Chyawanprash is a jelly-like spread made from the pulp of apricots, grapes and other fruits high in antioxidants. Indian herbs like gooseberry are also part of the concoction; so are stems, seeds, and roots from plants native to Asia. Some formulas combine as many as 40 to 50 botanicals. The antioxidant content from the natural, plant-based ingredients in this spread bolsters immunity and promotes general healing. It purportedly detoxifies the body by purifying the blood and stimulating the cleansing activities of the liver.
Indian ingredients like bala, pippali, and mustak comprise most varieties of chyawanprash. Bala is a plant that is credited for increasing the body’s metabolism, resulting in more vigor and leaner body structure. It is also believed to restore sexual desire by balancing the body’s sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Pippali, a fruit originating in Sri Lanka, filters waste out of the body. Mustak is a root that heals ulcers in the digestive system and tones the stomach walls and muscles.
Originating in the Himalayas, chyawanprash has been used for centuries to maintain youthfulness and energy. Its high antioxidant levels come from the abundance of vitamin C; the fruit spread contains approximately 34 grams of vitamin C in every 100 grams. Medical studies suggest that this vitamin C, along with the other nutrients, enables this spread to reduce cholesterol in the body and control blood glucose.
Users of chyawanprash often report stronger immune systems. Researchers confirm through studies that users generally suffer fewer infections and theorize that the herbal pulp mixture protects immunity by significantly stimulating macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells that annihilate germs and toxins by ingesting them.
Despite its numerous health benefits, many regular users enjoy the sweet, aromatic jam mostly as a food rather than a remedy. Some people use it daily on toast and muffins. It can also be folded into baked goods like cakes and pies, although some herbalists believe this cooking can kill bioactivity in the jelly. Others prefer to stir it into milk.
Chyawanprash is sold primarily in jars at health shops, Indian markets and ayurvedic stores. Users generally take one to two teaspoons (5 ml to 10 ml) daily to experience improved health and stamina. Often, results are not seen for two to three weeks. Although this substance can balance sugar levels, the fructose in daily doses might be too much for diabetics, some doctors warn. For convenience, it is also sold in capsule form, with one daily capsule offering 300mg to 500 mg of the herbal mix.
