Can Pregnant Women Eat Amla? Health Benefits and Precautions

Take the following precautions while eating amla during pregnancy: 

Packeted amla juice should not be consumed. Consuming amla is also not beneficial if you are suffering from cold, cough and diarrhea. Before making any food item a part of the mother's diet, its benefits and disadvantages (if any) must be checked, it will be good for both mother and child. The diet consumed by the mother affects the baby in the womb more than the mother.

Amla is beneficial not only for healthy people but also for pregnant women. It is used in the treatment of many diseases and it gives strength to the body, hence it is advisable to eat amla during pregnancy.

(Read more - Benefits of Guava for Pregnancy) 

Amla is usually available in sufficient quantities throughout India and it can also be preserved in powder form without losing the medicinal properties and nutrients of Amla.The following are the benefits that both mother and child get during pregnancy:

• Amla is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. It contains an adequate amount of vitamin C which prevents flu and urinary tract infection.
• Amla is also helpful in producing milk in a woman's body after delivery.
• The fiber found in Amla is also beneficial in cleaning the stomach regularly, which does not cause constipation.
• Disorders like constipation and piles are common during pregnancy, in such a situation, the fiber found in Amla also prevents all these problems.
• Amla reduces indigestion and acidity and helps in digesting food.
• The abundance of vitamin C in amla helps dilate blood vessels which keeps the blood pressure normal.
• The sweet and sour taste of amla helps control nausea which is common in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Drinking amla juice or eating it raw reduces morning sickness and rejuvenates the body.
• Amla is a good source of calcium which is important for the development of the baby's bones and teeth. 
• Amla also reduces swelling of hands and feet during pregnancy.
• Amla contains antioxidants which increase the amount of water in the body which leads to frequent urination. It helps in flushing out toxins from the body.

(Read more -Eighth Month Pregnancy Diet)

Amla is a beneficial fruit for pregnant women, but eating it in excess can cause indigestion, constipation and diarrhea. Stomach can also get upset. Therefore, eating amla in a limited quantity is beneficial. Also, amla should not be eaten in some circumstances:

• If a pregnant woman has a cold and cough, then amla should not be eaten because amla is cold. 
• Amla is also harmful in cases of diarrhea because it has laxative properties (properties that cause diarrhea).

(Read more - Benefits of Eating Dry Fruits During Pregnancy) 

During pregnancy, one or two fresh amla fruits should be eaten daily. If you are taking amla in powder form, then consume only one teaspoon of amla powder. Amla or amla juice should be taken during pregnancy. You can extract the pulp of amla at home and mix it in water to drink. You can take about 5 ml to 10 ml of amla juice per day. Amla can be eaten in the form of pickles, juice, salad etc. 

(Read more - Diet For Anemia In Pregnancy) 

Eating amla during pregnancy is considered safe and healthy. Amla is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which provides many benefits for pregnant women. It strengthens the body's immune system, improves digestion, and relieves problems like constipation. Amla helps in the absorption of iron, which helps in preventing anemia. Apart from this, the antioxidants present in amla protect the body from free radicals, which benefits both the mother and the baby. However, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming anything excessively.