Amla - Indian Gooseberry

Geek Talk: Phyllanthus emblica

But we Talk: Aamla (Hin), Indian Gooseberry, Nellikai (Tam), Amalika (Sanskrit), Gooseberries, 

Description: Legend has it that Aamla  originated from the drops of Amrita (immortal drink of the Gods), which spilled on earth accidentally. Hence the halo effect that it cures every disease and extends longevity!

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10–20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves are simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit are nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

It’s culinary uses are very famous in southern India and the most famous is Andhra Amla Pickle (Usirikaya Pachadi). Other Famous culinary uses are Amla Murabba, Gooseberry Raita, and Indian Gooseberry Thokku. Amla fruit can also be consumed raw. Amla is also the prime most ingredients for making of Indian Ayurveda medicine Chyawanprash.      

Kitchen Pharmacy:

Amla is a unique fruits that is packed with adequate levels of minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium and potassium 

Daily consumption of raw amla reduces constipation problems, as it rich in fiber and hence serves as a gentle laxative. Amla is the powerhouse of anti-oxidants and thus helps in fighting off the free radicals in your body. Daily consumption of raw amla or juice reduces the risk of many serious diseases including cancer. Amla increases the haemoglobin in blood, the RBC (red blood cells) count and purifies blood.

Amla Paste can be applied over skin to glow to skin and also Amla Hair Oil strengthens hair and also reduces dandruff.

With all these great medicinal benefits it is used as a base ingredient in Ayurveda.

Nutrition:

Reference:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllanthus_emblica
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrita
• http://www.allayurveda.com/amla-herb.asp
• http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amla-history-how-to-use-benefits/
• http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/gooseberries.html
• http://www.fruitsinfo.com/indian-gooseberry-tropical-fruit.php