“Amla is considered one of the most important rasayana herbs,” Schellerer explains.

“Rasayana refers to practices that give us ‘a long life, memory, intellect, health, youthful age, charisma, good skin colour, a strong voice, strength in body and senses, power of speech, virility and splendour’.

“In fact, Indian legend has it that the old ascetic [a sage or monk] Cyavana regained youthful strength by consuming amla paste.”

Today we would say the fruit has anti-ageing properties, thanks to its adaptogenic and antioxidant effects, she adds; adaptogens are plant products that are said to help the body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors.

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Amla’s many health protective benefits

In addition to its anti-ageing properties, amla is believed to have a number of health-protective benefits.

“This is credited to the fruit’s extremely high vitamin C content,” Schellerer says. “After the Barbados cherry, amla is the second-richest natural source of vitamin C, with each fruit containing between 600mg and 700mg of the potent antioxidant.

“Amla is also a storehouse of tannins. Tannins are bitter and astringent compounds, or polyphenols, that protect tissues against oxidative stress and promote immunity to pathogens.”

Amla is also believed to have cancer-preventive and anti-tumour properties, according to a study published in 2015 in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. This may be because of its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to consume amla

To reap the maximum benefits of amla, Schellerer recommends consuming the fruit raw.

“Amla is sour and slightly astringent but it does have a sweet aftertaste. The more ripe it is, the sweeter it becomes. Slice the amla and sprinkle a bit of salt on it to balance the sourness. A dash of red chilli powder gives it a more interesting taste,” she says.

Dr Kristi Funk, an American breast cancer surgeon and the founder of Pink Lotus Breast Centre in California, is known for her surgical treatment of celebrities Angelina Jolie and Sheryl Crow. She describes amla as having “the highest concentration of antioxidants on earth. It also improves metabolic activity, assists with calcium absorption and with improving eyesight”.

She considers a small amount of amla powder to be a star ingredient in her antioxidant smoothies, which she makes with plant-based milk, flax seeds, aloe vera juice, green tea, spices such as black pepper, cinnamon and turmeric, dark leafy greens and various other berries.

Cautionary notes on using amla

Before including amla in your diet, Schellerer notes that there are a few things to be aware of.

While it may help reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn, if you experience hyperacidity it may actually worsen your symptoms, especially if you eat it on an empty stomach, as it can irritate the stomach lining and trigger stomach acid production.

“Second, amla may thin the blood and prevent normal blood clotting, so avoid it before or directly after surgery,” she says. “If you have a bleeding disorder, get your doctor’s advice before using amla.

“Additionally, studies suggest that amla may help lower blood sugar levels and is useful if you have diabetes. But if you have low blood sugar or take anti-diabetic medication, it might not be a good idea to consume amla. Diabetics may want to monitor their blood sugar level when taking amla with anti-diabetic drugs.”

Finally, Schellerer says that excessive consumption of the fruit may cause skin dryness, and, because of its diuretic properties, dehydration.