Amla, also called the Indian gooseberry, is a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. As per a report published in the journal Antioxidants in 2022, Indian gooseberry is rich in antioxidants such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds and can help improve the immune system and digestion of the body. It also has neuroprotective and gastroprotective properties.
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In ancient Ayurveda, Amla is often mentioned for its ability to keep the body and the mind healthy. Indians have been using amla to keep their hair and skin healthy for hundreds of years. Even though most people in India are already aware of the potential health benefits of consuming amla, there is still confusion over how to incorporate it into everyday life. Here are some common ways through which one can make Indian gooseberries a part of their everyday diet.
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* Amla Powder In Water
One of the simplest and most hassle-free ways of adding Indian gooseberry to one's diet is to add a spoonful of Amla powder in water. The best time to consume it is early in the morning on an empty stomach. Amla powder can be made at home by first dehydrating some amlas and then grinding them in a food processor to make a fine powder mixture. This powder mixture can be stored in an airtight container at a cool place.
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* Juice
Having a fresh glass of amla juice everyday is probably the best way to start in one morning. Not only will it help in detoxifying the body but also will instantly infuse a sense of energy in the body. Amla is quite well known for its digestive benefits and the ability to support the immune system. Incessant consumption of fresh amla juice may also help in enhancing the metabolic rate.
* Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash has been India's best-kept secret and health treasure for many years. It is made from powerful herbal extracts from different types of plants and also processed minerals. The major ingredients used in making a chyawanprash include sugar, honey, Indian gooseberries, sesame oil, and some other spices. By having a spoon of chyawanprash regularly, one can seamlessly make Indian gooseberries a part of their everyday diet.
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* Amla Murabba
Amla murabba is an old Indian recipe that was very popular back in the day. It is like a sweet treat that is made by immersing Indian gooseberries in a mixture of sugar, syrup, spices, and flavouring ingredients like cardamom and saffron. This delicacy can also be categorised as a candied fruit and was used back in the day to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits and is quite popular in the Middle East as well. Having amla by making a murabba is a great way of eating amla for people who cannot eat amla in its original form.
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* Amla Pickle
Pickles are an indispensable part of Indian meals. These are made by making a mixture of the main vegetable and simmering it in mustard seed oil, tamarind paste, iodised salt, garlic, lime juice, turmeric, red, chilli powder, curry leaves, and a lot of other ingredients. Since pickles can be consumed with almost every meal, making amla pickles is a great way to ensure that one is having a little bit of amla with almost every meal. The taste of this pickle is quite flavourful and it can last up to several months.
* Amla Candy
Amla candy is made by dehydrating small pieces of amla in the sun to extract moisture from them. Once they are properly dried, these are flavoured with some powdered sugar or any other dry powder to give a nice flavour to the candies. The amlas have a sour and tangy taste and covering them with some sugar powder balances the sourness. These candies have quite a long shelf life and can be stored at home and consumed frequently.
* Amla Chutney
Amla chutney is a very refreshing chutney that is perfect for summer. Along with amla, one must use coriander, green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, black, salt, sugar, and hing to make this Chutney. All of these ingredients have to be put inside a food processor with a little bit of water. Now these have to be blended and one must remember to add the salt at the end. The chutney is neither too spicy nor too bland. It is perfectly balanced and has a bit of sour flavour. This chutney can be easily stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days and enjoyed with different types of parathas as well as rotis.