Also known as Indian gooseberry, the amla fruit is the pale green berry that grows from the Phyllanthus emblica tree, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. A member of the Euphorbiaceae family, amla is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Nearly every part of the amla tree is traditionally used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. In India, amla is so highly revered for its remarkable health-promoting properties that there is an entire Hindu holiday dedicated to it.
What makes the amla fruit special is its natural abundance of vitamin C. Boasting higher levels of vitamin C than other fruits such as grapes and oranges, amla fruits are truly deserving of their superfood status. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C can combat oxidative stress and promote the healthy functions of your skin, heart, eyes, liver and immune and digestive systems.
Amla fruit is also packed with other antioxidants, such as quercetin, corilagin and ellagic and gallic acids. According to research from the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the amla fruit has one of the highest antioxidant ratings of any food.