Amla(Gooseberry) for Diabetes Management

Amla for Diabetes

The continuous explosion of diabetes cases across the world combined with the cost of allopathic treatments, and failure of western medicine to find any cure has led many diabetics to look at alternative therapies, of which Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, is one of the most popular.

Many of the preparations used in Ayurvedic treatments come from common everyday ingredients—fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices—and one prominent one is Amla.

Amla, aka Indian gooseberry, aka Emblicaofficinalis, is widely used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat many chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This sour-tasting fruit has some amazing healing properties that have made it a popular medication for a variety of health conditions.

Eating just one amla a day is believed to be able to perform a variety of healthful actions including regulating blood sugar, promoting weight loss, detoxing the body, and boosting the immune system.

Amla is also low in calories and high in vitamin C, which is essential for repairing pancreatic tissues and weight reduction, which is an add-on benefit for people with diabetes.

Why Amla is Good for Diabetes?


There have been a number of studies on the potential anti-diabetic effects of amla. One such study involving diabetic animals suggested that consuming amla extracts can cause blood glucose to reduce. One study shows that amla juice might even help treat some health problems experienced by patients with type 1 diabetes.

A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the use of amla as a traditional remedy to help prevent pancreatitis—a disorder that compromises the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin.

1. Lowers BSL


Another clinical study found that people, both diabetic and without diabetes, experienced a significant drop in fasting and postprandial glucose counts when they consumed amla powder.

2. Improves insulin sensitivity


Chromium, a trace mineral needed by the body, is known to help regulate metabolism, which improves insulin sensitivity. Amla contains the chromium needed to improve carbohydrate metabolism and can thus help keep your blood sugar in a healthier range.

3. Enhances immunity

 

Amlais very high in Vitamin C—almost 8x the content of oranges—and other antioxidants. Vitamin C and antioxidants are known to improve immunity by bolstering the body’s natural defenses and reducing inflammation in the body.

How to Consume Amla?

1. Fresh Fruit

  • You can simply eat the fresh amla fruit. Having just one a day can keep your blood sugar steady.

  • Some people find the taste of the amla too sour for their palate. If you’re one of them, you could try drinking some water after eating the fruit. This will remove the sour notes and give the fruit a pleasant aftertaste

2. Powdered Amla

  • Alternatively, you can dry the fruit pulp, and grind it into a fine powder.

  • This powder should be stored in a cool, dry place. You can add a teaspoon of this powder to various dishes, from soups and salads to water to lower your blood sugar levels

3. Amla Juice

  • Amla can be conveniently had as a juice.

How to prepare amla juice

  • Wash the amla well or soak in salt water to remove any residual pesticides.
  • Cut 3-4 amla fruits into small pieces.
  • Add to your blender along with about 300 ml of drinking water.
  • Blend and discard the pulp.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
  • Stir well.

4. Supplements


Amla is also readily available in off-the-shelf supplements, ranging from powders to pills. You can conveniently buy and store these with the rest of your medicines. Use the supplements as directed.

Precautions


Like all medicinal preparations, amla too should be used in moderation. It is advisable to consult your doctor or a trained medical practitioner before adding amla to your diet, as some people, including pregnant mothers, are not advised to take it.

If you’re already on diabetic medication, consult your physician, as combining amla with other diabetes medications can induce low blood sugar.

Takeaways

Consuming amla daily offers a myriad of health benefits including regulating high blood sugar, maintaining healthy body weight, detoxifying the body, and improving immunity levels. Consult your doctor before having amla, especially if you’re already on some diabetic medication, to avoid hypoglycemia.

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