The old saying relating to an apple a day and the kindly doctor is heard by every generation of children in America. And for good reason, as the apple is an excellent food source for the important vitamin C and other bodily agents which preserve our health and provide useful benefits such as being anti-allergenic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Outside of America you can find a compelling little fruit from beneath the Himalayan Mountains, which is destined to make a great hit on the American health market, known as Amalaki. This little berry provides promise and hope towards rejuvenation of declining health.

Although it is no larger then a common tennis ball this little jewel is in reality a nutritional diamond. In India it is commonly referred to as the Indian gooseberry. The scientific name for Amla is Emblica officinalis. This practical fruit has been employed in Ayurveda for centuries and has accumulated a rich source of legends and tales surrounding its use. The five-century old medical belief of Ayurvedic Medicine is known widely as the revered Mother of the Healing Systems. Ayurveda as well as its sister science Yoga have been developing a steady following in the western world.

The Sanskrit written Ayurveda contains some of the oldest and lengthiest of medical texts within the world and it contains a vast amount of information concerning natural medicine. This age-old manuscript relates how to establish a balance in our everyday life through fundamental rules relating to nutrition and our lifestyle. It covers entries such as sleep, stress and exercise as its fundamental components.

This ancient manuscript describes in excess of 5,000 fruits and herbs in detail. Of all the plant substances described, Amalaki is described as the most effective towards the process of rejuvenation. For centuries this plant has been consistently mentioned as Dhatri which means the nurse or mother. This is a tribute to this unique fruit as a caregiver or healer of our bodies. It is considered an able component towards promoting Ojas or producing the perfect digestion. This of course leads to shining eyes, hair, skin and radiant health.

This fruit is a fountain of polyphenols, antioxidants, tannins, amino acids, some trace minerals, bioflavanoids and other phytonutrients of a beneficial nature.

This plant wonder is unquestionably the most concentrated source for Vitamin C of all of nature’s wonderful healers.

Although the Amalaki is only about one inch in diameter the fruit has 20 times the vitamin C content of one orange plus within its flesh is contained a substance known as Dismutase which is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants.

This fruit has received considerable reviews within the scientific community plus it has been the recipient of hundreds of scientific inquiries being completed concerning its role in combating a broad array of maladies and promoting rejuvenation of the body. Here are a few of its increasing benefits.

* It promotes cellular rejuvenation, vitality and energy

* It tends to improve nutrient absorption, digestion and provides an overall intestinal health increase

* It fights against body inflammations

* It will boost antiaging properties of the human body

* It enhances the body’s immune system

* It will improve metabolism

* It destroys the harmful free radicals, being a powerful antioxidant

* It promotes luster of your hair and skin

* Readily improves your liver health

* It promotes detoxification

Many of the writings found in India indicate that Amalaki is beneficial to one’s intestinal organs and helps in reducing inflammation within one’s digestive tract. It also helps towards strengthening the heart. These comments concerning the value of this fruit have appeared in a publication entitled the Materia Medica. This manuscript lists over 2,000 vegetable originating remedies.

Amalaki is commonly employed in Ayurvedic medicine. It serves as an antipyretic, aphrodisiac, and cerebral tonic. Its popularity is also centered on its ability to act as a strong immunity booster, an adaptogen and as a powerful antacid. One can raise their total protein level by its use and increase one’s body weight resulting in added muscle construction and increased body mass.

Many of these ancient manuscripts cite Amalaki as a medicine that prevent body aging. Of all plant related species this fruit is believed to contain the richest supply of vitamin C known to man.

Amalaki remains a beneficial ingredient in the removal of toxic waste resulting from poor digestion within the body. It was also noted in a study conducted in 2003 that Amla resulted in an increased cell survival rate that decreased the production rate of free radicals.

As with other antioxidants, Amalaki contributes to an enhancement of one’s immune system. Additional uses include colic, constipation, asthma, gout, anemia and to a certain extent mental disorders.

The Western countries are in a process of embracing the medicinal practices used in the eastern area of the world. Amalaki is readily available in tablet or powder form and recently it has been introduced as a liquid supplement known as Zrii.

As the Western World is starting to discover the value of nutrition in shaping our health and producing high class athletes they are turning to the ancient world for the answers.

One such solution is found in the rarified atmosphere of the Peruvian altiplano where a small tuberous shrub called Maca lives.

Maybe it’s the extreme climate and high solar radiation or the highly mineralised soils of this area that give Maca it’s amazing qualities. This little root contains over 50 trace elements, it has a huge protein content and is known as a true adaptogen.

What is an adaptogen? This is best described as a herb or food that will increase the bodies’ resistance to fatigue, stress and trauma. How Maca does this is by its’ potent effect on the adrenal glands. Where caffeine acts to deplete your adrenal glands this power food does the exact opposite and nourishes them. In fact Maca acts to bring your whole hormonal system back into balance giving you a wonderful sense of well being and vitality.

What most people love about this super food is the sustained slow release energy boost that it gives you. Most energy drinks are short on gain and long on pain. They give you a quick lift and then your body crashes. With Maca you get the lift without the crash and it’s backed by potent nutrition for your muscles and mind.

The best part about Maca is that it is a natural food source. It has been cultivated for over 2000 years and has been part of the staple diet of the peoples of the altiplano for that length of time. So when you take maca you are really just introducing a new food to your body not a foreign supplement.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues.

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