AMLA - THE POWER HOUSE OF VITAMIN C

INTRODUCTION

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, Amalaki, Amalaka, Dhaatri, Kaayasthaa, Amoghaa, Amritaphala, Aamala, Aaamalaa, Dhaatriphala, Vayasyaa, Vrishya, Shiva  in Ayurveda, Aamlaa in Unani, Nellikkaina in Siddha, Myrobalan, Indian Gooseberry in English.

The other names are Gooseberry, Amala, Amlaki, Nellikai, Aonla, Emblica, emblic myrobalan, Malacca tree.

AMLA

Image Source : Wikimedia Commons

Amla is native to India; it also grows in the Middle East and some South East Asian countries. Amla used in ancient medicines like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha for its medicinal properties thousands of years ago. Even now, the entire plant used for medicinal purposes.

‘Triphala’ – an Ayurvedic herbal liquid contains Amla along with other two fruits (bibhitaki and haritaki). All three fruits are native to India. It is a remedy for all three doshas (vata, kapha, pitta) in human body. 

Amla is round shaped; light greenish yellow coloured with vertical stripes and has a green coloured seed with medium size of the fruit. Amla has five tastes out of six, which referred as ‘Arusuvai’ in Tamil. The five savours are sour, bitter, pungent, astringent and sweet. Amla has no salt taste.

Binomial / Scientific Name : Phyllanthus emblica

Family : Phyllanthaceae

The Ashokavadana is an Indian Sanskrit-language text described about Amla as half an Amla fruit was the last or ultimate gift to the Buddhist Sangha given by the great Mauryan Emperor Asoka during the Buddhist heritage.  The verses:

"A great donor, the lord of men, the eminent Maurya Ashoka, has gone from being lord of Jambudvipa [the continent] to being lord of half a myrobalan" (Strong, 1983, p. 99)

Phussa  Buddha, who is 21^st Buddha out of 28 Buddha’s  in Theravada Buddhism, is said that this tree (Amla) have been used by him for attaining enlightenment or Bodhi.

Amla considered as a festival tree. ‘Amla Navami’, celebrated at the beginning of the winter season and ‘Amalaki Ekadashi’ in the Holi month; Holi falls four days after it. Prayers offered to Lord Vishnu, since people believe that Lord Vishnu resides in Amla tree.

HISTORY OF AMLA

Amla has been used thousands of years ago in Ayurveda, Siddha and in Unani because of its medicinal properties. In Hindu mythology, Amla was the most significant fruit. In India Amla fruit considered as a ‘satvik’ that develops spiritual purity in human. This tree viewed as auspicious and worshipped deeply since the ancient times.

 The origin of Amla surrounded with sacred lore in Hindu mythology.

(i) During Ksheera Sagara Mathanam or Ksheer Sagar Manthan Samudra Manthan (meaning The Churning of the Ocean of Milk – Kshir/Ksheer [milk] + Sagar [ocean] + Manthan [to churn]), the Gods and Demons went into a fight, which caused the spill of Amrit (Amirtham in Tamil), on the Earth unexpectedly or by good fortune. These drops led to the formation of Amla tree. This is how Amla got connectivity with Hindu religion.

(ii) The second myth : When Lord Brahma was immersed in meditation by thinking of Lord Vishnu, tears started rolling down from his eyes. These eye drops fell on the earth led to the germination of Amla tree.

GROWTH OF AMLA

Amla is wild deciduous tree. The average height of a tree ranges from 8m to 20m. The leaves are like a tamarind tree or a fern tree. The flowers are bisexual in nature.

Amla requires well-drained, loamy, light and medium heavy soil rich in organic matter. Amla does not grow well in clay or sandy soil. Amla grows well in dry regions. The pH value of soil ranges from 6.5 - 9.5 since it can tolerate moderate alkaline soil.

Amla is a tropical plant. The tree can tolerate extreme heat and sensitive to freezing. It can grow in the temperature of 46°C – 48°C. The annual rainfall ranges from 630mm - 800mm is good for its growth. The well-grown tree can tolerate high temperature as well as freezing temperature.

Amla harvested in the month of February when the fruits are green in colour, which contains maximum ascorbic acid content. Harvesting process made by  heavily shaking the tree by hand.

India is the largest producer of this Vitamin C rich fruit. ‘Pratapgarh’, district in Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer.

VARIETIES

• Banarasi
• Chakaiya
• Francis
• NA-4 (Krishna)
• NA-5 (Kanchan)
• NA-6
• NA-7 (Promising variety)
• NA-10
• BSR-1 (Bhavanisagar).

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

Amla is one of the most nutritional fruit and anti-oxidant rich fruit on the Earth. Amla has high content of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Fiber.

The following values are approximate values, which may differ according to variety, season and type of Indian Gooseberry.100g of raw Amla contains:

• Total Calories : 48kcal
• Total fat : 0.5g (Monounsaturated fat : 0.1g ; Polyunsaturated fat : 0.3g)
• Protein : 1g
• Total Carbohydrate : 10g
• Water : 86g
• Fiber : 5g
• Omega-3 fatty acids : 48mg
• Omega-6 fatty acids : 276mg
• Vitamin A,IU : 290IU
• Vitamin C : 478mg
• Vitamin E : 0.16+/- 0.05mg
• Niacin : 0.3mg
• Vitamin B6 : 0.1mg
• Folate :6mcg
• Pantothenic Acid : 0.3mg
• Calcium : 25mg (42 +/- 12mg)
• Iron : 0.9mg (0.16 +/- 0.04mg)
• Magnesium : 10mg (13 +/- 2mg)
• Phosphorus : 21 +/- 5mg
• Potassium : 198mg (151 +/- 37mg )
• Sodium : 13 +/- 4mg
• Zinc : 0.12mg (0.14 +/- 0.08mg)
• Copper : 0.1mg (0.04 +/- 0.03mg )
• Manganese : 0.1mg (0.71 +/- 0.06mg)
• Selenium : 0.6mg
• Chloride : 25.6 +/- 2.3mg
• Quercetin : 2.6mg
• stigmasterol : 0.70mg
• Carotenoids : 49mg
• β-carotene : 32mg
• β-sitosterol : 12.12mg

HEALTH BENEFITS

AMLA JUICE

Image Source : Wikimedia Commons

For many years, Amla prescribed for curing various ailments in Ayurveda. All parts of the tree used for medicinal purposes; the fruit is the most significant. Amla consumed as raw, in powdered form, or as juice. Amla enriched with Vitamin C.

THERAPEUTIC USES

• In Chyawanprash 80% is prepared using Amla. This tonic used during the winter season for healthy brain functions and helps in respiratory ailments like asthma.

•  It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.

• Triphala, Ayurvedic tonic and remedy for all 3 doshas, comprises Amla for curing with pitta dosha. The use of Triphala seen in ‘Sushruta Samhita’, dated to 1500 BC.

• Prevents damaging of  liver : Amla juice helps in keeping the liver from damage. The detoxifying property in Amla helps in removing toxins away from body, keeping the body strength.

• Powerhouse of Vitamin C : Vitamin C prevents from Scurvy and bleeding of gums.

• Stimulates Immunity Power

• Improves Eyesight : Drinking Amla juice with honey in the morning  strengthens eye muscles, limits intraocular pressure.

• Cardiovascular tonic : Amla dried powder or Amla juice reduces cholesterol. Amino acids and anti-oxidant property helps in overall functioning of heart.

• Treats ulcers : Consuming Amla juice with Ghee prevents from gastric disorders, ulcers and acidity problems. Inhibits the production of gastric acids and helps in secretion of protective mucus.

• Reduces stress and keeps Nervous System good.

• Prevents kidney malfunction

• Purifies Blood : Amla is a natural detoxifier and its anti-oxidant properties removes all toxic out from the blood and increases the Haemoglobin count. The pregnant women insisted to consume Amla, since it is rich in iron and increases Haemoglobin count

• Best reliever of cold : Since Amla is enriched with Vitamin c, Amla juice increases the immune power in the body and fights against the viruses and bacteria which causes cold, cough and flu.

• Constipation and Piles : Amla helps in getting relieve from constipation problems. It regulates the bowel movements and aids in constipation caused by the piles and other stomach disorders.

• Diabetes : Amla or Amla juice,  amazing or great home remedy to control the blood sugar level. Amla has Chromium; the mineral regulates the carbohydrate metabolism.

• Weight Loss : Amla juice, Bottle gourd and honey helps in weight loss, controls blood pressure and good for diabetes.

• Cancer : Amla has anti-cancer and anti-tumour properties due to the presence of  polyphenols, especially tannins and flavonoids.

• Amla juice strengthens the Bones, teeth and relives from mouth ulcers.

• Amla controls the body from excessive heat, and protects from UV rays.

• Amla controls and prevents the swelling and inflammation in joints or in any body part.

• Amla and Curcuma longa (turmeric) remedy for urinary disorders.

COSMETIC USES

• Anti-ageing : Because of its anti-oxidant properties, Drinking Amla juice prevents wrinkles, lines and age spots. Amla detoxifies the body inside, and makes flawless glowing outside.

• Controls  Hair loss and premature greying of the hair : Amla is rich in iron and anti-oxidants. Reduces hair fall and strengthens hair follicle. Amino acids and protein present in Amla juice stimulates the Hair growth.

• Amla oil used to treat hair and scalp problems.

CONSUMPTION OF AMLA

Amla consumed in many ways as raw, juice or in powder form. Pickles, chutneys, murrabas, dried candid, pacchaddis, sadham, rasams, thokkus can be prepared using Amla

CONCLUSION

Amla is completely a nutritive fruit. It helps to cure many ailments. Daily consumption of this fruit, Amla can helps in ailing many disorders. There is a saying, “Eating an Amla a day, Keeps Doctor away”.