the body without causing any harm.

2. Helpful in Cold and Sore Throat

Indian gooseberry is a great help in curing sore throat and cold. Mix 2 tsp of amla powder in 2 tsp honey and have it 3 to 4 times in a day.

3. Helpful in Arthritis

Indian gooseberry has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in relieving joint pain and swelling that happens due to arthritis. For this, you can have raw amla or juice everyday in the morning.

4. Eyesight

Indian gooseberry is very well known for improving eyesight. It also helps in curing itchy, watery and red eyes. If taken regularly, it can give you miraculous results in restoring the eyesight.

5. Reduces Indigestion and Constipation

Taking gooseberry powder every day helps in reducing constipation and improves digestion. It’s a gentle laxative and rich in fibers, so it will be a great help in digestion related problems.

6. Burns Fat

Gooseberry is also known to reduce obesity. It increases the protein level in the body, which, in turn, reduces the unwanted fat. It trims down the cholesterol level. Hence, the risk of heart attack is also decreased.

7. Controls Diabetes

Amla is also very beneficial for diabetic patients. Take amla with turmeric powder or honey regularly to cure diabetes.

8. Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers happen for a lot of reasons, like indigestion, infection, etc. Amla juice is the best solution for curing mouth ulcers. Mix amla juice in water and gargle with it twice a day.

9. Regulates Acidity

Regular consumption of Indian gooseberry is very good for your stomach. It is helpful in treating gastritis or burning sensation in the abdomen. It’s also used in curing peptic ulcers and piles. You can have amla with pure ghee daily to cure gastritis.

10. Purifies Blood

Amla is a great antioxidant and blood purifier. It eliminates out toxins from the body and aids you on so many levels that you won’t even know. Regular consumption helps in increasing the hemoglobin and red blood cells count.

11. Immunity Booster

Amla is an immunity booster for the body. Due to an abundance of vitamin C, it boosts the immunity of the body against infections and diseases.

12. Improves Metabolism

Indian gooseberry is a wonder food for fitness enthusiasts. It intensifies the body metabolism. The better metabolism you will have, the faster you’ll lose your weight. So, if you want to discard those extra pounds, include amla in your daily diet and see the results.

13. Cures Sleeplessness or Insomnia

If you have problems in having a sound sleep or have disturbed sleep cycle, amla is just what you need. Include fresh gooseberry juice in your diet for a sound sleep. Amla juice can be mixed with coarse nutmeg powder to cure many sleep disorders.

14. Strengthens the Bones

Indian gooseberry strengthens the bones not only because of the calcium content, but also because of its property to lower the osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for breaking of the bones.

15. Cancer Prevention

Regular consumption of amla helps in reducing the risk of cancer. Indian gooseberry is very rich in antioxidants, especially superoxide dismutase, which guards the body against the free radicals. Regular use of gooseberry can also safeguard you against severe problems, like cancer.

16. Secures against Heart Diseases

Amla is considered very beneficial for heart. It strengthens heart muscles so that the heart is able to pump blood more efficiently. It also controls cholesterol level, thus, reducing the chances of heart attacks.

17. Helps in Reducing the Ill Effects of Smoking

Indian gooseberry is well-known for protecting the liver. Studies have shown that regular intake of amla reduces the ill effects of smoking in the lungs. Since it’s a very good antioxidant, it fights off the free radicals generated from the cigarette smoke.

18. Prevents Jaundice and Scurvy

Regular intake of amla prevents the outbreak of scurvy and jaundice. For this, you must drink one glass of Indian gooseberry juice every morning on an empty stomach.

19. Reduces the Risk of Stone Formation

Amla also reduces the risk of stone formation in the gall bladder. Stones are formed because of excess cholesterol, and Indian gooseberry reduces the risk by converting cholesterol into bile acid in the liver.

20. Cooling Properties

Most people consider that amla is useful only in winters. Very few know that Indian gooseberry contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C improves tannins that shield heat and light. Amla keeps your body and skin cool in summer.