Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) is a medicinal plant found in South and Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. It is a small, green, sour-tasting fruit that is well known in traditional Thai medicine and Indian Ayurveda because it is very high in vitamin C (several times more than oranges) and is rich in antioxidants that promote health.
Nutritional value of Indian gooseberry:
Indian gooseberry is considered as Superfood packed with nutrients, 100 grams of fresh Indian gooseberry provides the following important nutrients:
| Nutrients | Quantity (per 100 grams) |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 200-900 milligrams |
| Vitamin A | 290 IU |
| Calcium | 25 milligrams |
| Iron | 0.31 milligrams |
| Dietary fiber | 3.4 grams |
| energy | 44 kilocalories |
The advantage of vitamin C in Indian gooseberry is that it is natural vitamin C that is more stable than that in oranges and can withstand heat well, making it more effectively absorbed and used by the body.
Properties and benefits of Indian gooseberry:
1. Maintain health and strengthen immunity.
Indian gooseberry is very high in vitamin C, which stimulates the production of white blood cells, increases the efficiency of the immune system, and makes the body better able to fight off germs.
2. Relieve cough, and cold.
In traditional Thai and Ayurvedic medicine, Indian gooseberry is considered an excellent cough remedy. It has the effect of dissolving phlegm, relieving throat irritation, and effectively reducing cold symptoms.
3. Helps prevent diabetes.
Indian gooseberry contains important substances that help control blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, and also help prevent complications caused by high blood sugar.
4. Nourish eyesight, reduce eye deterioration.
Antioxidants in Indian gooseberry help reduce the degeneration of eye cells, helping to prevent cataracts, glaucoma and blurred vision due to aging.
5. Good for the digestive system, relieves constipation.
Indian gooseberry is high in fiber and has mild laxative properties. It stimulates the intestines, reduces constipation, and helps the digestive system work better.
6. Prevent cancer and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Flavonoids and tannins in Indian gooseberry have very high antioxidant properties, reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer, and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
7. Nourishes the skin and delays aging.
Vitamin C and antioxidants in Indian gooseberry help stimulate collagen production, brighten skin, reduce wrinkles and strengthen skin.
8. Reduce hair loss.
Indian gooseberry oil is used as a main ingredient in hair care products because it helps strengthen hair roots, reduces hair loss, and helps hair become thick, black, and shiny.
How to eat Indian gooseberry to get the most benefit:
- Eat it fresh: Get the highest amount of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Drink Indian gooseberry juice: Helps maintain health and detoxify the body.
- Pickled in honey: Tastes better, but choose the kind that doesn't have too much sugar added.
- Indian gooseberry powder: Mix with water or yogurt, easy to eat.
Advice and precautions.
- You should not eat too much because Indian gooseberry is acidic. Eating too much can irritate the stomach.
- People with kidney failure should be careful because it contains high potassium, which can affect the kidneys' balance.
- Choose products made from Indian gooseberry that do not contain preservatives if consumed in processed form.
Summary
Indian gooseberry is a herb with high nutritional value and has many health benefits, from boosting immunity, nourishing eyesight, preventing disease, to helping nourish the skin and hair. If eaten regularly, it will help strengthen the body.