Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen plant native to Indonesia. Cloves can be added whole or ground to season meat, curries, baked goods, and hot drinks. Beyond adding flavour to food, cloves have also been used in traditional medicine thanks to their beneficial plant compounds.
Cloves have many health benefits that make them a valuable spice to include in your diet. As per the National Library of Medicine, the active compounds found in cloves, such as eugenol, acetyl eugenol, and gallic acid, provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Cloves also have natural antibacterial properties, which may boost immunity by fighting off harmful bacteria.
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With their multiple health benefits, adding cloves to your meals can be an easy way to boost your health. Here are eight advantages to consuming cloves:
Contain Nutrients
Though small, cloves contain fibre and important vitamins and minerals like manganese. Manganese helps keep your brain working well and builds strong bones. Just one teaspoon of ground cloves provides over half the manganese you need each day.
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Antioxidants
They have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight off sickness. There is a special compound in cloves called eugenol that is a strong antioxidant. Eating cloves along with other antioxidant foods can make you healthier.
Improve Liver Health
Clove extract might help improve liver damage caused by harmful toxins. According to research by the National Library of Medicine, eugenol, a compound found in cloves, seems promising for protecting the liver.
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May Protect Against Cancer
The chemical eugenol found in clove oil may have cancer-fighting properties. The National Library of Medicine states that eugenol can cause breast cancer cells to die. This suggests that clove oil could potentially help prevent breast cancer.
Kills Bacteria
Cloves contain natural chemicals that can stop bacteria and other germs from growing. When bacteria grow out of control in your mouth, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Chewing cloves or using clove oil as part of your daily dental care routine could help keep your mouth clean and healthy by reducing harmful bacteria.
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Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Compounds in cloves, like nigricin, can increase insulin production and the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells. Cloves may lower blood sugar spikes after meals. Early evidence suggests adding cloves to a balanced diet could support healthy blood sugar control.
Promotes Bone Health
Low bone mass refers to having less dense bones than normal. This increases the risk of fractures and breaks.
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Eugenol, a compound found in cloves, may help improve bone mass. Cloves also contain manganese, a mineral vital for bone formation and health.
Reduce Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can form in the lining of the stomach and upper digestive tract. Eugenol may help treat these ulcers. As per the National Library of Medicine, eugenol protects stomach cells from damage and reduces ulcer size. It may work by decreasing inflammation and acidity in the stomach. Eugenol also showed effects against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes ulcers.
