Amla Pickle: A Healthy & Tasty Addition To Your Everyday Diet

My Journey to Better Health with Amla Pickle

Hello, I’m Asmita, a working woman and a mother of two. I was suffering from a condition that is quite common among women over 40 called anemia. This occurs due to iron deficiency. I used to be the most active woman in my friends circle but all of a sudden I started feeling weak, fatigue and dizziness and was not able to complete my daily tasks. This made me very short tempered which also affected my family’s temperament indirectly. 

Hence, I started searching for a natural solution—something that would not only boost my iron levels but also support overall health without unwanted side effects. My goal was to find iron-rich foods or remedies that were easy to incorporate into my routine while being gentle on my body. After some research I learned that Amla is the perfect solution I was looking for. My Father always eats Amla in the morning and asks me to do so as well. But raw Amla is significantly more sour and bitter on its own, hence I never liked to eat it raw.
While amla pickle has a more balanced, tangy flavor due to the addition of spices, salt, and sometimes sugar, which mellow out the raw amla's harshness and make it more palatable and now became a part of my routine diet.

What is Amla?

Indian gooseberry, or amla, is a fruit tree that grows locally in parts of Asia. It has many herbal medicinal and Ayurvedic uses, particularly in its native India. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and often mentioned to have potential antioxidant and heart-health benefits. Indian gooseberry is known by two scientific names — Phyllanthus emblica and Emblica officinalis. It’s also commonly called Amla. Their taste has been described as sour, bitter, and astringent. The fruit is used in cooking in India, and most supplements are made from the dried fruit. However, the whole plant — including the fruit, leaves, and seeds — is used in traditional Indian medicine.


Nutrition Value in Amla

• Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a nutritional power punch containing essential minerals, vitamins & other important compounds. This small fruit has an impressive nutrition that adds to its numerous health benefits.
• A 100-gm serving of fresh amla berries contains as much vitamin C as 20 oranges, making it an exceptional source of this vital nutrient. The vitamin C content in amla ranges from 193 to 720 mg per 100 gms, depending on the variety. Comparatively, amla juice can have a higher vitamin C content than many other fruits, including apples, limes, pomegranates, and certain types of grapes.
• Amla is also rich in carbohydrates, accounting for more than 70% of its dry weight. Fibre is another significant component, ranging from 7.2 to 16.5 gms per 100 gms of dry weight. 
• The fruit contains moderate amounts of protein (2.0-4.5 g/100g), minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus (2.1-3.1 g/100g), and a small amount of fat (0.2-0.6 g/100g).
• In addition to vitamin C, amla provides other essential nutrients. It contains vitamin A (290 IU), vitamin B1 (30 mg/100g), and vitamin E (0.17 mg/100g). The fruit is also a good source of calcium (25 mg/100g) and iron (1 mg/100g).
• Amla berries are low in calories and sugar, making them ideal for nutritious snacks and meals. A half-cup serving of amla berries contains only 33 calories, less than 1 gm of protein and fat, eight gms of carbohydrates, three gms of fibre, and no sugar.
• Furthermore, amla is rich in antioxidants, including flavonols, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. 
• Culinary Uses of Amla
• Amla is used to make raitas, pickles, chutneys and subzis. It is also added to dals and rice or used to prepare rasam.

Benefits of Amla pickle:

Amla pickles offer several health benefits along with a tangy flavor that enhances meals. Here are some key benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Amla is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress.
2. Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content improves the immune system, helping the body fight infections.
3. Digestive Health: Amla aids digestion and can help reduce issues such as constipation and acidity.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants in amla may help alleviate inflammation, benefiting conditions like arthritis.
5. Improves Skin Health: Regular consumption can improve healthy skin and may help reduce signs of aging.
6. Hair Health: Amla is often used in hair care products for its nutrition.
7. Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that amla may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.
8. Heart Health: Due to its antioxidant properties, Amla may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
9. Flavor Enhancer: Amla pickles add a unique flavor to meals, making them more palatable while providing health benefits.
10. Preservation: Pickling helps preserve the nutritional value of amla, allowing you to enjoy its benefits throughout the year.

Incorporating amla pickles into your diet can be a delicious way to take advantage of these health benefits while adding variety to your meals.

Farmdidi’s Amla Pickle stands out as a healthier option compared to other brands due to its focus on traditional preparation, natural ingredients, and nutritional benefits. Here is why:

•  Farmdidi’s pickles are made in a traditional way and with natural ingredients. No artificial preservatives, colors, or synthetic additives are used which are common in mass-produced pickles. These are home style recipes that give you nostalgia for your Dadi’s and Nani’s pickles. 
• They retain maximum nutrient values like vitamin C and antioxidants as they are minimally processed. They are fermented naturally hence aiding digestion while maintaining Ayurvedic benefits.
• They use branded oils and natural spices ensuring heart-friendly fats. Also, the Ayurvedic spices like fenugreek, turmeric, and mustard seeds, enhance digestion and immunity.
• Many commercial brands use excess chemical preservatives for preservation. Farmdidi pickles use natural preservation methods, making them gut-friendly.
• Farmdidi's Amla Pickle is rich in vitamin C which supports Women’s Health & Iron Absorption making it great for women with anemia or iron deficiency
• Farmdidi’s pickles are handcrafted by rural women, ensuring freshness, hygiene, authenticity and quality while supporting women’s livelihoods.

Conclusion

I would highly recommend Amla pickle for daily consumption due to its high vitamin C content, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, boosting immunity, aiding digestion, promoting healthy skin, and potentially supporting heart health.The pickling process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and provide additional digestive benefits from probiotics when fermented naturally. Amla pickle is a wholesome addition for the entire family, from kids to the elderly. Boost your health with Farmdidi’s Amla Pickle—rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and authentic homemade goodness!