Winter is in full swing right now. The temperature is probably at its seasonal low. Although it can be a task to protect against the extreme cold that several regions in north India experience during this time, winter brings with it many things to cherish. From enjoying the warmth of the sunlight to enjoying warm delicious foods loaded with flavour to the long nights, winter in all its glory is quite something. However, this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of any ills. From the widespread spread of infectious diseases like flu and the common cold to the myriad skin and hair problems to respiratory illnesses, being careless about your health should be the last thing you should do. So, what is the way out? Enhancing your overall health can greatly benefit you during this season. And one of the ways to do that is to eat seasonal foods. And what better food to have during winters than India’s native Amla, or Indian gooseberry, which finds a prominent place in the country’s age-old holistic health system Ayurveda? To understand the benefits of Amla during winters, Onlymyhealth spoke to Sreemathy Venkatraman, a gut health practitioner & wellness nutritionist and the founder of ‘Mitha Aahara-Eat to Live’.
Benefits Of Eating Amla (Indian Gooseberry) During Winters
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
From digestion to eyesight to hair and skincare, Amla has multiple health benefits. However, here are the top five reasons why you must have it during winters:
Boosts Immunity
We all know during winters, diseases such as common cold and flu are common. A strong immune system can help you ward off these illnesses. Hence, you must include Amla in your diet during winters. Extremely rich in vitamin C, this Indian fruit is good for the immune system.
Notably, cases of COVID-19 are again rising in India. Your immunity acts as a defense against it, too. Hence, include a lot of immunity-boosting foods such as those rich in vitamin C (Amla or Indian gooseberry is an example) in your diet.
Aids Digestion
Winters are generally the time we heavily indulge in foods that are heavy on the stomach and are difficult to digest. Since Amla is known to aid digestion, you can reap this benefit to have all your favourite foods while steering clear of digestive issues.
Also read: Why You Should Not Consume Milk With Amla, Explains An Ayurveda Expert
Respiratory Health
Many people suffer from respiratory issues during winters. Eating Amla can help you with that, too, as Indian gooseberry is good for respiratory health, Sreemathy Venkatraman said.
Skin Health
Skin-related ailments such as dry skin, eczema, windburn, and itching. Amla works wonders for your skin, improves its health. This is another reason why this fruit should be a part of not just your winter diet but your skincare routine, too.
Weight Management
Indulging in all your favourite foods during winter can easily make you gain weight. Amla can help you with that too. It’s a great food to both reduce and manage, making it a must-have during winters.
We know that reading about these phenomenal health benefits of Amla might make you grab your wallet and go to your nearby grocery store to buy yourself some Amlas. But wait, we aren’t yet finished telling you about its health benefits, which also include:
- Amla, just like its winter food peer carrot, is phenomenal for your eye health.
- It’s a natural coolant, making its use extremely beneficial during summers, too.
What Are The Ways To Consume Amla Or Indian Gooseberry?
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
Healthy? Sure. But like many foods good for your health, Amla’s taste is not something everyone likes. Its tangy to begin with and can make your teeth feel funny. But worry not. Here are some of the ways you can include Amla in your diet:
- Grate some Amla in your salad or raita for a tangy flavour.
- Add it to your chutneys and smoothies.
- Amla jam and pickle are extremely delicious.
- You can also add it to your curries. It helps with dry mouth.
- Make Amla water for detox. For it boil some freshly-cut Amla pieces in 200 ml of water.
- During winters, it is generally eaten with sesame oil. For it, take a teaspoon of Amla powder and mix it with a teaspoon of sesame oil.
- You can also have a teaspoon of Amla powder with a pinch of turmeric powder added to a glass of water.
- Those suffering from hypertension are generally recommended to not have pickles with their meals. So, they can have a few pieces of Amla instead for that tangy flavour.
So, as you saw Amla is one of the healthiest foods you can find during winters. However, when it comes to foods, overdoing is something you avoid. Hence, have Amla, but in proportion. An Amla a day or a teaspoon of its powder is enough for a day.
(With inputs from Sreemathy Venkatraman, a gut health practitioner & wellness nutritionist and the founder of ‘Mitha Aahara-Eat to Live’)
