One of the most common health problems that has always bothered us is being overweight and obese. While some people might experience it due to their genes, it is largely considered a lifestyle disease. A stagnant work condition, wrong body postures, bad eating habits, junk food, and whatnot. As if this wasn’t enough, the current pandemic and unending lockdowns has only aggravated the situation. Result: the only growth curve we continue to see is around our girth!
But before you give up in frustration, let us tell you that you can always work around it (pun intended) if you really wish to lose some serious flab. While physical activity and exercise are an integral part of weight loss regimen, certain foods can also help you in your weight loss journey. One such wonder food is the humble amla. Yes, you’ve heard that right. Today we tell you how amla juice can help you lose weight.
What Is Amla?
Indian Gooseberry is commonly called Amla. It has a green outer cover with firm white flesh. An easy way to eat amla is to consume it raw. Since it is tangy and sour in taste, people prefer sprinkling a little salt and red chilli on the amla slices while eating it. For years, it has been popularly used in Indian cuisines such as chutneys, pickles, and murabbas, etc.
Amla has long been recommended by beauticians as well as nutritionists due to its immense health benefits. It has also been used extensively in ayurvedic medicines. One of the amazing benefits of amla is that it helps reduce bad cholesterol including fatty acids called triglycerides without affecting the ‘good cholesterol’, that is high-density lipoprotein (HDL)1. It is probably one of the major reasons why amla is good news for those looking to lose weight in a healthy way.
How Amla Juice Helps Lose Weight
Amla fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, all of which can benefit the body in various ways. However, since amla is too tangy to taste, it is not possible to consume it raw regularly. Therefore, if you wish to lose weight the amla way, consider using it in the form of juice. Here are some reasons how amla juice can help you lose weight
It Is Rich In Fiber
As we all know, fiber helps improve digestion and also keeps us full for a longer time. This, in turn, prevents overeating and the urge to binge on junk food. Thus, amla juice can help you avoid piling on extra fat caused due to junk food and untimely binging.
Gets Rid Of Toxins
When a person starts putting on excessive weight, it is largely because of unhealthy ways of eating and lifestyle. This is enough reason for the body to become a breeding ground for toxins as well as increases bad cholesterol. Therefore, an important step towards losing weight is to get rid of all the accumulated toxins in the body.
Amla juice is a rich source of vitamin C, other nutrients as well as antioxidants. The antioxidants help in flushing out toxins and free radicals from the body. Not only that, it is believed that the use of amla juice can also prevent the buildup of toxins in the body.
The hypolipidemic property of amla juice helps in fighting the build-up of bad cholesterol and other symptoms of fatty liver. Thus, preventing obesity
Helps Improve Metabolism
One of the major causes of obesity is improper or inadequate metabolism of the body. Amla juice has alkaline properties that help strengthen the digestive system. It turns the calories of the food that we eat into energy thereby boosting the body’s metabolism.
Keeps You Hydrated
Amla juice also includes sufficient amounts of water. When you take amla juice as a pre-workout or exercise regimen, you’ll be adequately hydrated and, in turn, remain rejuvenated during your workout sessions. Since amla is rich in fiber, it also gives you a feeling of satiety for a longer time. This way, you will not feel the urge to grab a quick snack or feeling hunger pangs immediately after your exercise or workouts. Thus, you’ll be able to cut down on post-workout binging urges as well as avoid getting dehydrated.
Method Of Making Amla Juice For Weight Loss
The season in which amla is readily available everywhere in India is between December and April when its availability peaks. However, it is often found during other times too albeit in smaller quantities and at outlets that might be few and far between.
If and when you eventually get your hands on a bunch of Indian Gooseberries, here is how you can extract its juice at home:
You will need:
Fresh Amla – 2 fruits
Water – 200 ml/ one cup
Honey – Half teaspoon
First, cut and deseed amla. Put them in a blender, add water, and blend it until you have a smooth paste. Pour it out in a jar or glass and then add half a teaspoon of honey to it. You can also add a pinch of salt if you are diabetic or prefer it salty. A dash of black pepper or red chilli powder can also enhance the taste if it is too sour for your palate.
You can also combine amla with other healthy veggies like bitter gourd, carrots, or even beetroot juice. Again, if you are diabetic, avoid adding beetroot.
Some people also like to make amla juice in abundance and store in the fridge. To do this, you’ll need to add sodium lactate to the entire juice. This concoction can then be refrigerated for nearly 8 months. However, we still recommend that you consume amla juice that is freshly prepared to reap its complete benefits.
Other Ways To Consume Amla
During those months when amla is not in season, you can go for packed amla juices that are stored in tetra packs or glass bottles. But remember, packed juices contain artificial preservatives including high amounts of sugars or salts that may not be suitable for you, especially if you are a diabetic. Thus, it is always preferable to consume amla juice that is brought fresh from the market.
In the meantime, you can always explore different ways of safely storing amla by purchasing it in bulk when it is in the season for consumption during those days when it is not available.
For instance, amla murabba is quite popular in many parts of India. It is made in the same way as any other fruit jam. Grated amla is soaked in sugar syrup, honey, and other natural such ingredients. This Amla jam is considered to be a natural rejuvenator and energizer. Therefore, you can always come home to a healthy snack after a tiring workout.
Similarly, Amla pickle is another delicacy that is very popular, especially in South India. To make amla pickle, the fruit is either cut into small pieces or kept whole, sprinkled with some salt and dried in the sun. It is then added to the pickle masala that consists of oil, spices, herbs, garlic among others that act as natural flavoring agents as well as preservatives. This pickle can be stored for months and goes with anything from rice to roti!
But of course, when the Amla season is finally in full swing, then nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into its tangy flesh or gulping down some fresh amla juice!