Gooseberries are nutritious, low-calorie fruits rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These berries may have many health benefits, including lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Their nutritional value per cup includes Calories- 66, protein- 1 gram, fat- less than 1 gram, carbohydrates- 15 grams, fiber- 7 grams, vitamins c, b 5, 6, copper, manganese, and potassium, and a super antioxidant food source.
Amalaki benefits immune health, is highly nutritious and rejuvenating enhances digestive health and the absorption of nutrients, cleanses the liver, promotes elimination, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, strengthens the bones, teeth, and nails, stimulates healthier hair, nourishes the cardiovascular and respiratory system and calms the mind and emotions.
These berries play an essential part in certain practices in Ayurveda by being a key ingredient of Chyawanprash and Triphala.
Chyawanprash is a traditional nutritive Ayurvedic jam primarily aimed at bolstering the immune system, rejuvenating the tissues, and building Ojas. It is made with a base of amalaki fruit and includes many other herbs, ghee, sesame oil, sugar, and honey.
Triphala is classified as a “Rasayana,” a Sanskrit term meaning it improves general health and prolongs life. Triphala is made with herbs referred to as “the three fruits”: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki, which together strengthen the colon, remove ama (toxins), improve circulation and cardiac function, reduce high blood pressure and serum cholesterol, and cleanse the blood. Additionally, it is widely used for conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and cataracts and improves digestion, assimilation, and elimination.
Individually, these herbs/fruits have unique characteristics and properties:
Amalaki is super rejuvenative, benefits all body systems, and is a super antioxidant. Its cooling nature is best for Pitta and is the main ingredient in Chyawanprash.
Haritaki balances the Vata Dosha and benefits the nervous system and brain, increases the digestive fire, treats hiccups and ulcers, reduces cholesterol, and prolongs life.
Bibhitaki is more drying, astringent, and strengthening and is renowned for its lungs, intestines, urinary, and elimination systems. It also balances the Kapha dosha and respiratory system.
It is said that a billion people take Triphala daily, which you find easily online or at the health food store. If you are working with an Ayurvedic practitioner and herbalist, they can have an individualized formula based on your constitution by adding a dipana (an herb that supports absorption).