Skip to content
FSSAI Registered | ISO 22000 certified | GMP certified | HACCP certified | NABL Tested
FSSAI Registered | ISO 22000 certified | GMP certified | HACCP certified | NABL Tested
FSSAI Registered | ISO 22000 certified | GMP certified | HACCP certified | NABL Tested

Reading Time: 13 minutes

Amla Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health, and How to Eat It

Purezen GlowGetter
GlowGetter: Skin hydration, glow and anti-pigmentation from within PUREZEN

GlowGetter: Skin hydration, glow and anti-pigmentation from within

FSSAI-registered, GMP-certified, ISO 22000, HACCP-certified, Non-GMO and 3rd-party NABL lab-tested.

Rs. 1,395Rs. 1,225

Shop GlowGetter

The main amla benefits come from its very high vitamin C, about 252 mg in every 100 g of fresh fruit, plus fibre and plant antioxidants. Vitamin C helps the body make collagen for skin and supports normal immune function. Amla is also traditionally used in hair care, though human research on hair is still limited.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the most familiar fruits in Indian homes. It turns up as murabba in grandmother's jar, as salted slices after lunch, and in hair oils across the country. If you care about your skin, take a look at our guides on food for glowing skin and collagen for skin too.

Amla nutrition: why vitamin C stands out

In the Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT 2017) from the National Institute of Nutrition, amla has the highest vitamin C of all the fruits listed. A single medium fruit can cover a large share of an adult's daily need, which ICMR sets at 80 mg for men and 65 mg for women.

Fruit (100 g) Vitamin C Fibre
Amla 252 mg 7.8 g
Guava About 228 mg About 5 g
Orange About 53 mg About 2 g
Pomegranate arils About 10 mg About 4 g

Amla values are from IFCT 2017. Values for the other fruits are rounded USDA figures, so they are a guide for comparison.

Fresh amla is also low in calories, at about 24 kcal per 100 g, and contains 223 mg of potassium. Its sour and slightly bitter taste comes from tannins and other polyphenols, such as emblicanin and gallic acid. These are antioxidants, which means they help the body deal with everyday oxidation, a kind of wear and tear on cells.

Amla benefits for skin, hair and immunity

It is worth separating what is well understood from what is still being studied.

  • Skin: Vitamin C is needed to build collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. It also works as an antioxidant in skin exposed to sun and pollution. Amla is one food way to get it, and it is used for this reason in skin formulas such as Purezen GlowGetter, which is not vegetarian as it contains marine collagen in a gelatin capsule.
  • Hair: Amla has been used in Indian hair oils and powders for generations. Lab studies suggest its extracts may support hair follicle cells, but good human trials are few. Diet, iron, protein and stress still play a bigger role.
  • Immunity: Vitamin C supports the normal working of immune cells. Getting enough every day matters more than taking a large dose once in a while.
  • Heart and sugar markers: Small trials of amla extract have looked at cholesterol and blood sugar readings, with some encouraging results. The studies are small, so see this as early evidence.

Put simply, amla benefits are real but gentle. Amla supports the body as part of a balanced diet, enough sleep and sun protection.

Infographic of amla benefits showing vitamin C, fibre and the best ways to eat amla

How to eat amla: raw, murabba, juice, powder and chutney

How you prepare amla changes what you get. Vitamin C dissolves in water and breaks down with heat and air, while sugar adds calories.

Form How it is made What changes
Raw fruit Washed, sliced, with a pinch of salt Keeps the most vitamin C and fibre
Fresh juice Blended with water, strained Good vitamin C if drunk soon, less fibre
Chutney Ground raw with coriander, ginger and chilli No cooking, so vitamin C is mostly kept
Powder Dried and ground fruit Some vitamin C lost in drying, fibre kept
Murabba Boiled and soaked in sugar syrup Lower vitamin C and a lot of added sugar
Candy Cooked, dried and sugar coated Mostly a sweet, not a health food

A sensible daily amount is 1 to 2 fresh amla, about 30 ml of juice diluted in water, or 1 teaspoon (about 3 g) of powder. Raw amla with a little salt or black salt after a meal is the simplest option. Make juice fresh and drink it within an hour, as vitamin C drops on standing. Keep murabba to an occasional spoonful, especially if you are watching your weight or blood sugar.

Amla for skin and hair: practical tips

Most amla benefits for skin come from eating it, not from applying it. A few practical points help:

  • Pair amla with protein foods such as dal, paneer, eggs or curd. Collagen needs both protein and vitamin C.
  • Amla with iron-rich foods such as spinach, rajma or chana can help the body absorb more plant iron.
  • For hair, amla oil or a powder hair pack may condition the scalp and hair shaft. Do a patch test first, as some people react.
  • Results from food are slow. Give any change at least 8 to 12 weeks.

Who should be careful with amla

Amla as a fruit is safe for most people. Concentrated juice, powder and extracts need more care.

  • Acidity: Amla is sour and can cause heartburn on an empty stomach. Eat it after a meal or dilute the juice well.
  • Blood thinners: Some studies suggest amla extract may reduce how easily platelets clump. If you take aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or similar medicine, ask your doctor before daily juice or supplements. Stop concentrated amla about 2 weeks before surgery.
  • Sugar-lowering medicine: Amla may lower blood sugar a little. If you take diabetes medicine, check your readings and talk to your doctor.
  • Kidney stones: Very high vitamin C intake from supplements may raise oxalate levels. If you have had stones, avoid large doses.
  • Loose motions or dryness: Too much powder can upset the stomach. Stick to 1 teaspoon a day.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The fresh fruit in food amounts is fine. Ask your doctor before extracts or supplements.

Where Purezen GlowGetter fits in

Purezen GlowGetter is a skin support formula with 12 ingredients, including amla, vitamin C, marine collagen, 200 mg L-glutathione, hyaluronic acid, green tea, aloe vera, grape seed and vitamin E. It is traditionally used to support skin hydration, elasticity and an even tone from within. Please note that GlowGetter is not vegetarian: it contains marine collagen and uses a gelatin capsule shell.

For hair, Purezen RootCause combines amla with pumpkin seed extract, Bhringraj, Noni, L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, marine collagen, zinc, vitamin C and biotin. It is traditionally used to support the scalp, stronger hair and less shedding over time. RootCause is also not vegetarian, as it contains marine collagen and uses a gelatin capsule shell.

Both come as 60 capsules, FSSAI registered, with a serving of 2 capsules a day. Take them for at least 3 months, alongside a balanced diet and your doctor's advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many amla should I eat in a day?

1 to 2 fresh amla a day is enough for most adults. If you use powder, keep it to about 1 teaspoon.

Amla khali pet khana chahiye ya khane ke baad?

Agar aapko acidity hoti hai, toh amla khane ke baad lena behtar hai. Khali pet amla juice se kuch logon ko jalan hoti hai, isliye paani mein mila kar piyein.

Does amla murabba still give amla benefits?

Some, but less. Boiling lowers vitamin C and the syrup adds a lot of sugar. Raw amla or chutney is a better daily choice.

Can amla reduce hair fall?

Amla is traditionally used for hair, and lab studies are encouraging, but human trials are limited. Hair fall has many causes, so check iron, thyroid and vitamin levels with your doctor.

Can I take amla with my medicines?

Food amounts are usually fine. If you take blood thinners or sugar-lowering medicine, ask your doctor before daily juice, powder or extracts.

Related reading

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medicine.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published..

References

Video Reference

Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping

Select options