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Amla aka Indian gooseberry is a treasure trove of health benefits. All thanks to the presence of essential vitamins and antioxidants that help to promote good health. Moreover, this superfood has numerous benefits for skin, hair, mental health, etc. Even Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal practice, includes amla in most of its remedies due to its beneficial medicinal properties. It has therefore become very known in the field for the same. But amla can also have some side effects especially if you consume it more than it may be required.
HealthShots spoke to Dr Archana Batra, a Dietitian, Nutritionist, Physiotherapist, and Certified Diabetes Educator, to understand the side effects of amla and who should not consume it.
Dr Batra said, “Just like every other thing, amla has various pros and cons too. The superfood can also prove to be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities or in certain conditions without a doctor’s or dietician’s consultation.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand several side effects that amla possesses to know the effects it might have on our body while consuming the food in several situations.
Who should not consume amla?
1. Amla is not for hypotension patient
Since amla is known for aiding hypertension, it has great abilities to lower and maintain blood pressure. But in case you are suffering from hypotension, that is low blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid excess amla consumption and indulge in exercising to keep your blood pressure level maintained.
2. Amla is not for low sugar
“Raw amla is also known for beneficiary properties as a home remedy to regulate diabetes because of its rich fiber properties that can absorb the excess sugar. But if you are suffering from low sugar (Hypoglycemia) or are on regular anti-diabetic medications, the case may not be the same for you,” said Dr Batra. The wonder food can hamper the medications and also lower blood sugar to an extreme level.
Consuming too much amla can trigger these side effects, according to Dr Batra:
1. Heart patients should be careful
Amla can also lead to some negative reactions with certain medications. So, people who are suffering from heart ailment must consult their doctor for amla’s consumption.
2. It can trigger acidity
The food is rich in vitamin C and a great source of ascorbic acid. Being acidic in nature, it can trigger acidity and cause irritation in the stomach for people who have had a history of hyperacidity problems.
3. It can make stool hard
Amla is undoubtedly a known remedy for constipation due to its rich fiber content. Nevertheless, excessive consumption can harden the stool.
4. Dehydration can occur
Amla has diuretic properties and increases urine production in the body. So, it may also lead to dehydration and weight loss in some cases. Hence, ladies who are pregnant should also be extra cautious while consuming amla.
5. It can lead to skin problems
Being a diuretic means it helps in getting rid of toxins and waste from our bodies. But if this water loss is not replenished, dehydration may lead to loss of luster in the skin, thereby causing dryness and early ageing.
6. Hair fall can happen
Excessive amla consumption also promotes scalp dryness, hair fall, itchiness, dandruff, and other scalp related problems too.
So, how to consume amla safely?
“The only key while consuming amla is the consideration of amount intake. Amla is a very beneficial food if taken in carefully in moderation. But it can lead to various problems too if attention is not given to the amount of amla consumption and it is, therefore, advisable to eat 1 or 2 amlas per day or consult your doctor,” said the expert.
