Cloves are one of the many spices you would find in India that have intense flavour, and a strong fragrance, with a nail-like, unopened flower buds-like and dried appearance. It is an excellent source of vitamins, fibre, and minerals that unlock various health benefits including antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. It also benefits gut, gum, and skin health, among others. Let’s dive into the various health benefits it brings to the table.
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Cloves have numerous benefits, including being loaded with nutrients. Some of the nutrients in cloves include carbs, fibre, Vitamin K, Manganese, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, and Protein. Eventually, these nutrients are beneficial for the human body as they tend to have various health benefits affecting various bodily functions, and biochemical processes within the body. Check out the nutrition table here:
| Particulars | Amount |
| Carbohydrates | 1.4g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Calcium | 13mg |
| Iron | 0.3mg |
| Potassium | 21mg |
| Vitamin A | 17mcg |
| Fiber | 0.71g |
| Folate | 0.53mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.19mcg |
| Magnesium | 5.44mg |
| Manganese | 1.263mg |
| Potassium | 21.42mg |
One of the top-most Cloves benefits is it protects your body from infections. Eugenol found in clove oil, an active ingredient, has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties that eradicate many harmful organisms. It has been linked to an increase in white blood cell count which is indeed beneficial for the immune system as well.
The antioxidant properties found in cloves reduce instances of oxidative stress that could contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancers, to name a few. However, more research is required to accredit its claims on cancer-protecting effects.
Ingredients such as eugenol oil found in cloves are linked to reduced blood sugar levels as per a study conducted in 2019. The study resulted in significantly low blood glucose in people with prediabetes after meals over 30 days.
A non-human study conducted on animals found out that nigricin, another compound found in cloves, can spike sugar uptake from blood into the cells and promote insulin secretion which is ultimately beneficial for those with diabetes. However, we would still recommend adding cloves to a balanced diet to counter any adverse effects such as reactions to insulin medications. Also, It is better to consult your doctor to get professional advice on the same.
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Cloves have antibacterial and antiseptic properties which is what makes it a perfect ingredient for a mouthwash along with basil and tea tree oil rinsing bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are responsible for gum disease, cavities, and dental plaque.
Clove oil has been in use to ease toothache for centuries thanks to one of its active ingredients – eugenol. Some traces go as early as the 13th century where clove was used to treat sore gums and jaw pain along with toothache as well.
This spice has the potential to reverse effects or lessen it caused by high-acid foods that could break down tooth enamel or the outer hard layer of a tooth. A study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology found using cloves for 21 days can reduce the buildup of bacteria and improve overall gum health.
Clove oil is an effective cough suppressant. It acts as an expectorant or an ingredient that can increase the flow of sputum in the airways and tend to suppress cough. One of the most common instances of using cloves against cough is a tea brewed with crushed cloves that tends to soothe the throat.
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One of the ultimate health benefits of cloves is their pain-relieving effect. Whether used as a lotion or in tea, cloves benefits are known to soothe joint and muscle pain, especially related to various types of arthritis. Moreover, massaging affected areas using clove bud oil can relieve symptoms including strain and sprains as well. Mix clove powder with milk and you get a home remedy for headaches. Similarly, a non-human study revealed cloves could have potential reduction effects on stress as well although more studies on humans are required to further concretize this claim.
Cloves are also linked to ease digestive problems such as gas, nausea, and vomiting to name a few. The eugenol found in this spice can also combat one of the painful sores (stomach ulcers) caused by bacteria called helicobacter pylori which usually affects the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum.
Free radicals in your body can hurt your body. It can eliminate cells more than you can comprehensively and is often the root cause of many chronic diseases. One such aftermath of free radicals is visible ageing effects. However, cloves are antioxidants-rich and eliminate these elements, reducing catastrophic tissue damage. Cloves contain anti-inflammatory properties, mitochondrial activity, and epigenetic cues that contribute to vitality and longevity.
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Another cloves benefits is on the skin. A study found out using clove oil on itchy skin can soothe it better than petroleum jelly as tested on participants compared to placebo. Clove contains anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the skin from inflammation. Its antibacterial properties can help treat acne often caused by the effects of bacteria. However, we would recommend using clove oil on a small patch of the skin to check whether you are allergic to cloves or not.
Another key cloves benefits is for bone health. These spices are packed with manganese, a mineral that your body needs to build your bones alongside calcium. As aforementioned, a teaspoon of ground cloves contains 50% of the manganese you’d need daily making it a great source of it. Manganese is also linked to preventing bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis that would otherwise include chances of fractures and breaks, especially among elders.
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Some studies also suggest that cloves benefits liver health. According to a non-human study conducted in 2022, the eugenol found in cloves can act against a toxic substance called thioacetamide that could cause liver damage. Although a higher dosage is not recommended, cloves can be beneficial if you are struggling with fatty liver or liver cirrhosis. However, consult your doctor or nutritionist before opting for a higher concentration of cloves in your food as it might have adverse effects.
Cloves are one of the most popular day-to-day spices used to add an intense and flavorful taste to various dishes. However, cloves have a tonne of health benefits such as, it is a natural remedy for cough, protecting your body from infections, good for dental health and relieves pain.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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