Now we’re finding out that Amla isn’t just packed with antioxidants, but it’s also very beneficial to bodybuilders and those looking to put on some muscle.

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 1, Amla powder enhances protein synthesis, making it easier to build lean muscle mass.

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, or Phyllanthus emblica, has certain properties that bodybuilders and strength trainers can benefit from. The most beneficial is that it increases muscle tone naturally -rather than other ingredients and unhealthy additives that often include in the supplements comes with a lot of side effects.

As the study says:

“Amla’s Ayurvedic action offers athletes and bodybuilders a natural way to tone muscles and build lean mass”

The study has found that Amla can be a big benefit for bodybuilders, especially in the “cutting” phase, where it’s all about removing fat and increasing lean muscle. But Amla doesn’t just help tone muscles, it also helps increase protein and food absorption, making it a perfect addition to a power­ workout protein shake.

Amla has also been found to enhance protein synthesis2 an important factor since protein synthesis is what makes muscles grow.

Other benefits of Amla for bodybuilders

It helps cool the body after a workout. A German study found that Amla acts as a “body coolant”, helping to cool and relax the muscles after a hard workout.3 Amla is known for its effects of tridoshagna in Ayurveda, wherein it regulates the pitta (heat or fire).

Another interesting property of Amla is that it enhances food and protein absorption — which is key for bodybuilders and those looking to add muscle.

Amla is packed with various potent phytoconstituents like polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, amino-acids & proteins, which becomes important for all the people with continuous workouts.

It reduces inflammation. Amla berries have been used for a long time to treat inflammation in India, and a study done by the University of Tampere, Finland4 confirmed Amla’s anti­-inflammatory properties. Another study was done by the University­ Hospital, Verona, Italy5 also showed that Amla can also help reduce inflammation. Amla thereby helps in promoting healthy inflammatory response.

Antioxidant powerhouse; Amla is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be a great scavenger for free radicals6, helps athletes, bodybuilders, daily exercises with good nutrition for their constant energy and endurance.

Conclusion

Every bodybuilder and athlete knows that unless their body has the right nutrition, the training matters little. If you’re looking for the extra edge in their workout, Amla might be worth a try. It’s extremely healthy, and unlike many ingredients, it’s 100% natural and has a track record going back thousands of years.

 

 

 

References:

  1. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183
  2. N.Barthakur , N.P.Arnold, Chemical analysis of the emblica (Phyllanthus emblica L.) and its potential as a food source. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4238(91)90031-SM. Krishnaveni and S. Mirunalini, Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research Vol. 4, Issue 3, 2011 ISSN – 0974-2441
  3. Ihantola-Vormisto A, Summanen J, Kankaanranta H, Vuorela H, Asmawi ZM, Moilanen E, Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Extracts from Leaves of Phyllanthus emblica. 1997 Dec;63(6):518-24.
  4. Nicolis E, Lampronti I, Dechecchi MC, Borgatti M, Tamanini A, Bianchi N, Bezzerri V, Mancini I, Giri MG, Rizzotti P, Gambari R, Cabrini G, Pyrogallol, an active compound from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis, regulates expression of pro-inflammatory genes in bronchial epithelial cells. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Dec 10;8(12):1672-80. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2008.08.001.
  5. Kumaran A, Karunakaran RJ, Nitric oxide radical scavenging active components from Phyllanthus emblica L. 2006 Mar;61(1):1-5.
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