Cloves are the flower buds of the evergreen tree also known as Syzygium aromaticum. You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in Indian cuisine. This spice can be used to serve fried dishes, add flavor to hot drinks and add spice to sweets and pastries. In addition to its sweet and rich taste, cloves are known for their powerful healthy properties.
In fact, animal studies have found that compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
This article examines 8 of the most impressive health benefits of cloves.
1. Contains important nutrients
Cloves contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to food can provide some important nutrients.
1 tsp. (2 g) cloves contains:
• Calories: 21;
• Carbohydrates: 1 g;
• Fibers: 1 g;
• Manganese: 30% of PDP;
• Vitamin K: 4% of RDI;
• Vitamin C: 3% of RDI;
*PDP – recommended daily intake
Fibers can help prevent constipation and encourage regular bowel movements. Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system, and vitamin K is an important nutrient for blood clotting. Meanwhile, manganese is an essential mineral for maintaining brain function and building strong bones. In addition to the nutrients listed above, ground cloves contain small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E.
2. Contains antioxidants
In addition to containing several important vitamins and minerals, this exotic spice is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to the development of chronic disease. The spice cloves also contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant. Research shows that eugenol stops oxidative damage caused by free radicals 5 times more effectively than vitamin E (another powerful antioxidant).
In addition to eugenol, ground cloves contain vitamin C. Vitamin C, in turn, acts as an antioxidant in the body and helps neutralize free radicals – compounds that help build up and cause oxidative stress. Including cloves in your diet/menu along with other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve overall health.
3. May protect against cancer
Some research suggests that compounds found in cloves may help protect against cancer. One study showed that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and stimulated cell death in cancer cells. Another study showed similar results, proving that concentrated amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells. Eugenol found in cloves has been found to have anti-cancer properties. It effectively stimulates cell death in cervical cancer cells.
Note, however, that these studies used very concentrated amounts of clove extract, clove oil and eugenol. Eugenol is toxic in high amounts and an overdose of clove oil can cause liver damage, especially in children. Further studies are needed to determine how lower amounts may affect people.
4. Kills bacteria
Cloves have been found to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. Clove essential oil is effective in killing 3 types of bacteria, including e. coli - bacteria that can cause cramps, diarrhea, fatigue and even death.
What's more, the antibacterial properties of cloves may even help boost oral health. One study found that compounds extracted from cloves stopped the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Another study in 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, clove and basil. After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they showed an improvement in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Combined with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves can support oral health.
5. Improves liver health
Research shows that beneficial compounds in cloves can help support liver health. The compound eugenol may be particularly beneficial for the liver. Helps for signs of liver cirrhosis or liver scarring. Unfortunately, research on the liver-protective effects of clove and eugenol in humans is limited.
However, one small study found that taking eugenol supplements for one week reduced levels of GST, an enzyme involved in detoxification that is often an indicator of liver disease.
Cloves are also high in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress.
However, be aware that eugenol is toxic in large amounts. A clinical study in a 2-year-old boy showed that 5 to 10 ml of clove oil caused severe liver damage.
6. May help regulate blood sugar
Research shows that compounds found in cloves can help keep blood sugar under control. A study found that clove extract helped to moderately raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Another study looked at the effects of clove extract and nigericin, a compound found in cloves. They have been found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into the cells, increase the secretion of insulin and improve the functioning of the cells that produce insulin.
Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your blood into your cells. Proper functioning of insulin is essential to maintain constant blood sugar levels. Combined with a balanced diet, cloves can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
7. Strengthens bone health
Low bone density is a condition that affects about 43 million adults in the US alone. This can lead to the development of osteoporosis, thereby increasing the risk of fractures. Some of the compounds in cloves have been shown to help preserve bone mass. For example, an animal study found that clove extract, high in eugenol, improved several markers of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength.
Cloves are also rich in manganese, providing an impressive 30% of the recommended daily amount in just 1 tsp. (2 g) cloves. Manganese is a mineral that is involved in the formation of bones and is extremely important for their health.
A study found that taking manganese supplements for 12 weeks increased bone mineral density and bone growth. However, current research on the effects of cloves on bone mass is mostly limited to animal studies. More research is needed to determine how it might affect bone formation in humans.
8. Reduces the risk of stomach ulcers
Some research suggests that compounds found in cloves may help treat stomach ulcers. Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. They are most often caused by the reduction of the protective lining of the stomach due to factors such as stress, infection and genetics.
In an animal study, clove essential oil was shown to increase gastric mucus production. Stomach mucus functions as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining by digestive acids.
Another animal study found that apple extract helped treat stomach ulcers and had effects similar to several anti-cancer medications.
Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar under control and helping to block the growth of bacteria.
As with many healthy foods, they are most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Try to include a few cloves a week in your diet. You can easily incorporate them into many dishes. They will add a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries or chutneys.
You can also steep whole cloves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea.
Cloves are delicious and can provide many important health benefits.
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