Why did our Indian ancestors recommend eating amla (Indian gooseberry) every day?
Amla is rich in natural vitamin C and helps the body absorb iron, especially plant-based iron. However, according to Ayurveda, iron and vitamin C alone are not enough; the body must first be able to digest the nutrients.
“You are not what you eat – you are what you can digest.”
If agni (digestion) is weak, then rakta dhatu (blood) also becomes weak. Therefore, iron supplements do not always help and can even cause nausea, constipation, and a feeling of heaviness.
Iron deficiency in women is not just about fatigue
Low iron levels can, according to Ayurveda, affect:
hormones Men's health and fertility Mood and mental well-being long-term vitalityMany women have normal haemoglobin but low ferritin, something Ayurveda explains through the connection between digestion, blood quality, and dosha balance.
Ayurvedic ways to strengthen iron absorption:
Strengthen Agni first (hot water, ginger, Trikatu) use amla for better absorption Choose iron in gentle Ayurvedic forms (e.g. Triphala Annabedi, Loha Bhasma)
Would you like to delve deeper?
Ayurveda reminds us: Strong blood begins with strong digestion.