7 Proven Health Benefits Of Cloves For A Healthier Body

Cloves are a multipurpose spice that enhance flavor and have health advantages. They contain lots of antioxidants, can perhaps control blood sugar, destroy bacteria, and more.

 Cloves can be ground or used whole. To add depth and flavor to a wide variety of foods, people frequently include ground cloves in spice mixes and whole cloves in recipes. These little dark brown pods are used to season meats, enhance sauces such as Worcestershire sauce, and even flavor spicy baked goods. They also have some significant health benefits.

Health Advantages

Cloves are high in beta-carotene, which contributes to their rich brown color. The carotene pigment family is high in antioxidants and provitamins. Carotene pigments can be converted into vitamin A, which is essential for eye health.

Cloves have several major health advantages, including:

 Reduced Inflammation

Cloves include multiple compounds that are linked to anti-inflammatory properties. Eugenol is the most important of these compounds. Eugenol has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response in the body, reducing the risk of diseases such as arthritis and helping to manage symptoms.

 Dental Pain

Clove oil is perhaps best known as a remedy for toothache and dental pain. In one older study of 73 adults, for instance, researchers found that clove-based gel was comparable to benzocaine (a local anesthetic) in its ability to ease pain resulting from injections in the mouth. Other research has indicated that the clove's antibacterial properties may help reduce oral bacteria that can lead to the development of plague, gingivitis, and cavities.

 Blood Sugar Effects

Some preliminary evidence suggests that eugenol, a compound found in cloves, may have a lowering effect on blood sugar levels. However, most of the research has been in animal models, so it is too early to recommend specific doses to help manage blood sugar in humans. One human study on healthy volunteers found that 12 days of clove extract use lowered blood sugar levels more than a placebo. But the difference was only 3 milligrams per deciliter, which is of questionable clinical significance. Further well-designed research is needed.

 Skin Itching

Applying clove oil to the skin may help alleviate itching. In one study, clove oil alleviated itching in 25 persons with chronic pruritus, or itchy skin, when compared to a control group of 25 people with chronic pruritus who used petroleum oil. While these findings are encouraging, additional research is needed to fully understand how clove oil affects irritated skin.

 Reduced Ulcers

Cloves can help protect your stomach from ulcers. Most ulcers are caused by thinning in the layers of mucus that protect your stomach lining. Preliminary studies show that cloves can thicken this mucus, lowering your risk of developing ulcers and helping existing ulcers heal.

 Increased Liver Function

Cloves may also improve liver function. Some studies have found that the eugenol in cloves can help lessen the symptoms of liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. It may also help with overall liver function.

 High in Antioxidants

Cloves include a high concentration of antioxidants, which are chemicals that may inhibit the development of cell-damaging free radicals. According to one test tube study, cloves have the highest antioxidant capabilities of any spice used in a Mediterranean diet, including oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Another study discovered that eugenol suppressed free radicals five times more effectively than another antioxidant, vitamin E.

 Things to Keep an Eye Out For

Cloves are powerful in both flavor and effect. When using cloves in recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Interactions between medications. Eugenol can occasionally interfere with medications like Warfarin. Avoid ingesting clove oil or clove tea if you are using blood thinners. However, it is relatively safe to take tiny amounts of cloves as a spice. Hypoglycemia. Cloves may also have an effect on blood sugar levels. In diabetics, eugenol can reduce blood glucose levels to safe ranges. Cloves, on the other hand, can produce hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, if consumed in large quantities. Toxicity of Essential Oils. Clove essential oil has far more eugenol than whole or powdered cloves. Pure clove oil can be poisonous, causing symptoms such as dizziness or even coma.

 Cloves: How to Use Them

Cloves are dried blossoms that can be found all year in spice shops, grocery stores, and health food stores around the country. Cloves are available whole or ground. However, once ground, their power quickly disappears. To keep the flavor of whole cloves strong, store them in airtight containers until ready to use. If you require ground cloves, use a pepper mill to keep them as fresh as possible.

You can also make clove tea if you’re interested in getting a stronger dose of cloves:

A tablespoon of whole cloves should be ground.

For three or four minutes, steep the powder in hot water.

After straining the spice, you'll have a rich spicy tea that's ideal for the winter months.

Cloves are a relaxing and nutritious addition to your diet.