Friday 19 September 2014

Gooseberry/ Amla - A treasure chest of Vitamins and minerals



Gooseberries have been used by our forefathers from several generations to treat many ailments. Modern scientific research also proves that it is a treasure of vital elements like Vitamin C, Vitamins B complex, Ellagic and gallic acids, tannins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and carotene which has antiviral and antimicrobial properties

Health benefits of gooseberries

They are packed with significant amounts of phenolic phytochemicals especially flavones and anthocyanins. These compounds have been found to have numerous health-benefiting effects against cancer, ageing, inflammation, infertility and neurological diseases.

They have moderately well anti-oxidant values. At 3277 umol TE/100g, gooseberries have oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC) value comparable to that of red currants (3387umol TE/100g).
The gooseberries are moderate source of vitamin-C. 100 g of fresh berries provide 27.7 mcg or 46% of daily-recommended intake values of vitamin C. Research studies have shown that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents and help scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals from the body. Vitamin C content in gooseberry aids in digestion, fast absorption of food and balance stomach acid.  

They also contain some amount of vitamin A. 100 g berries has 290 IU or 10 % of RDA. Vitamin A is required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin, and essential component of visual cycle. In addition, consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamins and flavonoid anti-oxidants has been found to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Fresh gooseberries contain small amounts of essential vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folates, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). They also contain adequate levels of minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and potassium.

  


Indian gooseberries (amla) are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. Drinking amla juice will cool your body and it has been proven that drinking  the juice mixed with honey  is  beneficial for improving your eyesight. Amla juice tastes somewhat like lime juice. It is very easy and simple to prepare


Grind the seeded amla with little water, seive it, add more water and a pinch of salt. Add some ice cubes and the  refreshing and nutritious drink is ready to drink.


Gooseberry Tea


  Small Indian gooseberry, which is not hybrid  is more beneficial, but since it is difficult to get to see these days, you can opt for what is available. Take 2 gooseberries, deseed and crush in a mixer  with little water and strain the the juice .



Add this to the prepared light black tea, but don't boil it, as  we want to preserve all the vitamin c in it, which will be lost in the  boiling process. Add sugar, as required. The colour changes, but the taste changes too and you will have the sweetness lingering in your mouth long after drinking.


Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
anitadane@gmail.com






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