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Ingredient · high vitamin c

Amla

530–800% vitamin C. The most potent antioxidant fruit in Indian cuisine.

high vitamin cCategory
Cold-pressedFormat
Local marketSource
Year-roundSeason
Amla — close-up
4Benefit categories
2Optimal use cases
2Cautions
1Products featuring this
530–800% Vitamin CTanninsLiver protectionBlood sugar
What it is

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), the Indian gooseberry, is the highest natural source of vitamin C in any commonly eaten food — with 600–900mg per 100g versus 53mg in orange. Unlike synthetic vitamin C, amla's ascorbic acid is bound with tannins that protect it from oxidation, making it remarkably stable even when dried.

Who should drink it

Good for

  • Vitamin C
  • Hair and nails
  • Iron absorption

Watch for

  • Anyone on blood thinners
What it does in your body
01

Immune supercharger

Tannin-bound ascorbic acid

600–900mg vitamin C per 100g — 10–17× an orange. The tannin-bound form is more bioavailable and heat-stable than isolated ascorbic acid.

02

Liver protection

Emblicanin A & B, Punigluconin

Amla is hepatoprotective — it reduces liver enzyme markers (ALT, AST) elevated by alcohol, medications, and fatty liver. Used in Ayurveda specifically for liver health for millennia.

03

Blood sugar regulation

Chromium, Ellagic acid

Chromium in amla stimulates insulin secretion. A 2011 study showed amla extract reduced fasting blood glucose comparable to metformin in animal models.

Nutrition (per 100 g)
NutrientAmount
Energy44 kcal
Vitamin C600–900mg
Tannins~8% dry weight
Iron0.31mg
Calcium25mg
ChromiumSignificant
The science

Amla's vitamin C is unique: it's bound to tannins that prevent oxidation. This is why dried amla powder retains potency for months while fresh orange juice loses 25% of its vitamin C within 30 minutes of pressing. Cold-pressed amla delivers the full tannin-bound C complex intact.

Cited
  1. Krishnaveni M & Mirunalini S (2010). Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica. Indian J Exp Biol.
  2. Yokozawa T et al. (2007). Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) prevents dyslipidaemia. Br J Nutr.
Where it comes from
Market
Bowenpally market, Hyderabad (seasonal)
Distance
12km
Restocked
3× weekly during season
Freshness
Pressed within 24 hours of purchase
Notes
Available October–March. Off-season we use sun-dried amla powder from verified sources.
Best consumed

Do

  • Consume fresh — highest vitamin C of any juice
  • Pair with ginger to offset the intense sourness

Don't

  • Don't heat — destroys the tannin-vitamin C complex
  • Don't take on empty stomach if you have acidity — pair with cucumber base
Did you know

Amla is the primary ingredient in Chyawanprash — the 3,000-year-old Ayurvedic formulation still used across India today. Modern analysis of Chyawanprash consistently shows amla's C-tannin complex as the active ingredient responsible for its immunomodulatory effects.

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Amla — benefits, nutrition & science · Soma Delights