Indian gooseberry supplements help manage blood lipid levels
Indian gooseberries are small, nutritious fruits that grow in India, the Middle East, and some countries in Southeast Asia. Known for being extremely sour, they are commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many illnesses. Previous studies have shown that Indian gooseberry supplements reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers affiliated with different hospitals in India and the U.S. studied the effects of gooseberry extract. In the study, the recruited 98 people, ages 30 to 65, with abnormally high levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol. They randomly assigned the participants in one of two groups. The first group was asked to take 500 milligrams of gooseberry extract every day, while the other group was given a placebo made from roasted rice. Both groups were asked to take the treatment for 12 weeks.
All of the participants were asked to make specific lifestyle changes. The team helped them eat a healthy diet and requested that they exercise at least four days per week. Moreover, the participants had to get their lipid profile measured at day 28, 56, and 84. The results showed that participants who were treated with gooseberry extract had lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol levels than those who took the placebo.
In their study, the researchers wrote: “The amla [gooseberry extract] has shown potential in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as lipid ratios… in dyslipidemic persons and thus has scope to treat general as well as diabetic dyslipidemia.”
The researchers also plan to pursue further studies. “A larger and longer-term study is warranted to elucidate the mechanism of amla extract in dyslipidemic patients,” they explained. (Related: Cancer, heart disease, diabetes and aging don't stand a chance against the protective benefits of amla.)
Other health benefits of Indian gooseberries
Aside from managing cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease, Indian gooseberries are also known for their other health benefits. These include:
- Enhancing immunity -- Indian gooseberries contain potent compounds like vitamins A and C, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol that are known to boost immunity. Moreover, a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that Indian gooseberries contain substances that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent infections.
- Lowering blood sugar -- Indian gooseberries contain a mineral called chromium. This mineral is known to stimulate the production of insulin, which, in turn, helps reduce blood sugar levels.
- Preventing constipation -- Indian gooseberries are rich in dietary fiber, which add bulk and help stools move through the digestive tract. In a study published in the American Journal of Food Technology, researchers found that Indian gooseberry powder prevents constipation by increasing water retention in stools.
- Promoting hair health -- Indian gooseberry oil is a popular hair treatment in India because many people believe that it encourages hair growth. Moreover, Indian gooseberry oil is also known to strengthen roots, maintain color, and improve hair color and shine.
Indian gooseberries are best eaten fresh but are also available in various forms such as powder, juice, oil, tablets, and tea.
For more news and stories about gooseberries and other fruits that can reduce risk of heart disease, visit Heart.news.
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