The Indian Gooseberry is also known by the name Phyllanthus Emblica (scientific name) and Amla.
Amla is among the most potent fruits that people have been using in Ayurveda for thousands of years. It is a tree that grows in Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East, and India.
Doctors recommend it for different chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Nutrition Facts About Indian Gooseberry
Amla, i.e., Indian gooseberry is abundant in vitamin C. In fact, 1 small amla the same amount of vitamin C as 2 oranges of medium size.
Also, this herb is abundant in phosphorous, B complex vitamins, calcium, and iron. Its overall nutritional value is what promotes good health for all people.
The Connection Between Amla and Diabetes
Studies report that due to its antioxidant property amla is useful for people with diabetes. This fruit rich in polyphenol contains properties that may protect your body from high blood sugar and its oxidative properties.
According to studies the amla provides potent antioxidant protection when it comes to reactive oxygen species or damaging free radicals which are the actual cause of different diseases.
Those different diseases are respiratory ailments, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, inflammation, cancer, and arthritis.
The Journal of Medicinal Food published a study that shows that the extract of amla lowered sugar levels in rats with induced diabetes.
This study reports that the activity of amla which is free radical scavenging activity is effective in lowering oxidative stress and that it helped to improve the glucose metabolism in the rats.
According to another study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, amla lowers sugar in humans.
The participants were people with diabetes, and they were given 1,2, or 3 grams of amla powder on a daily basis. As a result, after 20 days they had lower levels of fasting and also two hours post-prandial blood sugar levels.
However, the participants that took 3 grams of amla powder experienced significantly lowered sugar levels.
Recent Researches
The Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences made a research on the antioxidant activity and profile of Amla, wheatgrass, and spirulina.
From all 3 the Amla was found richest regarding vitamin E such as activity, total phenolic content, and lowering antioxidant activity and power.
Amla may be effective in terms of controlling diabetes. How can Amla control diabetes? Well, it reduces oxidative stress and also impacts the hormones linked to the condition.
Another 2011 study, had participants with diabetes and kidney disease. For 3 months the participants had an intake of herbs such as Amla berry extract.
The result was a significant improvement in the atherogenic and diabetic indices and antioxidant defenses in patients.
Conclusion
Different studies show that Amla can prevent the development of certain complications. Complications such as heart dysfunction and diabetic neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes.
The conclusion is that the effects of amla are positive in people with type 2 diabetes. However, that does not mean you should take amla on your own.
Consult your doctor and he/she will tell you if you can consume it when you can do it (suitable time), and also how much can you take.
Source Med India | HealthyfiMe | IJSR | Web MD
