INDIAN GOOSEBERRY – AONLA
Introduction to Aonla
Indian
Gooseberry, also known as Aonla (Embilica offincinalis) in India, is a fruit with immense nutritional and medicinal value. Its use in various medicinal concoctions has been described in Charak Samhita. Aonla comprises an important ingredient of the ‘magic potions’ that used to exist during these times. With the advent of modern technology and revolutionary growth, research gave us a ‘short cut’ to fight ailments in the form of various chemicals that aided in controlling and curing several pathogenic conditions. However, the change of trend from allopathy to ayurveda has helped people realize the importance of such natural treasures that Mother Nature has gifted us.
Nutritional Facts
Aonla is the second largest source of Vitamin C (600 mg/100 gm) among all the fruits, after Barbados cherry. This is 10 times the amount of Vitamin C present in orange. Vitamin C plays a major role in the health of the teeth and gums. In addition to this, it increases the resistance against pathogenic attacks. Aonla is also rich in fibers that are important for the smooth flow of ingested food in our alimentary canal. Minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for the various metabolic reactions in a human body, are also present in ample quantities in aonla. Aonla is also a rich source of antioxidants, such as egalic acid, the role of which cannot be emphasized much.
In Which Ailments It Helps?
Aonla is a rich source of Vitamin C. Therefore, it helps in relieving symptoms of scurvy. Its constituents also act as a digestive tonic and aid in mellowing down the symptoms of bloating, nausea, acidity, and indigestion. Its usage in the powdered form (churna) for digestive problems is well known. It is also a rich source of antioxidants which are extremely effective in reducing stress and fighting aging. These antioxidants are important to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals in our body and prevent or postpone the degenerative changes. They also increase resistance of the body against infections. People that frequently contract common cold are often recommended to take Chyavanprash, the major ingredient of which is aonla. This fruit also has a role to play in keeping the skin and hair healthy. It acts a diuretic and a blood purifier thus keeping the level of toxins under control. The high amount of tannins present in aonla helps in keeping the graying of hair under check.
Post-harvest and Preservation In India, aonla is harvested in the month of October and is available for consumption till February. However, to obtain the benefits of this valuable fruit throughout the year, we need to preserve it through various measures. The most common methods are sugar dipping, salt dipping, and dehydrating. All these methods can help us increase the shelf life of this fruit and retain an optimum amount of nutrients.