Explore the benefits of all-in-one Indian Gooseberry (Amla), the elixir-vitae since ages.
The story of amla or Indian Gooseberry dates billions of years ago when this universe was still in formation. God and Demon were fighting. Just then, from the vast ocean of Milky Way, a few drops of amrit fell on the Earth. In modern times, these drops are called as amla. In those days, the fruit promised immortality. Nowadays, we can’t say about immortality but yes, a bowl of amla berries surely offers relief from the biggest of disease we mortals are facing today, diabetes to be precise.
Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes is an irreversible condition that occurs due to high blood sugar levels in the body. Blood sugar can elevate due to two reasons as mentioned below.
1. Insulin Deficiency
It’s the responsibility of a hormone called insulin to maintain sugar levels of the body. But at times due to infiltration of immune cells, pancreas stops producing insulin. And so, this results in excess blood sugar leading to excess fat and hence, diabetes.
In this condition, though insulin is produced by pancreas, it is not able to reach out to the cells. Cells of the liver become resistant to insulin and thus, the amount of sugar starts to deposit in the bloodstream. This can either be hereditary or can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
High blood sugar not only leads to diabetes but it also poses our heart, liver and kidneys at risk. Therefore, before our blood sugar level comes at bay, we should adopt changes in our diet patterns and lifestyle. The section below describes how amla can be helpful in preventing or controlling diabetes. Read on.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Amla for Diabetics
Amla in India is consumed in various forms including raw, juice, pickle and murabba (fruit preserve gelatins). In Ayurveda too, Indian gooseberry has been mentioned as a great medicinal fruit capable of treating numerous diseases of the body. Herein are some of the specific benefits that amla offers in prevention, treatment and control of diabetes.
1. Chromium Carriers
The sour-tasting fruit comprises of traces of chromium. Chromium is a metallic element that acts as the insulin booster in the body. By increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting beta cells, chromium significantly lowers the blood sugar levels and with it, the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Apart from chromium, other therapeutic minerals that amla contains are zinc and copper.
2. Take Citrus Not Syrups
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C is present in large amounts in the citrus fruit. One ball of amla consists of somewhere around 400mg of Vitamin C. Though there is no solid evidence of direct connection between Vitamin C and diabetes, the detoxifying property of the vitamin surely helps. The vitamin detoxifies and cleanses the blood flow channels in the body. This induces better metabolism and lesser deposition of fatty sugars.
3. Flavour With Flavonoids
Flavonoids are the bioactive compounds that stimulate growth of beta cells in pancreas that are responsible for insulin production. Amla, rich in flavonoids is therefore a great anti-diabetic agent.
4. Tannin Treatment
Tannins or tannoids are yet another kind of flavonoids possessing potential anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Coming from the family of polyphenolic compounds, tannins inhibit the pathogenesis that interferes with insulin production.
5. Natural Coolant
Due to high blood glucose, diabetes is characterized by high body heat. Amla is a source of amino acids that helps balancing the stomach acids, removes the toxins and rejuvenates the cells. This detoxification effect acts as a coolant for the body temperature.
How To Consume Amla Berry
As pointed above, amla can be consumed in many ways. Here are some quick recipes that you can use to soothe diabetic symptoms.
1. As Raw
Take a ball of amla, wash it and cut into small pieces. Pour a few drops of honey over the pieces to eat them. If sour taste tickles your tongue too much, you can also boil it till it softens, mix it in your daily fruit salad and eat.
2. As Powder
Wash and cut some amla berries, let them dry for a few hours. Then, grate them in a mixer. The powder formed can be mixed in milk or can be consumed with warm water.
3. As Juice
Cut some gooseberries and grind them in a blender or juicer. Mix the juice with a pinch of turmeric and drink daily before breakfast.
4. As Fruit Ash
Though amla murabba is made in sugar syrup also, when eating for diabetes, honey is a better option to use. To try out this recipe, wash the gooseberries and boil till soft enough that they can be prickled with a fork. Dry them in a plate for a day or so. Put them in a jar and pour some honey in it. Let the jar stay overnight and from the next day, you can start your amla regime!
The compounds and chemicals that are present in the Indian gooseberry (Amla) due to which it is not only beneficial for those suffering from diabetes but the overall sound health too. Before including gooseberry in your diet it is must to take advice to your doctor because everyone has different effect.