Indian gooseberry, or Amla, has been part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Recently, researchers have been focusing on studying the potential amla benefits for diabetes. Amla can be beneficial for people with diabetes for several reasons. In this article, we’ll look closer at what Amla is, how it can help people with diabetes, and how you can incorporate it into your diet.
What is Amla?
Amla is a fruit native to India and has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its richness in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients can help support an individual’s overall health. Amla can be eaten fresh, dried, or in the form of juice or supplements.
Amla Benefits for Diabetes
There are numerous Amla benefits for diabetes, and incorporating this fruit into the diet can provide several advantages. Here are some of the ways that Amla can help:
Sugar level Regulation
Amla may help to regulate blood sugar levels. One study found that taking amla supplements for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This is due to the fact that Amla contains polyphenols, which are compounds that are known to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Insulin Sensitivity
Amla benefits for diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin, a hormone, helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels. And people with type 2 diabetes often have decreased insulin sensitivity. However, taking amla supplements led to an improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
Reduced Inflammation
Amla benefits for diabetes also include inflammation reduction. Inflammation is a common problem in people with diabetes, leading to various complications. However, Amla has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Protection
Amla Benefits for Diabetes also incorporate protection against diabetic complications. Diabetes increases the risk of various complications in the body, like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. However, Amla has been shown to have protective effects against these complications thanks to its antioxidant properties.
How to Incorporate Amla into Your Diet
There are several ways that you can incorporate Amla into your diet.
Fresh Amla:
You can eat fresh Amla as a snack or make it a part of your salads, smoothies, or other dishes. However, fresh Amla can be difficult to find in some areas, so you may need to look for it at an Indian grocery store or online.
Amla Juice:
Amla juice is a popular drink in India, and it can be found at some health food stores or online. You can drink it straight or mix it with other juices or water.
Amla Powder:
Amla powder is made from dried Amla and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yoghurt, or other foods. It is also available in supplement form.
Amla Pickle:
Amla pickle is a popular condiment in India, and it can be found at some Indian grocery stores or online. For a tangy flavour, it can be added to sandwiches, salads, or other dishes.
Amla Precautions
Even though Amla is generally considered safe for most people, there are a few precautions to consider. Amla may lower blood sugar levels, so people taking low blood sugar medications should use caution when taking amla supplements or consuming large amounts of Amla. Additionally, Amla may interact with certain medications, so discussing this with your healthcare provider before adding amla supplements to your routine is always advisable. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also use caution when consuming amla supplements or large amounts of Amla, as there is limited research on the safety of Amla in these populations.
The Promising Benefits of Amla for Diabetes
In conclusion, Amla is a fruit with numerous potential benefits for people with diabetes. It may help with blood sugar level regulation, insulin sensitivity improvement, inflammation reduction, and protection against diabetic complications. Amla can be consumed fresh, as juice, powder, supplements, or condiments like amla pickles. However, people with diabetes should be cautious when taking amla supplements, as they may interact with certain medications or lower blood sugar levels. As always, talking to your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your routine is important. You can also incorporate Nutriplus’ DiabaHealth – a health supplement specifically curated with natural ingredients to fight against diabetes!
