For a long time, cloves have been known not only as a medicinal herb with very good effects on health but also as a wonderful spice for dishes. The following article will provide some more uses of cloves that you should know. Let’s find out.
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1. Rich in important nutrients
2. Contains many antioxidants
3. Prevent cancer
4. Kill bacteria
5. Improve liver health
6. Regulate blood sugar
7. Promote bone health
8. Reduce stomach ulcers
9. Reduce inflammation
10. Promote digestion
See moreThe scientific name of clove is syzygium aromaticum, originating from Indonesia and often used in cuisine in India or African countries. The name clove probably comes from the shape of the flower buds of the tree like a nail and has a distinct scent. In proportion to the scent, the effects and benefits of this medicinal herb for health are not inferior.
1Rich in important nutrients
Cloves contain many vitamins, fiber and minerals , especially Manganese – a mineral needed to maintain brain function and build strong bones and muscles.
Therefore, when using cloves as an ingredient for dishes, the body will be provided with a number of important nutrients. Specifically, one teaspoon (2 grams) of ground clove powder contains about: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates : 1 gram
- Fiber : 1 gram
- Manganese : 55% Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K : 2% Daily Value (DV)
- Sugar : Less than 1 gram
Cloves are a nutrient-rich herb.
2Contains many antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that have the ability to prevent or slow down the oxidation of free radicals in the body, thereby contributing to the prevention or development of some chronic diseases.[ 4 ]
In addition to being rich in important vitamins and minerals, cloves also contain a natural antioxidant compound called eugenol .
In fact, some studies show that eugenol is up to five times more effective at preventing oxidation than vitamin E and several other powerful antioxidants.[ 5 ] [ 6 ]
A diet that includes cloves along with other antioxidant-rich foods will improve your health significantly.
Cloves contain high levels of antioxidants
3Prevent cancer
There have been several studies showing that compounds found in cloves help prevent the growth and promote the death of cancer cells. Thereby, increasing the body’s ability to protect against cancer.[ 7 ]
Eugenol found in cloves has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties and has the ability to promote the death of cervical cancer cells .[ 8 ]
However, for these studies to be effective, large amounts of concentrated clove extracts had to be used. High doses of eugenol or excessive use of clove oil can cause liver damage, especially in children. Further research is needed to confirm the exact toxic dose.
Some studies show that cloves have the ability to prevent cancer.
4Kill bacteria
Killing bacteria is also a proven property of cloves. Some studies have shown that cloves can kill three common types of bacteria, including E. coli , a common strain of bacteria that causes intestinal illness.[ 9 ] [ 10 ]
Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of cloves also help promote oral health by inhibiting the growth of two bacteria that contribute to gum disease, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia .[ 11 ]
Antibacterial is also a prominent use of cloves.
5Improve liver health
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease.
An experiment was conducted on mice with fatty liver disease that fed mixtures containing clove oil or eugenol or both and showed that the mixtures resulted in improved inflammation and liver function in the test animals.
Another study also showed the ability to help reverse signs of cirrhosis . However, studies on the liver-protective effects of cloves or eugenol in humans are limited.[ 12 ] [ 13 ]
However, eugenol can be toxic in large amounts, especially in children. A case study of a two-year-old boy found that 5–10 ml of clove oil caused severe liver damage.[ 14 ]
The ability of cloves to improve liver function has also been proven by many studies.
6Regulate blood sugar
Research shows that compounds found in cloves have the ability to control blood sugar levels.
An animal study found that clove extract had a moderate inhibitory effect on blood sugar levels in diabetic mice.[ 15 ]
Another study found that clove extract contains nigericin , a compound that has the ability to increase the absorption of sugar from the blood into cells, increase insulin secretion , and improve the function of insulin-producing cells.[ 16 ]
Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells, whose main function is to transport sugar from the blood into cells, to maintain blood sugar levels at appropriate and stable levels.
Combining cloves with a balanced diet will help control blood sugar better.
Cloves also help control blood sugar well.
7Promote bone health
Low bone mass is a condition that affects an estimated 43 million older adults in the United States. It increases the likelihood of bone fragility and increases the risk of fractures.[ 17 ]
Several compounds found in cloves have been shown to preserve bone mass in animal studies. These studies show that clove extracts high in eugenol improve markers of osteoporosis, increasing bone density and strength .[ 18 ]
In addition, 2 grams of clove powder will provide more than 30% of the daily requirement of Manganese . This is a mineral involved in bone formation and health.
Cloves contain abundant vitamins and minerals that help strengthen bones.
8Reduce stomach ulcers
Gastric ulcer is a condition in which inflammation and ulcers form on the lining of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus. The main cause is a significant reduction in the mucous layer that protects the stomach lining due to factors such as infection, stress , genetics, etc.
Animal studies have shown that clove essential oil has the ability to help treat stomach ulcers, increase the production of protective mucus in the lining, and has effects similar to some anti-ulcer drugs.[ 19 ]
Although the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds have shown promising results in studies, further studies on their effects in humans are needed.
Cloves have the ability to reduce stomach ulcers.
9Reduce inflammation
Several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties have been found in cloves, and the most important of these compounds is eugenol. This compound has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses in the body, reducing the risk of arthritis and helping to control symptoms.
Eugenol in cloves has good anti-inflammatory properties.
10Promote digestion
Cloves improve digestion by stimulating enzyme secretion and increasing intestinal motility. Cloves are beneficial for symptoms such as flatulence, bloating, indigestion and nausea.
Cloves boost metabolism and promote digestion
11Boost the immune system
The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-viral effects of eugenol in cloves are highly appreciated. In addition, cloves also have the ability to stimulate white blood cells, reduce toxicity in the blood and increase the body’s resistance.
Cloves help boost the immune system
12Toothache Relief
According to the American Dental Association , cloves have been approved as a dental anesthetic. They are effective for toothaches, sore gums, and mouth ulcers because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cloves are effective in fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation to help relieve toothache.
13Improve breathing
During the days of persistent epidemics, patients with bronchitis and asthma are often advised to inhale the scent of cloves to immediately relieve pain and shortness of breath in winter. Adding about two drops of clove essential oil to a cup of tea can also help clear the respiratory tract. Chewing a small piece of clove will also be able to soothe a sore throat.
Cleaning the respiratory tract is also a use of cloves.
14Stimulates blood circulation
Adding cloves to your daily diet will stimulate metabolism and regulate body temperature. The rich antioxidants in cloves help purify the blood and provide glow to the skin from within.
If you are feeling stressed, warm up your head, neck and back areas and rub a little clove oil on the hot areas to help relieve stress and fatigue.
Using cloves to stimulate blood circulation is also quite effective.
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Hopefully the above article has provided you with useful information about the health benefits of cloves. If possible, try adding cloves to your daily diet and share the article with your loved ones.
