Health benefits of Awla (Gooseberry)
Awla or the Indian Gooseberry in English, is an Indian herb that’s popularly regarded as the “Mother of all herbs” in Ayurveda. Awla has 20 times the Vitamin C content of grapefruit and 15 times that of lemon!!
The fresh fruit contains more than 80 per cent water besides protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fibre. The mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene and vitamin B complex. Even if dried in shade, Awla retains much of its vitamin C.
The health benefits of Awla include the following:
- Hair care: Awla is used in many hair tonics. It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of hair, maintains colour and lustre. Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and colour. Awla oil is very popular in India as it serves as a very good hair growth booster thereby preventing hair loss.
- Eye care: Taking Awla juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract. It reduces intraocular tension.
- Diabetes: Awla contains chromium. It has a therapeutic value in diabetics. It stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patients.
- Heart disease: It strengthens heart muscles. So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body.
- Infection: Due to its antibacterial and astringent attributes, Awla protects against infections and improves body resistance.
- Diarrhoea and dysentery: Due to its strong, cooling and laxative properties, Awla is useful for remedies for diarrhoea and dysentery. It is a great relief for gastric syndrome and burning sensation in abdomen.
- Improving appetite: Consuming Awla powder with butter and honey before meal improves appetite. It helps in balancing Nitrogen level and thus increases weight in a healthy way.
