Traditionally, amla has been used as a natural medicine thanks to its impressive nutrient profile and the wide array of health benefits that it has to offer.

The sour and pungent fruit of amla is extremely high in vitamin C, iron and calcium and hence is wonderful for skin, hair and overall health.









Gooseberry Benefits in a Nutshell:

1. Contains Phytochemicals
2. Promotes Liver Health
3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
4. Has Anti-Cancer Properties
5. Controls Blood Sugar
6. Prevents Constipation
7. Decreases Inflammation
8. Keeps Hair and Skin Healthy
9. Enhances Digestive Health and hence may also aid Weight loss.
10. Supports Cognitive Function

1. Contains Phytochemicals
Gooseberries are high in phytochemicals, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help fight off harmful free radicals in the body. (1) Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells and even contribute to the development of chronic disease. (2)
The Indian gooseberry is high in phytochemicals like furosin, gallic acid, corilagin and quercetin, which are largely responsible for the health-promoting properties of gooseberries.

2. Promotes Liver Health
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It aids in detoxification, secretes bile to help digest fats and produces important proteins that play a role in many aspects of health.
Some studies have found that gooseberries could help enhance liver function and protect the health of this crucial organ. An animal study in 2013 found that treating diabetic rats with gooseberry extract increased antioxidant levels in the liver. (3)
Another review noted that amla, or gooseberry, has been shown to protect the liver against toxicity and even cancer in some animal studies. (4)

3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
In addition to supporting the health of your liver, some studies have found that gooseberry benefits the health of your heart as well. Research shows that gooseberry could help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing the buildup of plaque and decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition supplemented men 35–55 years old with Indian gooseberry for 28 days and found that they had significant decreases in cholesterol levels. Interestingly enough, two weeks after stopping supplementation, their cholesterol levels had risen back up to normal. (5)
Another study in 2012 published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that treating patients with gooseberry decreased levels of triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol, increased levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, and reduced blood pressure. (6)

4. Has Anti-Cancer Properties
One of the most impressive benefits of the gooseberry is its effect on cancer cells and ability to potentially prevent cancer. (7) A 2005 animal study conducted at the University of Rajasthan in India showed that treating mice with a concentrated dose of gooseberry extract decreased skin cancer tumor formation by 60 percent. (8)
Another test-tube study from Thailand showed that gooseberry helped inhibit the growth of human lung, liver, breast, ovarian, cervical and colorectal cancer cells. (9)
Additionally, gooseberries are also high in phytochemicals and antioxidants. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals and may be linked to a decreased risk of cancer. (10)

5. Controls Blood Sugar
Studies show that gooseberries may be able to help you maintain normal blood sugar levels thanks to their high fiber and antioxidant content.
Fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and can help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Gooseberries have also been shown to prevent high blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes complications like kidney damage or nerve damage as a result of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. (12)
  
6. Prevents Constipation
Gooseberries have a natural laxative effect and can help encourage regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. This is because they are high in fiber, which moves slowly through the gastrointestinal tract undigested, adding bulk to stool and easing its passage.
Studies show that increasing fiber intake from foods like gooseberry can help increase stool frequency. (13) Other natural constipation relief remedies include staying well-hydrated, minimizing your intake of highly processed foods, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts

7. Decreases Inflammation
While inflammation can be beneficial and is a normal immune response to injury, chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases and has been linked to conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. (14)
Research has found that Indian gooseberry can help reduce inflammation. A test-tube study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that amla extract decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in human cells. (15)
The antioxidants found in amla may also help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to cells. (16)

8. Keeps Hair and Skin Healthy
Whether you realize it or not, some of the products you use on your hair and skin may already contain Indian gooseberry. For centuries, gooseberries have been used to improve the health of skin and hair, and now several recent studies have confirmed these powerful benefits.
One study out of Japan, for instance, found that amla extract helped increased production of collagen, the protein that is responsible for providing youthfulness and elasticity to the skin. (17) Another animal study out of the Gill Heart Institute’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Kentucky found that Indian gooseberry extract helped speed up wound healing in rats. (18)
In terms of hair health, one animal study even found that applying amla oil to rabbit fur significantly increased growth. (19) Additionally, gooseberry is high in vitamin E, a nutrient that has been shown to protect the skin and enhance hair growth. (20, 21)

9. Enhances Digestive Health
Some studies have shown that gooseberries contain gastroprotective effects and may help keep your digestive system working efficiently while preventing problems like gastric ulcers.
An animal study in Phytomedicine reported that giving rats amla extract blocked the development of stomach lesions, decreased gastric secretions and protected against injury to the lining of the stomach. (22) Another animal study had similar findings and noted that giving rats amla extract helped heal and protect against stomach ulcers. (23)
Gooseberry is also high in fiber, which can promote regularity and get things moving to prevent issues like constipation.

10. Supports Cognitive Function
Research has unearthed some surprising findings when it comes to the effects of Indian gooseberry on brain function.
A 2016 study, for instance, found that treating rats with gooseberry extract increased memory retention and antioxidant levels and also decreased levels of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme associated with Alzheimer’s disease. (24)
Another study combined gooseberry with heart-leaved moonseed and found that it improved measures of learning and memory in rats. (25)
 
Warnings:

If you are allergic to Indian gooseberry or experience any negative side effects after consuming it, you should discontinue use immediately and consult with your doctor.
Indian gooseberry might also increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Those with bleeding disorders should use caution when consuming gooseberry. Additionally, be sure to stop taking it at least two weeks prior to surgery to prevent an increased risk of bleeding.
If you have diabetes, gooseberry may decrease blood sugar levels. If taking gooseberry, talk to your doctor to see if you might need to have your dosage of diabetes medications adjusted.
Finally, there is limited research on the effects of amla on those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Exercise caution and use only in moderation to prevent negative side effects.
For the most part, however, Indian gooseberry is safe to consume with minimal risk of adverse symptoms. If you do experience any side effects, however, be sure to report them to your health care practitioner.

A REVIEW of a number of studies has found women who ate high levels of processed meat were more likely to develop cancer, when compared to those who ate small amounts.

Previous findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) have concluded that processed meats can cause cancer and, as such, this study supported previous findings. The new study mentions that those eating excessive levels of processed meat are nine per cent more likely to develop cancer in the future.

The dataset included over a million women, and despite showing a link between the food and cancer, it may not be clear whether it is the food that is causing the development of cancer. Counter arguments include the fact that each of the 15 studies used had different definitions of a "high consumption" of meat. Some studies defined it as around nine grams a day, whereas in other studies this value was much higher.

Each study followed women and what they ate, and identified whether they developed cancer. It is not clear whether or not the risk of breast cancer could be due to other factors - such as being more or less healthy in other ways.

The authors stress that the results apply to processed and not red meat. Processed meat as classified by the WHO includes sausages, bacon, corned beef, ham, beef jerky, hot dogs and salami. These meats have been modified to extend shelf life, or to change the taste by curing, smoking or adding salt and preservative to the meat.

~ The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer.

Broccoli lowers the risk of cancer, primarily cancer of the colon, esophagus, larynx, lung, prostrate, oral cavity, pharynx, and stomach.

Experiments using broccoli reveal the sulforaphane it contains to be the most powerful natural chemical for stopping the growth of tumours. It is high in cancer antidotes like indoles, glucosinolates, and dithiolthiones. It also contains carotenoids (vitamin A).

It blocks cell mutations which foreshadow cancer, possibly due to the abundance of chlorophyll. A study by Dr. Saxon Graham, Buffalo, NY, found that people who ate more broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts had a lower risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Experiments in the 1950's discovered broccoli helped protect guinea pigs from lethal doses of radiation. Cabbage also worked but broccoli was found to be more effective. They also found that women who ate more broccoli were less prone to cancer of the cervix. It is believed that green vegetables, along with dark orange vegetables act as antidotes to the cancer process that continues for years after exposure to carcinogens.

Always buy green broccoli to ensure freshness, never when it is yellow. Steam broccoli lightly to keep its nutrients intact. As soon as it turns a bright green - it's ready !

Eating both cooked tomatoes and broccoli have been shown to help prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer. Research suggests that eating tomatoes and broccoli together has even more potent health effects.

Trying New Food: Many a parent wonders just how one teaches a child to love anything that is good and healthy. Ironically, it seems that most foods that are good for us are the very ones we must acquire a taste for before we learn to enjoy them. For example, I believe that brown rice is good for my children, so I decided to teach my children to like brown rice.

Solution: At our house, if you don't like a particular food, you don't have to eatr it. However, if you choose to not eat what is served, you will not get anything else until the next meal. No snacks and no whining about being hungry are allowed. This basic rule takes a lot of the pressure out of making kids eat what is cooked.

When I started serving brown rice, the kids wouldn't eat it. So, for weeks we had brown rice, the kids couldn't snack between meals. Finally, they broke down and decided to try it. Now, they like the taste, and they're open to trying almost any new food.

Mom...Mom...Mom...Mom... Mom...

Does Not Like It - Not One Little Bit: My son Micah refuses to eat canned tuna. Otherwise, he is a happy, healthy eater. He enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables, including raw carrots, and eats most everything his family eats.

Situation: Since Micah is a very good eater, in general, and not picky with anything else, we allowed him to avoid eating tuna. As long as it doesn't become a game of manipulation, it is perfectly okay with me for a child to dislike a few foods.

Picky Eater:  Brian was five years old when his mother brought him to visit. He would only eat French fries, noodles, and sweets. When I talked to his mom about it, she said, "Oh, he is a very picky eater, but so am I. Any other kind of food he just plays with". As a curious mother, she wanted to know what else she could do about Brian's picky eating habits.

Solution: I told her to set new boundaries. Say something like, "You have to eat what is served, or you will not get anything else until the next meal." Start with a mixture of food that includes one of his favourites. If eats what's served, really praise him. Most likely he will test the rules and only eat the foods he likes, so he'll go hungry for a couple of days.  Stick to your rules and only serve food at the table. No snacks ! As long as it's his choice, once he gets hungry enough, he'll try some of the healthier foods. Then, slowly start to change the menu to healthier choice. 

Note: This approach only works if everyone else in the child's environment is playing the same game.

Excerpt:  Parenting Rule #1: Mom Has Fun ! A Guide to Responsive Parenting -- by Nicole MacKenzie