Growing up, we were always told by elders to eat amla and now we know why. Indian gooseberry better known as amla, is definitely a powerhouse of nutrients. This translucent green fruit tastes as delicious as it looks, and provides a host of health benefits with each bite. Whether you have it raw, juiced, powdered, or as part of a variety of jams, pickles, and dips – amla is going to be your superhero ingredient and keep the doctors away. We can go on and on about its benefits, but to give you a glimpse into the goodness of amla, we’ve picked 5 reasons why including amla in your daily diet is the best thing you could do for your health –
1. Metabolism Boost
Amla has natural properties which help in burning fat and curbing cravings. Drinking a glass of amla juice before a meal can fill your stomach up enough to prevent you from binge-eating. This is all thanks to a protein present in amla that curbs hunger. It also gives a great boost to one’s metabolism, helping one shed weight faster. Its high fibre content and acids like tannic acid can also help you look less bloated. Going on a weight-loss diet soon? Ditch the unhealthy methods and include the nutritious amla in your food.
2. Builds Immunity
Amla has antibacterial and astringent properties that help in boosting one’s immune system. A lot of diseases, including cancer, are caused by oxidative damage, i.e when body cells use oxygen but leave harmful by-products called free radicals behind. Amla, being a high source of antioxidants, works as a great agent for preventing and repairing oxidative damage.
3. Fights Chronic Conditions
Amla is loaded with chromium, which helps in reducing bad cholesterol and also stimulates insulin production which reduces the blood glucose levels of diabetics. Amla juice can be a remedy for high blood pressure as well. Amino acids and antioxidants present in amla make it a well-rounded aid for respiratory and heart health in general.
4. Brain Booster
Regular consumption of amla can also improve nerve health by facilitating proper blood flow. It enhances cognitive functions, concentration, and memory. The high iron content in amla increases oxygen transportation, preventing brain degeneration. Start your day with a bowl of chopped amla and you’ll be active all day!
5. Natural Make Up
Amla powder can give you naturally glowing skin and also keep it hydrated. Time to stop spending on expensive cosmetics and start having some amla powder every day! You can have it as an amla-sharbat by mixing amla powder with water to get all the health benefits, or add it to your face mask for a quick glow solution.
Loving all these amazing benefits that this fruit can provide? Let’s see how you can add it to your daily diet with some easy, quick, and totally delicious recipes –
1. Amla and Beetroot Tikki
We’ve all heard of amla pickles and juices and chutneys, but ever heard of Amla tikkis? With this recipe, you don’t just get the goodness of amla, but also the super nutrition of beetroots! How great is that? Have it as a burger patty or with a delicious chutney. We’re taking healthy eating to another level with these scrumptious amla beetroot tikkis. Check out the recipe below –
Ingredients
• 5 to 6 amla (grated)
• 1 cup beetroot (boiled and mashed)
• 3 potatoes (boiled, peeled, and mashed)
• 1 tbsp. Healthy Alternatives – Pure Olive Oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tbsp. red chili powder
• 1/4 tbsp. garam masala
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a broad pan, add the onions, and sauté till lightly browned. Add the beetroot and salt, mix well and sauté for 4 more minutes or till the mixture becomes dry.
2. Add the chili powder and lemon juice to the beetroot mixture and mix well. Add the potatoes and amla, mix well and refrigerate for 1/2 hour.
3. Divide the mixture into equal portions and make small flat tikkis. Heat the oil in a pan and cook each tikki using little oil till they become crisp and golden brown from both the sides. Serve hot with green chutney.
What are you waiting for? Get your stock of amla from the Nature’s Basket store now.
Want to find out what other super foods you can include in your diet to make a healthy switch? Read on to check out these Super Foods You Should Know About .
