Modi's Mann Ki Baat mentions amla, called 'amrit phal' in Ayurveda
The Prime Minister spoke of the Indian gooseberry in Mann Ki Baat, and a daily amla is advised for immunity, digestion, hair and skin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned amla, or Indian gooseberry, in Mann Ki Baat a few days ago. It was said that eating one amla a day as part of the diet is advised. In Ayurveda, amla is called "amritphal".
Amla is small to look at, but it is considered very beneficial for taste and for the whole body. It is said that eating one amla in the daily meal helps hair growth over a month and keeps the skin and digestion healthy. In many homes, amla is made into pickle, sherbet, candy, murabba and chutney. Amla, which has medicinal properties, has been eaten in the diet from earlier times to the present day.
Amla tastes astringent or sour, so many people avoid eating it. But it contains a large amount of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. It is said to help improve the body's immunity. It is also said to be useful for complaints related to hair, skin and indigestion.
Amla contains vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, polyphenols, tannins, and calcium, iron and phosphorus. It is therefore advised to take amla or amla juice on an empty stomach after waking up in the morning. Amla has many times more vitamin C than an orange. Amla is recommended for improving weakened immunity and for protection against cold and cough.
It is said that the daily diet should include fibre-rich foods. Fibre helps clear waste from the intestines and cleanses the body. Amla is said to be useful for keeping digestion smooth. Taking amla in the diet is beneficial for complaints such as gas, indigestion, heartburn and constipation. It is also said that eating amla keeps the stomach cool.
People with diabetes are advised to mix amla sherbet in a glass of water and drink it every morning after waking up. The chromium in amla is said to help keep blood sugar levels under control. Amla is also recommended for reducing bad cholesterol in the body and keeping the heart healthy. It is also advised for reducing fatigue and weakness and making up for iron deficiency.
For those who tire of eating raw amla, it can be had as juice, chutney, amla supari, or boiled.
