The fragrant flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, are widely used as a spice in many different cuisines across the world. But they’re not just for seasoning food. Modern science is only now starting to explore the many health advantages of cloves, which have been used in traditional medicine for generations. The range of possible health benefits is enormous, from improving digestion to combating cancer. Read on as we take a look at eight unexpected ways cloves might improve your health.
1. Rich in Essential Nutrients
Ground cloves. Amazing (Pixabay Image Source)
On top of adding delicious taste to your food, cloves are packed with nutrients your body needs. You can enhance your overall health with only one teaspoon of ground cloves. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Cloves, for example, have a high manganese content, which is important for healthy brain and bone function. You may get 55% of your recommended daily dose of manganese with only one teaspoon.1 Cloves aren’t a huge food, but they may add up to a healthy amount when eaten on a regular basis.
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No. 2: Packed with Antioxidants
The fight against oxidative stress, which is associated with long-term health problems including cancer and heart disease, is an important role for antioxidants. A powerful natural antioxidant known as eugenol is one of several antioxidants found in cloves.2 Therefore, if you want to lower your chance of acquiring chronic illnesses and preserve your cells from harm, eat cloves.
3. Promotes Better Liver Function
The eugenol in cloves may have liver-protective properties, according to the research. Clove extract may mitigate hazardous substance-induced liver damage, according to an animal research conducted in 2022. Although more research involving humans is required, these results indicate that cloves, when ingested moderately, might potentially support liver health.
4. Has Cancer-Preventive Characteristics
Cloves have the potential to be a fantastic cancer remedy.
Cloves may have anti-cancer effects, according to some research. There is encouraging evidence that the clove chemical eugenol may promote cell death in certain cancer cell types, such as breast cancer cells. Cloves may help prevent cancer if consumed moderately, despite the toxicity of eugenol in high doses; nonetheless, more human trials are required to establish these effects.
5. Kills Microbes
Because of their potent antibacterial characteristics, cloves are great in eliminating germs and halting the proliferation of other microbes. Concerning dental health, this advantage is of utmost importance. Clove extract has antimicrobial properties, which may help improve gum health and decrease the likelihood of dental problems including plaque accumulation, according to studies.
6. Controls Blood Sugar Levels Controlling blood sugar levels is a matter of life and death for many people.
Blood sugar levels may be better managed with the use of cloves. Some of the spice’s components may help insulin work better and reduce blood sugar levels, according to studies. For example, one research from 2019 indicated that people’s post-meal blood sugar levels improved significantly after taking clove extract. People with diabetes or prediabetes may find that cloves help control their blood sugar levels.
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7. Promotes Bone Health
An increasing number of people are worried about their bone health, particularly since osteoporosis is so common among the elderly. Studies have shown that eugenol may help protect bone density, and cloves contain manganese, an important component for bone growth. Although further studies are required, it has been suggested that including cloves into your diet may help build stronger bones and lower the incidence of osteoporosis.
8. Cures Ulcers in the Stomach
Stomach discomfort is a common symptom of ulcers.
Ulcers, which are painful lesions on the lining of the stomach, may be quite disabling. It is possible that the eugenol in cloves will aid in the healing of these ulcers. Research on animals has shown that these substances may lessen the likelihood of stomach ulcers by increasing the production of gastric mucus, which protects the stomach lining from acid. Although further human studies are required, new scientific data is lending credence to this long-held belief in cloves’ medicinal properties.
Feel free to add cloves if you like.
You may use cloves for more than simply adding taste; they’re a multipurpose spice. Incorporating this spice into your daily routine may benefit numerous areas of health, such as liver function, blood sugar management, and bone strength, thanks to its high vitamin content and antioxidant character