Amla also called the Indian Gooseberry, is one of the common fruits found in India. It tastes sour and leaves a bitter after-taste in the mouth. Amla is packed with nutrition and has abundant amounts of Vitamin C. It is highly recommended to be had during pregnancy. Where the immune system weakens, and the body can be prone to many infections. Along with helping the body fight many microbes, Amla can also aid in better digestion, control blood glucose levels and strengthen the bones. Well, there is a lot more to know about this humble fruit grown in your backyard. Read on to know about the best benefits of having Amla during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Eat Amla during pregnancy?
Before talking of the uses of Amla, we shall first clear the air for many women who wonder about the safety of Amla during pregnancy. Amla is cent per cent safe to be had and can do wonders to both the mother and the baby. You should, however, keep a tab on the quantity consumed to avoid any complications.
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Various Benefits of Amla During Pregnancy:
Now let us see how eating amla during pregnancy can be beneficial:
- Amla does not let you feel restless it is a powerful rejuvenator and has the intent capacity to boost your energy and regenerate the energy in the cells in your body; this makes it a better choice for averting fatigue and tiredness during pregnancy which is usually a common syndrome during pregnancy.
- Amla is also rich in dietary fibre and is a mild laxative that makes bowel action easy during pregnancy, thereby preventing constipation in expecting mothers; mothers feel relaxed and easy while going to the washroom!
- Generally high or low BP is seen during pregnancy, but as Amla contains a good amount of vitamin C that makes it dilate the blood vessels and maintain normal blood pressure level.
- Amla has the ability to maintain the lipid profile of pregnant women, which makes it highly beneficial.
- Gooseberry juice helps the moms to avoid acidity and heart heartburn issues during pregnancy.
- Amla contains antioxidant properties, and this fruit helps to flush away the toxins and free radicals present in your body during pregnancy as generally pregnant woman tend to have a dull face, but amla makes your skin have a healthy look.
- You may become a patient of anaemia but Rich iron content in amla helps in eradicating anaemia during pregnancy. Also, the presence of vitamin C in the fruit helps to absorb iron and maintain haemoglobin level up to the mark.
- Proper digestion is needed during pregnancy. And, Amla can support quick digestion by maintaining the function of the digestive system. Which helps pregnant moms to be free from issues like indigestion, gastric formation, etc.
- Amla can eradicate infections in the urinary tract of pregnant ladies which create problem during conceiving the baby.
- Mood swings are also very common in a pregnant woman, but amla has all the answers and can help control mood swings and calm down the mind and body while you are pregnant
- It also helps you physiologically and prevents you from feeling nervous, uneasy, lack of appetite, etc.
- The content calcium level in the fruit strengthens your bones and aids in quicker and stronger bone and teeth formation of your baby.
- A regular dose or serving of amla helps to lower the risk of preterm babies and cervicovaginal infections.
- To the babies, directly fresh amla juice helps to enhance memory power in babies and promotes lactation after delivery.
- If you have started getting swelling, then Regular intake of amla can prevent swelling of your feet and hands.
- Eating sour in taste is the well-known taste during pregnant hours, so you must consume a pickled amla with your food or have it as a mid-morning snack to keep cravings at bay.
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How To Take Amla during pregnancy?
The following are some of the popular ways to consume Amla while pregnant:
1. Amla Salad:
Salad does not mean that you have to diet during pregnancy! Just For a sweet and sour salad, add 1/3 cup of sliced amlas to other fruits. And have it with your meal.
2. Fresh Amla Juice:
Have a glass of fresh amla juice at home itself just Grind 2 cups of amlas in a centrifugal juicer to get the juice. Garnish it with mint leaves and enjoy your fresh amla juice during pregnancy.
3. Dessert:
Dip amla slices in honey and relish as a dessert after dinner, which is a healthy option. This is really yummy and easy to eat. You can even preserve it for a few more days.
4. Dry Amla or Amla Supari:
Amla supari during pregnancy is one of the best ways to take Amla and is available in the market, or you can easily make some at home. Dried amla during pregnancy can be had after every meal for better digestion.
5. Amla Pickle:
Pickled amla is one of the tastiest ways to consume Indian gooseberry during pregnancy. A spoonful of a pickle with your regular roti or rice can improve your appetite and make you want to enjoy your meal. You can even take amla murabba in pregnancy by pickling it with sugar.
Side Effects Of Amla During Pregnancy:
Although Amla has numerous benefits, one should refrain from overeating it. The common side effects of Amla during pregnancy are:
- Constipation
- Stomach burn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Dehydration due to vomiting or loose stools
A common misconception about Amla that many women have is that it can lead to dark-skinned babies. However, this is far from the actual truth. Amla promotes healthy babies and protects them from falling prey to any sort of infections and health disorders. It can even enhance the immune system and memory powers of your baby. It’s time to give way to facts over myths and start including an Amla in pregnancy diet for health you and a healthy child.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. How much Amla is good for me during pregnancy?
Ans: Doctor’s recommend the following quantities of Amla for pregnant women – 1 whole Fresh Amla fruit per day or not more than 4 gms of Amla powder and 10ml of Amla juice per day. Also, ensure you use organic Amlas instead of canned or preserved products.
Q2. When to avoid Amla during pregnancy?
Ans: Amla being high on Vitamin C may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience nausea, heartburn, diarrhoea, acid refluxes or any other health issues, stop its consumption immediately. The symptoms should subside in a while and in case they don’t, take the advice of your physician.
Q3. Is Cooked Amla safe during pregnancy?
Ans: Cooked Amla is one of the best ways to consume the berry during pregnancy. By cooking it, the high amounts of C vitamin can be reduced to an extent, making it light on the stomach. However, be sure not to overcook it as it can lead to nutrition loss.
