Indian Gooseberry as an Antioxidant and Diabetes Preventer
Detailed scientific analysis of the free radical scavenging properties of amla have showed it to provide powerful antioxidant protection against the damaging free radicals, or reactive oxygen species which are the cause of various debilitating diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, inflammation, liver disease and respiratory ailments.
Amla has a range of potent antioxidant molecules, including Vitamin C, flavonoids, pectin, and tannins (30 percent). Benefits come primarily from its rich array of antioxidants, rather than unusually high vitamin C content. Experts from The Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Lucknow recently conducted a research on the antioxidant profile and activity of amla, spirulina and wheat grass. Amongst the three, amla, by far was found to be the richest in vitamin E like activity, total phenolic content, reducing power and antioxidant activity.
Amla is seen to be effective in controlling diabetes. It works by reducing oxidative stress and impacting the hormones associated with the condition. A recent study conducted in 2011 by Akhtar et al, studied the effects of amla fruit on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetes patients. The results of the study indicated a significant decrease in fasting and post prandial
In a 2011 study, patients with kidney disease and diabetes were subjected to an intake of herbs including amla berry extract, for three months. A significant improvement in the antioxidant defenses as well as diabetic and atherogenic indices in patients was observed.
