Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is in the true sense of the word, an elixir of life. It has numerous benefits for our skin, hair and health. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal practice, has widely used amla as an ingredient in most of its treatments. It has thus become a favourite with the health-conscious masses.
But, just like everything has its pros and cons, amla has its negatives too. Anything if taken in excess, or without learning about its properties can do the body more harm than good. Same is the case with this small, wonder fruit. So, here are some of the most common side effects of amla that you should keep in mind before consuming it.
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Amla is a very rich source of vitamin C and this property of the fruit contributes to its acidic nature. Although, it is great to consume amla in any form on an empty stomach for detoxification of the body, but for people with a history of hyperacidity this can prove to be a bane. It can irritate the lining of the stomach in such cases and trigger acidity.
People suffering from hypotension or low blood pressure should be very careful while consuming amla. This fruit is known for its potential to lower the blood pressure level and maintain the same. If you are on a hypotension medication then you should avoid eating amla. Also, exercising will help in keeping your BP stable.
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If you are habitual of eating amla in its raw form, then it is a beneficial antidote for diabetes. However, if you suffer from a problem of constant low blood sugar, or if you are on anti-diabetic medications, it is good to check with your doctor before you decide to consume this fruit. Amla is known to lower the sugar level in the blood, which might hamper the anti-diabetic medications, subjecting the person to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar conditions.
Amla is, unarguably, a good natural remedy for constipation. The profusely rich amounts of fiber present in this fruit contribute to this property. However, if you consume amla in high quantities, it might harden the stool. The condition worsens if your water intake reduces. Hence, to prevent constipation, take the fruit in the form of juice or dried amla powder with adequate water intake.
But, it can also cause diarrhea in some cases. The excess vitamic C concentrate in amla juice can cause an upset stomach and thus lead to diarrhea.
While amla is a great source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, that fights against free radicals which cause skin damage, it also has diuretic properties. This means it is a powerful tool in flushing out toxins and waste from our body. If this water loss is not replenished in the body, one might become dehydrated and thus lose its lustre with time. Due to this, the skin might start showing early signs of ageing pretty soon.
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The only game here is of the amount you intake. If taken in careful quantities, amla can be very beneficial for the hair and scalp. But, if one does not pay close attention to the amount of amla they consume, it may cause scalp dryness, thus leading to hair fall, itchiness, dandruff and other hair-related problems.
Amla is a natural coolant and it possesses the potential to lower the body temperature to a great extent. Therefore, consuming it can worsen the symptoms of a cold. When you are already suffering from a cold or any other associated conditions, it will further aggravate the condition and make it worse.
To avoid this, take amla in the form of triphala. When taken with warm water and a bit of honey, it will not cause any problem.
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Although there are no scientifically proven harmful effects of amla on the heart, studies suggest that people with cardiac issues should always consult their doctor before consuming amla. Amla is a powerful cardiovascular stimulating agent, so it is always better to be on the safer side and keep your doctor in the loop about your amla consumption beforehand.
Yes, this is quite possible. Although, this might not seem like a bad thing for those who want to lose weight, it certainly is a problem if the weight loss is drastic. Amla, like we already told you, has diuretic properties. It increases the production of urine in the body, and this might lead to dehydration and weight loss in some cases. So, be careful.
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While studies are yet to establish the actual interaction of amla with various drugs, there are some negative reactions that could be triggered by using it with certain medications. People on anti-diabetic medications should be careful while consuming amla as it renders a similar effect as your drugs. This, in turn, could hamper your blood sugar levels.
At the same time, people who are using medications for heart-ailments or hypertensivity should also be careful with the consumption of amla.
Amla is a chatpata fruit, that might be highly enjoyed by women in their pregnancy. But sometimes, it might leave you uneasy. Amla is very rich in fiber and therefore, if it is taken in excess it could leave you with an upset stomach, diarrhea or even make you dehydrated. So, ladies should be extra cautious with the intake of amla during their pregnancy.
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Amla has a lot of benefits for our whole body, but only if it is taken in moderation. Otherwise, it will cause more harm than good. So, always be careful about these small things whenever consuming amla in any form.
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