The fragrant flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) are used as a spice in many different cuisines all over the world. But they’re not limited to adding flavor to food. Since ancient times, cloves have been used in traditional medicine, and contemporary research is just now starting to recognize all of their health advantages. The health potential is extensive and remarkable, ranging from improving digestion to combating cancer. We look at eight unexpected health advantages of including cloves in your diet below.
1. Full with Nutrients
In addition to adding taste to your food, cloves are a great source of important nutrients. Fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in one teaspoon of ground cloves help promote general health. For example, cloves are very rich in manganese, a mineral that is vital for healthy bones and brain function. You can get 55% of the recommended daily dose of manganese from just one teaspoon. One Cloves are small, but they can help you meet your daily nutrient needs if you include them in your diet on a regular basis.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Since oxidative stress is connected to chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease, antioxidants are essential in the fight against it. Among the many antioxidants found in cloves is eugenol, a substance that functions as a strong natural antioxidant. 2. Therefore, include cloves in your diet can help shield your cells from harm and lower your chance of contracting chronic illnesses.
3. Enhances Liver Health
Cloves contain eugenol, which has been shown to have liver-protective properties. Clove extract may help treat liver damage brought on by toxins, according to a 2022 animal study. These results imply that, when taken in moderation, cloves may support liver health, albeit more human research is required.
4. It has anti-cancer qualities
Cloves may have anti-cancer qualities, according to several research. Cloves are a rich source of eugenol, a substance that has demonstrated encouraging cell death in some cancer cell types, including breast cancer. Though moderate clove use may help prevent cancer, additional research is required to prove these effects in humans. Eugenol is harmful in high concentrations.
5. Eliminates Bacteria
Cloves are good at killing bacteria and halting the growth of microbes because of their potent antibacterial qualities. This advantage is especially pertinent to dental health. Clove extract may improve gum health and lower the likelihood of dental problems including plaque accumulation by lowering dangerous germs in the mouth, according to studies.
6. Controls the Level of Blood Sugar
Cloves may also aid with blood sugar regulation. According to research, some of the spice’s components may help reduce blood glucose levels and enhance insulin activity. For example, a 2019 study discovered that participants’ post-meal blood sugar levels significantly improved after taking clove extract. Cloves may therefore be a good addition to the diet of people with diabetes or prediabetes.
7. Fortifies Bones
Concern over bone health is growing, particularly as osteoporosis becomes more common in older people. Studies have indicated that eugenol may help maintain bone density, and cloves contain manganese, a mineral that is necessary for bone development. Including cloves in your diet may help strengthen bones and lower the risk of osteoporosis, but more research is required.
8. Lessens Ulcers in the Stomach
It can be crippling to suffer from stomach ulcers, which are painful lesions in the stomach lining. Cloves may aid in the treatment of these ulcers due to their eugenol concentration. According to some research on animals, they may raise the formation of gastric mucus, which serves as a barrier against stomach acids and may lower the incidence of ulcers. Although additional human study is required, new scientific evidence supports this traditional use of cloves.
In conclusion
Cloves are a multipurpose spice that adds more than just a taste explosion to your food. This spice is worth adding to your daily routine because of its high nutrient content, antioxidant qualities, and ability to enhance a number of health characteristics, such as liver function, blood sugar regulation, and bone strength. Moderation is essential, though, as with any powerful natural cure. It’s crucial to utilize them carefully because overconsumption, especially of clove oil, might have negative effects. You can take advantage of cloves’ unexpected health benefits and improve the taste of your food by include them in a balanced diet.