Emblic (Amla) An Essential Fruit
Naimur Rahman Afid
Emblic is a small, nutritious fruit that comes from the plant Phyllanthusemblica which is a small spiny bush in the family Rosaceae. Apart from emblica, it is also known as amla, amalaki, emblica, Indian gooseberry,aonla and myrobalan. Emblics are small, weighing around 3-6 grams each. They vary in color and can be green, yellow-white, pink, red, or dark purple. Their flavor ranges from tart to sweet. The emblica tree is native to tropical southeastern Asia, particularly in central and southern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and southern China.
They are low in calories and fat, yet packed with nutrients. Just 1 cup (150 grams) of emblics contains 66 calories, 1 gram protein, 15 grams carbs, 7grams fiber, Vitamin C 46%, Vitamin B5 9%, Vitamin B6 7%, Copper: 12%, Manganese: 9% of the recommended daily intake.
Here are some reasons why emblics are a great addition to a healthy diet.
Regular consumption emblic juice along with honey is quite beneficial for improving eyesight, and research has shown it to improve nearsightedness and cataracts, while decreasing intra-ocular tension. This is mainly due to its remarkable content of carotene, which has long been known for their powerful effect on vision-related disorders. Vitamin A and carotenes reduce macular degeneration, night blindness, and strengthen our vision.
Emblics have antibacterial and astringent attributes; so it protects the body against infection and improves the body’s immune response. They are also a very good source of vitamin C, which is eminent for its impressive antioxidant abilities and its stimulation of the immune system. It increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the main line of defense for the immune system
Emblic is quite high in fiber. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool and helps food move through the bowels and keeps bowel movements regular. This reduces the chances of constipation. Fiber also encourages the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, so food is digested efficiently and nutrients are absorbed in an optimal way.
Emblic contains chromium, which has a therapeutic value for diabetic patients. It encourages the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thus decreasing blood sugar in diabetic patients and keeping their body balanced as well as healthy.
Emblics may help to fight aging problem. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, small amounts of vitamin E, and phytonutrients (flavonols,anthocyanins etc.). Antioxidants are compounds that help fight the effects of free radicals which causes many diseases and premature aging.
Emblic is used in several hair tonics because it enhances hair growth and hair pigmentation. It fortifies the roots of hair, maintains color, and improves luster. Regular consumption of fresh gooseberry or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.
Emblics are a natural source of organic acids, providing 11-14 mg of citric acid in 100 mg of fruit. Citric acid blocks the accumulation of iron in cells and has been found to reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke if consumed regularly.
It contains some anticancer substances in gooseberries are folate, phenolic compounds, and vitamins C and E. These nutrients are thought to reduce, counteract, and repair damage from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancer.
Emblics are not typically the most popular of fruits, and lots of individuals don’t have any idea exactly what an emblic is, however this unusual, somewhat sour fruit has numerous health advantages. So we should add this wonderful, healthy fruit in our diet as a snack or flavorful addition to meals.
Emblic is a small, nutritious fruit that comes from the plant Phyllanthusemblica which is a small spiny bush in the family Rosaceae. Apart from emblica, it is also known as amla, amalaki, emblica, Indian gooseberry,aonla and myrobalan. Emblics are small, weighing around 3-6 grams each. They vary in color and can be green, yellow-white, pink, red, or dark purple. Their flavor ranges from tart to sweet. The emblica tree is native to tropical southeastern Asia, particularly in central and southern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and southern China.
They are low in calories and fat, yet packed with nutrients. Just 1 cup (150 grams) of emblics contains 66 calories, 1 gram protein, 15 grams carbs, 7grams fiber, Vitamin C 46%, Vitamin B5 9%, Vitamin B6 7%, Copper: 12%, Manganese: 9% of the recommended daily intake.
Here are some reasons why emblics are a great addition to a healthy diet.
Regular consumption emblic juice along with honey is quite beneficial for improving eyesight, and research has shown it to improve nearsightedness and cataracts, while decreasing intra-ocular tension. This is mainly due to its remarkable content of carotene, which has long been known for their powerful effect on vision-related disorders. Vitamin A and carotenes reduce macular degeneration, night blindness, and strengthen our vision.
Emblics have antibacterial and astringent attributes; so it protects the body against infection and improves the body’s immune response. They are also a very good source of vitamin C, which is eminent for its impressive antioxidant abilities and its stimulation of the immune system. It increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the main line of defense for the immune system
Emblic is quite high in fiber. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool and helps food move through the bowels and keeps bowel movements regular. This reduces the chances of constipation. Fiber also encourages the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, so food is digested efficiently and nutrients are absorbed in an optimal way.
Emblic contains chromium, which has a therapeutic value for diabetic patients. It encourages the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thus decreasing blood sugar in diabetic patients and keeping their body balanced as well as healthy.
Emblics may help to fight aging problem. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, small amounts of vitamin E, and phytonutrients (flavonols,anthocyanins etc.). Antioxidants are compounds that help fight the effects of free radicals which causes many diseases and premature aging.
Emblic is used in several hair tonics because it enhances hair growth and hair pigmentation. It fortifies the roots of hair, maintains color, and improves luster. Regular consumption of fresh gooseberry or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.
Emblics are a natural source of organic acids, providing 11-14 mg of citric acid in 100 mg of fruit. Citric acid blocks the accumulation of iron in cells and has been found to reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke if consumed regularly.
It contains some anticancer substances in gooseberries are folate, phenolic compounds, and vitamins C and E. These nutrients are thought to reduce, counteract, and repair damage from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancer.
Emblics are not typically the most popular of fruits, and lots of individuals don’t have any idea exactly what an emblic is, however this unusual, somewhat sour fruit has numerous health advantages. So we should add this wonderful, healthy fruit in our diet as a snack or flavorful addition to meals.
(Naimur Rahman Afid is a B. Pharm Student at Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University. E-mail: [email protected])