What is Amla Murabba?
Amla, or the Indian Gooseberry, is an ancient superfruit and a powerhouse of minerals and nutrients. The vitamins and antioxidants present in this fruit improve overall health. Fresh amla is usually not preferred to be eaten as it is since they are highly acidic and bitter. Thus, they are processed and preserved as amla murabba, which has a long shelf life of up to 6 months.
Nutritive Value of Amla:
- This fruit contains more than 80% of water.
- It is composed of fibre, protein, carbohydrate, amino acids, and minerals.
- It contains gallic acid, a potent polyphenol (antioxidant).
- It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C.
- Amla fruit ash comprises copper, iron, chromium, and zinc, which helps in improving immunity.
Calories in Amla murabba:
½ cup Amla berries serving contains:
- Calories: 33
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fibre: 3 grams
- Protein: Below 1 gram
- Fat: Below 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
Also read: 11 Amla Juice benefits
Amla Murabba Health Benefits
Digestive Aid
Amla improves absorption, digestion, and assimilation of food. Amla ideally calms mild to moderate hyperacidity and other digestive troubles.
Hepatoprotective
Amla berry aids in liver function. It strengthens the liver and eliminates toxins from the body.
Laxative
Amla berry is beneficial in constipation. It is valued as a satisfying laxative for adults.
Brain Tonic
Amla berry is helpful for the brain. The fruit helps in sharpening the intellect and mental performance. Amla strengthens the senses and supports the nervous system.
Respiratory Tonic
Amla berry makes a brilliant tonic for nurturing and strengthening the lungs and the entire respiratory tract.
Supports the heart function
Amla improves heart health and blood circulation. It improves the cardiovascular system and acts as a cardiac stimulant. Amla aids in lowering the levels of cholesterol and thus protects against heart problems.
Healthy for Skin
As amla improves digestive power and detoxifies the liver, it is good for the skin complexion. It helps in moisturising the skin, removes harmful toxins, and protects the skin against bacterial infection.
Promotes healthier hair
Amla helps in calcium absorption, promoting healthier hair, nails, bones, and teeth. It aids in preserving youthful hair colour and slows down premature greying.
Immunity Booster
It is an Ayurvedic immunity booster with excellent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Anticancer and antiulcer effects
As per research studies, amla is found to be beneficial to treat different types of cancers.
Ingredients and Steps to Prepare Amla Murabba
- Amla – 500 gms
- Honey – 250 gms or more
- Black pepper powder – ¼ tsp
- Rock salt – ¼ tsp
- Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp
How is Amla Murabba Prepared?
- Choose mature, succulent amla fruits.
- Wash the fruits properly
- Using a pricking tool to puncture the amla
- Submerge the amla in alum water to remove the bitterness, and take them out after 4 hours.
- Use hot water to remove the adhered alum from the amlas.
- After this, the amla is steeped in 2% salt solution for a day. Wash them properly to remove the salt.
- Blanch the amla for 5 minutes at 95°C.
- Grate it, discard the seeds and add all the flavouring agents/condiments, such as black pepper, salt, and cardamom, to it.
- A glass container can be used to fill this mixture. And then pour organic honey over this mix as per taste.
- Cover the container and keep it in sunlight for about ten days. Exposure to sunlight enhances its shelf life.
- The entire preparation process takes roughly ten days.
Who should have Amla Murabba?
- Diabetes patients
- People experiencing joint pain
- Obese individuals
- Cancer patients
- People who have neglected the importance of gut health and those that face digestion problems
- People facing eye problems, such as conjunctivitis or other eye infections
- People with neurological problems like dementia
Amla Murabba Side Effects
Are there any side effects of amla? Well, not really! Indian Gooseberry or amla is safe for consumption. It is safe to use as medicine in doses up to 1,000 mg daily for the short term. However, we still advise you to consult a doctor before you begin the dose. However, ayurvedic products containing amla are said to be associated with liver damage.
Warnings and Precautions
- Amla may enhance the risk of bleeding or bruising in some people. Thus, use it with caution in case of a bleeding disorder.
- This fruit may lower blood sugar levels. Always take Amla murabba after consultation with the doctor.
- Amla may enhance the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Thus, one must stop taking Indian gooseberries at least two weeks before any planned surgery.
Also read: Top sugarcane juice benefits you don't know yet
References
VIPIN MAURYA, N.VINODA. (2017) Preparation and Storage Behaviour of Amla Murabba. (Department of Agricultural process and Food Engineering) http://trendsinbiosciencesjournal.com/upload/45-7165_(Vipin_Maurya).pdf
Ekta Singh, Sheel Sharma. (2011) Phytochemistry, traditional uses and cancer chemopreventive activity of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): The Sustainer. (Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science) https://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/365_pdf.pdf
M.Mohanapriya, Lalitha Ramaswamy. (2012) Amla – The Wonder Of Ayurvedic Medicine. (International Journal Of Ayurvedic And Herbal Medicine) http://interscience.org.uk/v2-i5/13%20ijahm.pdf
