12 Health Benefits of Gooseberry and Potential Side Effects

1. Helps Fight Against the Common Cold

Common cold are indeed a very commonly transmitted disease. Almost everyone suffers from this virus once a year or more than that. The human body is very reactive to colds and allergies. Headache, runny and stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes are some of the major symptoms of the common cold. 

Warm water, proper rest, and foods rich in vitamin C are mainly responsible for curing this common problem. Food like gooseberries are highly rich in vitamin C which helps to reduce the major symptoms of this disease. It has antioxidant and immunity-boosting properties which allows the metabolism of free radicals. This increases the performance of other healthy cells.  

Gooseberries, commonly known as amla help in getting the right vitamins and nutrients to the body. It can be consumed by all and can be eaten in different forms such as juice, dried fruits, and by mixing with other fruits and vegetables in smoothies. 

2. Promotes Weight Loss

Losing weight has been everyone's dream these days. People have become very conscious regarding the weight. They are seeing trying their best to lose weight. Starting with small changes in eating habits and exercises can help people obtain the weight of their dreams. 

Many food items have been very crucial in losing weight. Those food items that lose weight and provide the nutrients required by the body are everyone's favorite these days. Gooseberries are one among them. They have fat-burning properties which help in reducing weight. 

Amla helps our bodies to process proteins faster and increases urination. This flushes out toxins from the body and contributes to a fat-free body that loses weight. They are the go-to and easy food to lose weight.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Property

Gooseberries have anti-inflammatory properties as the regular consumption of this food helps to reduce the inflammation in the body. This reduces the symptoms of many diseases such as joint problems, fevers, and arthritis.

These Indian Gooseberries contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C which makes the body physically fit and healthy. It reduces inflammatory cells such as cytokines and cox. The regular consumption of these berries helps boost the energy level and support overall immune function.

4. Lowers Cholesterol Level

People are very busy these days. Busy people mainly depend on processed and packed foods that can be unhealthy. These foods contribute to higher cholesterol levels. 

The high cholesterol levels in the body are found to give rise to many diseases that can be very dangerous to health. So, the right kind of food containing a proper nutritious diet is essential. Gooseberries help to remove the bad cholesterol from the body. They reduce the fats in arteries and veins. 

The consumption of Indian Gooseberries helps to improve the health conditions of people. This supports the overall blood circulation process and promotes a healthy cardiovascular system.

5. Supports Hair Growth

Long and healthy hair is a dream for every girl. The hair fall problem has been increasing day by day. People are being a victims of it because of the bad water conditions or the harmful chemicals found in their shampoos. The increasing problem is that not just girls but many boys are seen complaining about their hair loss. 

The vitamin C and antioxidant property found in gooseberries strengthens the hair and promotes hair growth. The nourishing property of amla helps to control hair breakage. Also, the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties found in this food help to prevent dandruff and scalp infections. 

Including these gooseberries in shampoos or hair oils will improve the texture of hair and make it soft and shiny. They also make the hair look forever young by delaying down the process of white hair.

6. Improves Digestive Process

People are being victimized by problems like gastritis because of the unhealthy food they are consuming due to their busy schedules. Gooseberries are a good source of fiber which helps to maintain digestive health. 

They reduce the problems of constipation, intestinal problems, and other digestive discomforts. Amla supports the decomposition of food which helps to prevent gastritis and reduces stomach pain. 

Amla or gooseberries also have a detoxification effect. They purify the blood and detoxify the liver. A healthy liver is very important to have proper digestion and metabolism in the body.

7. Supports Cancer Treatment

No one in this world would want to suffer from this serious and life-threatening disease. All of them wish for a healthy life. Cancer in itself is so painful and full of struggles. 

There are a few food items that can work perfectly to increase the immunity to fight against cancer. Gooseberries are one among them. They reduce the damage generated by free radicals in the liver, breast, and lung tissues. 

Gooseberries also help in decreasing the enzymatic activities that are involved in various metabolic processes of the liver. If not completely prevent the disease, the consumption of amla can reduce the risk of cancer.

8. Anti-Aging

Who doesn't want to look beautiful? People naturally want to look young and feel their best. They are sensitive about their skin health and prefer to consume foods that reduce the signs of aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

The combination of a healthy skincare routine along with healthy food helps to get good skin. Gooseberries help in promoting a healthy well-being by providing an anti-aging effect to the body. Vitamin C present in gooseberries has an antioxidant effect that prevents cellular damage. It also provides the flexible protein required by the body. 

Gooseberries also control hair fall and increase the vision which makes people more young and energetic. This anti-aging effect of amla makes it a favorite choice of many people. 

9. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining the right sugar level is very important to have a healthy body. Many food items can help maintain the blood sugar level. Gooseberries are one among them. They support the healthy glucose in the body. This helps to maintain the optimal blood sugar levels. 

Gooseberries are also known to reduce the oxidative stress from the body which protects the body from oxidative damage. Consumption of this fruit releases insulin and controls diabetes. It has been studied that having 1 to 3 grams of gooseberry powder for 21 days decreased the blood sugar level. 

They are known to have a positive effect on diabetic patients by managing their blood sugar levels. The metabolism-boosting property of amla and the proper absorption of nutrients also maintains stable blood sugar levels.

10. Promotes Heart Health

A healthy heart is a happy heart. Indian gooseberry is known well because of its property of promoting a healthy heart. As it is rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant feature helps to prevent many heart-related diseases and supports good cardiovascular health. 

It helps in reducing the cholesterol level and improves blood fats. It prevents the formation of blood clots which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It reduces high blood pressure which is also another risk factor for heart disease. 

The anti-inflammation property of amla improves blood circulation. This protects blood vessels from artery damage. Amla also helps in absorbing nutrients and repairing muscle damage. Thus, the incorporation of amla in a diet promotes a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle. 

11. Boosts Immunity

It is very important to have a strong immune system which helps to protect from different diseases. It is necessary for the overall well-being of a person. A person with good immunity can handle health problems in a better way than those who are not immune. 

Including a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and stress management capacity helps to have good immunity. Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants help to boost immunity and make one feel healthy. Gooseberries have some immunity-boosting effects as it is rich in vitamin C. 

It is found that a single Indian gooseberry consists of 600 to 800% of the daily value in approx. Vitamin C helps to decrease cellular damage and inflammation in the body. Gooseberry also helps to develop protective antibodies that support the overall growth and development of the body.

12. Anti-oxidant Properties

The antioxidant property of Indian gooseberry helps to promote overall health. This effect is one of the main properties that every food should contain. The immune function presented earlier is supported by the anti-oxidant effect of amla or gooseberry. 

Gooseberry helps promote antioxidant effect by reducing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting from skin damage. It works as a great medicine not just as a food but is also used in natural cosmetics. The reduction in cell oxidation contributes to having better skin and hair. 

Amlas can also be used as an energizer. They help in reducing heartburn and other diseases. These benefits of amla make it a must-consume healthy fruit. But they should be consumed in the right quantity and at the right time.

Potential Side Effects of Gooseberries

While there are many health benefits of gooseberries, the potential side effects of them cannot be neglected at the same time. It is very important to have them in the right amount or as prescribed by the medical personnel. People may face some adverse effects if not consumed in the right way. Some of the major side effects of Indian gooseberries or amla have been highlighted in this section. 

• Triggers Acidity: It has already been discussed that the Indian gooseberries are rich in vitamin C. These foods which are rich in vitamin C are considered to be the good source of ascorbic acids. This acidic nature of amla can cause problems in the stomach for some people especially those who have acidic problems. 
• Digestive Issues: Even though it supports the digestive system, if it is consumed more then it may cause several issues. Overconsumption of amla can cause diarrhea and the problem of constipation. It can also cause heartburn. So, it shouldn't be consumed more than required. 
• Allergic Reactions: Amla can also cause allergic reactions in some people. They might face problems like itching, rashes and even swelling. The allergic reactions can demotivate people and they lose their self-confidence. It makes them weak both physically and mentally.
  If people are already having some medicines then consumption of these gooseberries at that time may also show some side effects which can be injurious to health.  
• Dehydration: Amla increases urine production in the body. When people urinate more, they will lose the amount of water from the body which causes the problem of dehydration. It is very necessary to stay hydrated. So, people should be careful while consuming amla. Especially, pregnant women should be very cautious while having them. 
• Hair fall: Excessive consumption of amla can make the hair scalp dry. This might cause hair fall and dryness of hair making the hair frizzy and unhealthy. So, shampoos and hair oils made from amla should be tested properly. People should be cautious in using them as it may not suit some of them and can show some reactions. 
• Affects Blood Sugar Level: Gooseberries when taken in high amounts can drop the blood sugar level. So, the person taking diabetes medicine can be badly affected by this. 
• Affects iron absorption: Though amla has the quality to absorb nutrients in the body, it may affect people with iron deficiency. Including amla as part of a balanced diet can have a lot of health benefits. However, the possible downturns should also be taken into consideration.

It is worth consuming every day in the right amount which helps the body to get essential irons.  So, this Asian native fruit should be utilized for culinary and medicinal benefits.