5 Side Effects of Vitamin-Rich Amla You Need To Take Very Seriously

Amla, a well-known superfood, is widely used for various health benefits that include balancing blood sugar levels, maintaining heart health, and even taking care of skin and hair. However, like everything else, this Indian gooseberry, known for its tangy taste, too has many side effects, some of which can even be fatal if not addressed properly. Read on to know what they are.
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Updated Jun 14, 2023 | 02:25 PM IST

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Amla

Too much consumption of amla or Indian gooseberry can be dangerous to health

New Delhi: Amla or Indian gooseberry is one of the most versatile Indian herbs that helps elevate your mental and physical health and well-being. This superfood is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants which protect you from heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and even digestive issues.
According to health experts, amla boosts your immunity, purifies the blood, and even flushes toxins from the body maintaining hormonal balance. However, too much consumption of this tangy fruit can even be dangerous to health.

Side effects of amla

Amla is the second largest natural source of vitamin C, as a single fruit contains over 600-700 mg. However, when consumed in excess, the nutrient intake can cause a lot of health troubles, a few of which are:

Can cause acidity

Amla is highly acidic and even though it helps in reducing tummy issues, the frequency and severity of heartburn can be worsened if the tangy fruit is overeaten.
Doctors advise not consuming amla on an empty stomach for those who have a history of hyperacidity as it can irritate the lining of the stomach and can trigger gastric issues1.
Since it is very high in fibre, amla can also cause severe constipation if you eat too much of them in a day.

Can prevent blood clotting

Amla, according to health experts, has antiplatelet properties, as it prevents the formation of blood clots. So, if you suffer from a blood-related disorder, is not a good option as the fruit can cause blood thinning and prevent normal clotting.
Various studies2, including the one published in European Heart Journal, suggest a connection between platelet reductions, anti-clotting drugs, and bleeding events.

Can cause hypoxemia

Overeating amla can cause hypoxemia or a low level of oxygen in the blood. It is a sign of a problem tied to breathing or blood flow and leads to severe acidosis or multiorgan dysfunction.
Doctors always advise to stop eating amla at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Can cause low blood sugar in diabetics

Even though amla helps reduce blood sugar levels, it is not good to consume too much of it along with anti-diabetes medicines3.
According to doctors, this superfood can easily hamper the working of medications leading your glucose levels to the lowest if eaten in abundance, and hence should only be taken after consultations.
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a dangerous situation that can lead to blurred vision, concentrating issues, confused thinking, slurred speech, numbness, and drowsiness. If blood glucose stays low for too long, it can cause seizures, coma, and even death.

Can cause discomfort in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Even though it is highly nutritious, excess amla can be detrimental to the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, causing discomfort.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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