Amla Benefits, Is It Safe & How Much Amla During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, all of us with what we taste, smell, touch, see or hear should aid in developing a healthy baby with a sound mind. Ayurveda enhances this thought and advocates for following an Ayurvedic lifestyle if practiced during pregnancy will definitely benefit both mother and child.

According to Ayurveda, amla or the Indian gooseberry has an inevitable role throughout the pregnancy period of a woman. Its benefits are also passed down to us from our older generations. We all would have tasted this “wonder fruit” because it is very commonly available in India. One of the best things about this winter fruit is that we are able to use its benefits throughout the year. This is possible because its nutritional value does not get destroyed even if it is stored in powdered form. [Know - Amla(Gooseberry) Benefits & Ways to Include It in Child's Diet & Recipes]

Amla is an excellent blood purifier and is wise to take it throughout your pregnancy as it helps to stay detoxified. Another great thing about amla is it does not have any side effects. So it is safe to eat amla during pregnancy

What Are The Benefits of Eating Amla (Gooseberry) in Pregnancy?

Rejuvenates and refreshes: Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C, with ample fiber and potassium. Amla is highly noted for its rejuvenating properties. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals but it is also rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.

1. Helps to Relieve fatigue & Tiredness: Amla is known for its excellent rejuvenating property. This will help in regenerating energy in the cells thus reducing the tiredness. Drinking amla juice or eating amla has been proven to reduce morning sickness and is good for the health of teeth. Its sweet and sour taste helps to diminish the nauseating feeling throughout the early trimester of pregnancy
2. Preventing Constipation: Amla is high in fiber and we can also say it is a moderate laxative. This helps to regularize the bowel movements and prevent constipation during pregnancy -- quite a common problem during pregnancy
3. Improves Digestion: Amla is found to stimulate the production of gastric juices, therefore, improving the digestion and permit the absorption of more nutrients. Eating amla regularly during pregnancy helps you out of usual pregnancy problems like indigestion and gas formation
4. Enhances Immunity: The anti-bacterial property of amla and its high vitamin C content helps to fight the infections from the common cold to urinary tract infection usually show up during the pregnancy
5. Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure: Vitamin C that found in abundance in this berry makes the blood vessels dilate thus helps in sustaining normal blood pressure
6. Eradicating Anemia: Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and iron. With the help of vitamin C, iron gets absorbed easily by the blood and, therefore, the hemoglobin level is well maintained. So, eating amla daily helps to fight anemia
7. Detoxification: Intake of amla helps in increasing the frequency and quantity of urination because of its high water content. This berry also has antioxidant properties which help to eliminate the free radicals. This helps in flushing out the toxins from the body
8. Helps In Oedema: Amla has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, regular consumption of amla helps to reduce the swelling of hands and feet during pregnancy
9. Helps to Eliminate Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a condition found during pregnancy when pregnancy hormones interfere with the action of insulin in the mother’s body. This results in the development of diabetes in mother who doesn’t have a previous history of diabetics. The anti-diabetic quality of gooseberry will help in reducing the chances of getting gestational diabetes
10. Amla is High in Calcium: Calcium content of the fruit is quite noticeable. Calcium is essential for the development of your baby’s teeth and bones. Required calcium for your baby is extracted from your bones. This shows the necessity of immediate calcium supplement the doctor prescribes for you. Regular consumption of gooseberry itself satisfies sufficient intake of calcium

Some of the other benefits of eating Amla during pregnancy are:

• Consuming amla juice is said to improve the brainpower of fetus, although it is not scientifically proven yet
• It is said that if you eat amla regularly during pregnancy the chances of undergoing preterm labor decreases
• Amla helps to maintain the perfect lipid profile which is highly favorable during pregnancy

How Much Amla Can Be Eaten Daily During Pregnancy?

Two fresh amla fruit per day won’t do any harm during pregnancy. If you are taking amla in powder form, 4gms – that is equal to one teaspoon – daily is enough.

Can I Eat Cooked Amla During My Pregnancy?

Boiling the Indian gooseberries before eating is not appreciated because all the vital nutrients will get lost through this process. If you prefer not to eat raw amla fruit then opt for steaming. But we suggest eating raw gooseberries or drinking Amla juice which are fully beneficial. If you don’t like it mix one to two teaspoons of the amla powder in some water and drink it. Amla powder retains all the goodness of fresh amla. You can powder-dry amla in your house itself and store it in an airtight container. This will guarantee its quality.

When Should I Avoid Eating Amla During Pregnancy?

Amla has no side effects. But it is recommended not to eat amla if you are suffering from diarrhea for some reason or if you already have a cold or a cough. This is because as amla is a moderate laxative, eating it when you have loose motions is not a good idea. Same way, as amla has the cooling effect on your body which is not good when your body is already been affected by a cold or a cough.

Recipes Of Amla When You Are Pregnant

#1. Traditional Amla Murabba Recipe

Amla Murabba Ingredients

• 1 kg amla
• 2 tsp chemical lime
• 1 1/2 kg of sugar
• 6 cups of water
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Method For Preparing Amla Murabba

1. Prick amla with a fork
2. Dissolve 1 tsp lime in water and soak amla overnight
3. Remove and wash well
4. Repeat once more
5. Drain and wash thoroughly
6. Squeeze and rinse to eliminate lime remains
7. Boil water then add amla
8. Cook till tender and transparent
9. Drain and keep aside
10. Make a syrup with sugar, lemon juice and 6 cups of water
11. Maintain one thread consistency, skimming off any scum that keeps forming
12. Add amla, bring to a boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes
13. Let it cool, then store in a clean airtight jar
14. You can add elaichi or any other flavoring of your choice

#2. Quick & Easy Amla Chutney Recipe

Amla Chutney Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp oil
• 1 Tbsp saunf
• 1 cup boiled amla
• 1 tsp dhania powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 Tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp bhrami leaves
• Salt to taste

Method To Prepare Amla Chutney

1. In a pan take some oil and add sauf in it
2. Add boiled pieces of amla
3. Toss
4. Add dhania powder, red chili powder, and ghee
5. Cook for a minute
6. Now add bhrami leaves and salt
7. Let it cool
8. Blend it in a mixer and serve

Hope you have a healthy and happy pregnancy.