Amla Powder is made from the dried and ground Amla fruit, also known as the Indian Gooseberry. It is a very bitter fruit and leaves a sweet after taste. It has been used for over 1000’s of years in India and in Ayurveda (Indian Traditional medicine).

Amla is now gaining popularity as a superfruit. A 100g serving of Amla berries contains as much Vitamin C as 20 oranges! (According to Webmd)

Amla powder has been used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) to help with digestion, reducing inflammation and enhancing overall immunity.

Amla has also been used for thousands of years as a superfood for healthy hair in India. Many hair oil treatments will incorporate amla as it is known for its outstanding benefits for healthy hair growth in India. Modern science has not yet confirmed this.

Amla powder is still relatively new in the Western world and many studies haven’t been done yet on its benefits or side effects.

If you are considering consuming Amla powder, the best thing to do is to either:

Work with an Ayurvedic practitioner to figure out how to consume this amla powder
Or start by taking a small amount and see what effect it has on you

What does Amla powder taste like?

Amla powder has a very bitter taste and a sweet after taste.

What are the nutritional benefits of Amla powder?

In Ayurveda

In India, amla powder has been used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) according to 1mg to:

help with digestion
help control weight by increasing metabolism
help lower cholestrol
help with diarrhoea
relieve pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis and joint pain
control the blood sugar level
reduce inflammation and enhance overall immunity. It has also been used to stimulate hair growth, treat dandruff, strengthen hair follicles, prevent premature greying and hair damage.

Some studies have been done in modern science and there are some benefits as well as some adverse side effects.

In Modern Science

Amla powder may have anti-aging effects and may be good for skin, hair and eyes

The high vitamin C content in Amla may provide anti-aging benefits as Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces cellular damage.

The high vitamin C content in Amla powder may help prevent the breakdown of collagen which is responsible for skin elasticity.

It is also thought that Amla contains an enzyme that prevents hair loss. For this reason, it is topically applied on hair in countries such as India and Thailand.

In some test tube studies, amla extract protected the eyes against age-related macular degeneration by improving the health of the eyes. Apart from the high Vitamin C content that may protect eye health by fighting bacteria, Amla also contains Vitamin A which can help improve eye vision.

Amla powder may help with heart burn

In a study, researchers found that amla may have benefits for those suffering from heart burn.

A group was given amla fruit tablets whilst another group was given placebos.

It was found that the group that ate amla fruit tablets experienced greater reductions in the frequency and severity of heartburn and vomiting than those in the placebo group.

However, more studies are required for this to be conclusive.

Amla powder may improve heart health

Amla powder is a rich source of antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. These are useful in preventing heart disease.

Studies have also found that supplementing with amla powder increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol.

It is also thought that amla may reduce high blood pressure and help prevent the formation of blood clots which may result in heart attacks or a stroke.

Amla powder may help with diabetes type 2 control

Studies have found that Amla powder may help to lower blood sugar levels.

The soluble fiber in amla berries dissolves quickly in the body, which helps to slow the rate at which our bodies absorb sugar. This can help reduce blood sugar spikes.

Amla may play a role in treating type 2 diabetes however further studies are required.

Amla powder may help with digestion

The fiber in amla may help the body regulate bowel movements.

This may relieve symptoms from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Amla powder builds immunity

Amla powder has a very high level of Vitamin C content which can improve our overall immunity.

Amla powder also has some polyphenols, alkaloids and flavonoids.

Furthermore, amla has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

All these can help with inflammation and bolstering the immune system.

Amla powder may be good for brain health

The phytonutrients and antioxidants in amla powder can benefit memory by fighting against free radicals that can attack and damage brain cells.

Amla’s high concentration of Vitamin C helps our bodies produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter believed to improve brain function in people with dementia.

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How to eat amla powder?

Amla powder can be consumed orally or also applied topically for potential benefits.

Amla health tonic: Add 1/4tsp – 1/2 tsp of amla powder to 1 cup of warm water, stir and drink in the early morning
Amla Tea: Mix 1/4 tsp amla powder, a pinch of ginger powder, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, honey in hot water, stir and drink
Mix 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of amla powder in 1 cup of hot water with 1 tsp of jaggery, stir and drink
Sprinkle amla powder on your fruits such as apples, pineapple or oranges
To use topically, pour 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan and place on a low heat. Add 1/2 tbsp of amla powder and bring the mix to a boil. Turn off the heat, strain the amla powder and apply the amla infused coconut oil to your hair once it is lukewarm
To use topically, mix 1/2 tbsp of amla powder with 2 tbsp of water and apply on hair. Let the mixture sit on your scalp for half an hour and then rinse with lukewarm water

It can be used in:

Juices
Smoothies
Milkshakes
Yoghurt and add fruits/sweetener
Cereal
Muesli
Porridge
Fruit snacks
Amla powder Health tonic
Amla tea

How much amla powder should I eat per day?

You should consult this with an ayurvedic practitioner but the usual serving is 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of amla powder either once or twice a day.

At what time should I drink the amla health tonic or amla tea?

Drink the Amla powder health tonic early in the morning on an empty stomach.

Drink the Amla tea in the afternoon for a healthy hot drink.

Are there are side effects of amla powder? Is it safe to eat for everyone? Am I allergic to amla powder?

As with all foods, it’s always best to eat a little bit to start out with (if you’ve never eaten it before) to check if you have any side effects.

Amla powder has blood thinning properties and may prevent normal blood clotting.

Due to insufficient evidence, amla powder should be avoided when breastfeeding.

Amla powder may cause hives/irritation. Perform a patch test before using.

Consult your GP or an Ayurvedic practitioner if you have any concerns.

How to store amla powder?

Store amla powder in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or heat (such as your stove) or humidity.

Amla powder can last for up to 1- 2 years if stored well.

I always find that storing any powder in the refrigerator increases its shelf life quite a bit. Once open, place your amla powder in an airtight zip lock bag, place in a container and store it in your refrigerator. You need to ensure that amla powder is stored in a cold, dry place. Moisture should not enter inside the amla powder.

Amla Powder Recipes

Check out our amla powder recipes below:

Immunity Booster Amla Powder Kiwi Fruit Blueberry Grapes and Spinach Green Smoothie – Amla Powder Recipes – High Vitamin C Recipes

Beetroot Banana Blueberry Amla Powder Smoothie with Brazil Nuts Chia Seeds Pumpkin Seeds

Pina Colada Amla Powder Shake – Amla Powder Recipes – Vegan Recipes UK

Are there any other uses of amla powder?

Amla powder can be used topically as a hair mask or face mask.

Make an amla face pack for skin care – it is thought to treat acne and provide anti-aging effects by improving skin elasticity and removing dead skin cells. Mix 2 tbsp of amla powder with 1 tbsp of yoghurt & 1 tsp honey and form a paste like consistency. Apply on face, let dry for 20 minutes and then wash off
To use topically for hair care, pour 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan and place on a low heat. Add 1/2 tbsp of amla powder and bring the mix to a boil. Turn off the heat, strain the amla powder and apply the amla infused coconut oil to your hair once it is lukewarm. Amla is thought to reduce hair fall and promote healthy hair growth
To use topically for hair care, mix 1/2 tbsp of amla powder with 2 tbsp of water and apply on hair. Let the mixture sit on your scalp for half an hour and then rinse with lukewarm water

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Nutritional benefits of amla powder

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post on amla powder as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I found most of these benefits of amla powder whilst reading online blogs, articles, newspapers and through people such as my mum!

Please feel free to comment, share, add or subtract anything from this article 🙂

Have a lovely day!

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