Do you ever wonder why there
are so many diseases that run in families? It is because our immunity is weak.
Our body's immune system has a lot of bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, etc.
If our system gets weakened then we are more susceptible to illness. We must
keep our immune system strong and healthy by eating healthily and also
practicing good hygiene. When it comes to amla or fenugreek seeds, they have
powerful medicinal properties that can boost your immunity. Amla is one such
essential ingredient that helps us achieve our fitness goals. In this blog we
will discuss what amla is and its benefits to your overall health. Let's get
started!
What Is Amla?
Amla is the name given to
the greenish-yellow powdery substance found in Indian sesame seeds. Amla is
used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of several gastrointestinal
disorders. The leaves and seeds are traditionally used in traditional Indian
medicine for curing coughs and asthma. This popular spice has been hailed as a
natural solution to many ailments. For instance, research conducted by
scientists at Cornell University showed that regular consumption of amla powder
could help reduce symptoms of allergies. A study on rats, published in Current
Opinion in Pharmacology, revealed that amla seed extract was effective against
cold and allergy in them. Another study found out that amla oil had anti-cancer
properties in mice.
How
Amla Helps You?
Amla contains proteins that
act as immunomodulators. These proteins are important for boosting your immune
system and keeping your body healthy. They do this by working together with
immune cells.
They contain antioxidants
that help detoxify the body and help eliminate toxins from the system. Amla is
rich in vitamin C which acts as a potent antioxidant. Vitamin C helps cleanse
the blood, flush out harmful organisms from the body, and boost immunity.
Regularly consuming amla is proven to be beneficial for skin, hair, and nails.
It promotes cell regeneration, skin nourishment, and healthy brain function.
Studies show that amla is great for improving heart health. Its compounds help
reduce inflammation in the body and improve cardiovascular health.
Amla increases collagen
synthesis in the body which also provides protection from damage caused by free
radicals. Collagen production is vital for keeping joints flexible and elastic,
preventing degenerative joint disease, and maintaining bone density. Regular
intake of this ancient spice has been linked to reduced risk of osteoporosis
and joint pain.
Benefits of Amla:
Improved Immune System: One of the biggest benefits of amla is improved immune system. The amla helps strengthen the immune system by providing a defense mechanism against infections, allergens, and other foreign bodies. It stimulates the lymphatic system which aids in clearing out all the bacteria from the body. It also helps in stimulating the white blood cells which further assist in fighting off any infection. Decreased Risk of Disease: Amla has been shown to decrease the risk of certain types of cancer including prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer. These cancers are caused due to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to DNA changes that eventually lead to genetic mutations that lead to malignant growth. Improves Skin Health: Amla is beneficial for skin health. Research shows that regular consumption of amla can decrease wrinkles and acne. Additionally, it helps prevent premature aging and improves skin tone. Promotes Weight Loss: The fiber content in amla helps promote satiety. Therefore, it reduces cravings and decreases hunger pangs. It also helps in maintaining a healthy weight. May Aid In Digestion: Amla has anti-inflammatory effects that help aid in digestion. It reduces bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also boosts the digestive process in the gut. Thus, amla aids in promoting proper digestion. Reduces Blood Pressure: Amla can help lower blood pressure. It has vasoconstricting properties that can reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, it keeps arteries open allowing oxygen to flow freely throughout the body. May Improve Sleep Quality: Amla has calming properties that help enhance sleep quality. It is known to regulate hormone levels, increase serotonin levels, and improve sleep. It also prevents insomnia. All these factors can improve overall sleep patterns. Prevents Aging: Amla contains flavonoids that help protect the human body from age-related health issues. It has antioxidant properties that assist in neutralizing external free radicals. Additionally, it decreases inflammation and promotes longevity. Can Be Used As Food Addition: Amla can be added to food items like curries and chutneys. It is commonly used in yogurts, salads, vada pavlis, dals, and soups. Due to its unique taste, it can add a refreshing flavor to meals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amla is not
just a spice but it is a superfood. It is highly nutritious, natural,
versatile, and loaded with incredible health benefits. Here are some benefits:
Boosted immunity: Amla has
numerous properties that boost your immune system. It strengthens your immune
system by increasing your white blood cell count and strengthening the immune
system. Anti-inflammatory: Amla contains flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory.
It does this by reducing inflammation and swelling. Rich in nutrients: Amla is
packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre. Each serving of amla
contains 3.5 grams of protein. Protein helps with muscle building, repair, and
recovery. High in fiber: Amla is a source of dietary fiber and it makes up
about half of the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Fiber
helps control blood sugar, maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk
of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Good for skin: Amla is high in
lutein and zeaxanthin which are essential nutrients for healthy skin. Lutein
helps make up for the dark spots from an overproduction of melanin in your
skin. Zeaxanthin helps prevent age related eye problems and light eye problems
in children. Protects eyesight: Amla is a great option when it comes to
cataract surgery. Patients who use it before surgery are less likely to develop
glaucoma than those patients who do not. Antioxidant: Amla contains
antioxidants called flavanols which help scavenge free radicals. Free radicals
are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. By using amla regularly, you
may be able to reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart
disease and cancer.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to consume amla for boosting
immunity? A: The best way to consume amla for immunity is to eat it raw or
drink its juice. Q: How much amla should I consume daily to improve my
immunity? A: It is recommended to consume 1-2 fresh amlas or 30-40 ml of amla
juice daily for boosting immunity. Q: Can I include amla in my diet if I have a
sensitive stomach? A: Yes, amla is generally well-tolerated, but if you have a
sensitive stomach, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to avoid
any discomfort. Q: Are there any other ways to consume amla for immunity
besides eating it raw or drinking its juice? A: Yes, you can also include amla
in your diet by adding it to smoothies, salads, or as a topping on yogurt or
oatmeal for added immunity-boosting benefits. Q: Can I take amla supplements
instead of consuming it in its natural form for immunity? A: While amla
supplements are available, it is always recommended to consume amla in its
natural form as it provides additional fiber and other beneficial nutrients
that may be lost during processing.
Question: What is the best time of the day to consume
amla?
Answer: The ideal time to eat amla is in the morning on
an empty stomach.
Question: Can amla be consumed at night?
Answer: It is not recommended to eat amla at night as it
can cause acidity and disrupt sleep due to its high vitamin C content.
Question: Should amla be consumed before or after meals?
Answer: Amla is best consumed before meals as it aids in
digestion and helps in better absorption of nutrients from the food.
Question: Can amla be eaten during pregnancy?
Answer: Amla is generally safe to consume during
pregnancy, but it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before
including it in your diet.
Question: Can amla be consumed with other foods or
supplements?
Answer: Amla can be consumed with other foods or supplements, but it is recommended to avoid combining it with milk or dairy products as it may hinder the absorption of nutrients.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot be a substitute for any medicine or treatment in any way. Always consult your doctor for more details.
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