DHAKA: The age-old science of Ayurveda heavily depends on the use of plants and herbs for their medicinal properties. It wouldn't be wrong to say that Ayurveda paved the way for a few items to become an integral part of our daily diet.

Amla or Indian Gooseberry is one such ingredient that has long been hailed for its health benefiting properties, reports NDTV.

Apart from the quintessential amla juice or amlachoorna, people across the country have experimented with the bright green, translucent fruit to make pickles, candies, murabbas, chutneys and other condiments. In South India, the fruit is used in preparing dal (lentil preparation) and often added to rice as well.

Amla is a great source of Vitamin C as well as antioxidants known as polyphenols that are believed to combat and protect against cancer causing free radicals. It can also help balance all the three doshas (vata/pitta/kapha) in the body and treat the underlying cause of many health problems.

Enriched with iron, carotene, chromium and fibre along with antibacterial properties, it is excellent for maintaining healthy hair, boosting eyesight and ensuring smooth digestion. It also aids in strengthening immunity, detoxing liver, keeping cholesterol in check and treating diabetes.

Amla is one of the primary ingredients that go into the making of an ancient Ayurvedic polyherbal concoction popularly known as chyawanprash. The Chinese too make use of the fruit to treat throat inflammation. Apart from these, amla is used in making beauty products such as shampoos, hair oils, tonics and wraps, facial scrubs, etc. It is considered great for maintaining lustrous, healthy looking hair as well as a clear and smooth skin.

According to a Delhi-based weight management expert, Gargi Sharma, there are a number of ways amla can be used to prepare home remedies for curing various conditions such as cold and cough, mouth ulcers, dandruff, constipation and acidity.

Adding amla in your daily diet can bring about a significant change in your health and the way you feel. One can include it in a variety of ways, from amla juices or powders to preparing quirky accompaniments out of it.

BDST: 1249 HRS, MAY 03, 2015
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