It seems like every couple of decades the health world becomes berry-obsessed… First, it was blueberry – praised for its beauty-boosting abilities. Then, it was acai – capturing the hearts of every smoothie-bowl lover. And now, there’s amla! Keep reading to learn how this ancient super berry stacks up against its components.
What is amla berry?
Amla berry, also known as Indian gooseberry, has a long history in the world of medicine. Ayurvedic scriptures, Indian folklore, and Chinese medicine have touted its healing properties for centuries. It’s even been referred to as sarvadosha hara – remover of all diseases.
This tart, grape-like berry has been used to treat everything from anxiety and high blood sugar, to liver and brain disease. So, what makes amla berry different from the other superfood berries? It’s nutritional content!
Studies suggest that its unique health benefits can be attributed to its potent antioxidant activity. In fact, amla berry has the highest levels of antioxidants found in any whole food. (Yes, even compared to acai and blueberry!)
To refresh, antioxidants are your body’s line of defense against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. As a bonus, antioxidants can slow down signs of aging, and promote hair and skin health. In addition to being rich in antioxidants, amla berry contains high amounts of vitamin C, B5, B6, copper, manganese, and potassium.
Top 3 health benefits of the amla berry
1. Amla berry for female health
Depression, hot flashes, and mood swings… Do any of these ring a bell? These common side effects are often the cause of hormonal imbalance, which affects more than 80% of women worldwide.
Luckily, amla berry may help. Amla berry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a women’s health tonic. From balancing estrogen levels and reducing stomach cramps, to supporting reproductive tissues – amla berry may be very useful for women’s medicine.
In addition, this ancient super berry has been shown to have a “cooling effect” which may bring some relief to those who suffer from hot flashes.
2. Amla berry might help the body fight cancer
Remember those cancer-causing free radicals? Well thanks to amla berry, they may not stand a chance! Thanks to its antioxidant content, amla berries may help reduce, counteract, and even repair damage from certain cancers.
According to a 1999 animal study, amla berry extract significantly reduced liver cancer markers and enzymes in animal test subjects. And a journal published in 2015 found that that amla berry extract helped prevent the transformation and growth of breast cancer cells, as well as cervical and ovarian cancer cells.
While there’s promising evidence to suggest the anti-cancer properties of amla berry, this doesn’t mean that it should be used as a replacement for cancer treatment.
3. Amla berry is good for a healthy heart
Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as amla berry, can help reduce blood pressure and improve blood vessel function, which may lower your risk of heart disease.
In a randomized trial, researchers studied the effects of amla berry on lipid profiles of long-time smokers. After 60 days, the subjects' cholesterol levels had improved, and they had shown a healthy inflammatory response in the cardiovascular system.
And in an animal study, amla berry extract lowered blood sugar in diabetic laboratory animals within four hours of administration – pretty impressive for a berry, huh?
How to add amla berry to your diet
Amla berry is the most revered medicinal berry in India. It’s praised for its multitude of health benefits and believed by some to promote prosperity and purity. And while it may not exactly bring you good fortune, it can do wonders for your health.
Looking to add this super berry to your diet? You can get the benefits of organic amla berry in the Moon Balance mix! With the addition of 5 powerful superfoods, maca, baobab, Shatavari, beetroot, and hibiscus – this women-focused blend helps to naturally balance hormones and can support against symptoms of PMS and menopause.
