2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The 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 bring warmth to cakes and pastries. In addition to the sweet and rich taste, cloves are known for their powerful useful properties.
In fact, animal studies have found that compounds in cloves can have several health benefits, including maintaining liver health and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
This article looks at 8 of the most impressive health benefits from eating cloves.
1. Contains important nutrients
Clove contains fiber, vitamins and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to food can provide some important nutrients.
1 teaspoon (2 g) cloves contains:
• Calories: 21
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fibers: 1 g
• Manganese: 30% of the RAP
• Vitamin K: 4% of RDP
• Vitamin C: 3% of RDP
* RDA - recommended daily intake
Fiber can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system, and vitamin K is an important nutrient for blood clotting. Meanwhile, manganese is a key 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 rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of chronic disease. Clove spice 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 accumulate and cause oxidative stress. Including cloves in your diet / menu along with other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve overall health.
3. Can protect against cancer
Some studies show that the compounds found in cloves, can help prevent cancer. One study showed that clove extract helped stop tumor growth and stimulate cell death in cancer cells. Another study showed similar results, which showed 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 use 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 research is needed to determine how lower amounts can affect humans.
4. Kills bacteria
Cloves have been found to have antimicrobial properties, which means 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 can even help boost oral health. One study found that compounds derived from cloves stopped the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Another study of 40 people tested the effects of herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves and basil. After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they show an improvement in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. In combination with regular rinsing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves can support oral health.
5. Improves liver health
Studies show that the beneficial compounds in cloves can help with liver health. The compound eugenol may be particularly useful for the liver. Helps reverse signs of liver cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Unfortunately, liver protection tests effects of cloves and eugenol in humans are limited.
However, a small study found that taking eugenol supplements for a week reduced the levels of GST, an enzyme involved in detoxification that is often an indicator of liver disease.
Cloves are also high in antioxidants, which can help prevent liver disease due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress.
However, keep in mind that eugenol is toxic in large quantities. A clinical study in a 2-year-old boy showed that 5 to 10 ml of clove oil caused serious liver damage.
6. It can help regulate blood sugar
Studies show that compounds found in cloves can help keep blood sugar under control. A study found that clove extract helps to moderately raise blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Another study looked at the effect of clove extract and nigericin, a compound found in cloves. They have been found to increase blood sugar intake in cells, increase insulin secretion and improve the functioning of insulin-producing cells.
Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for transporting sugar from your blood into your cells. Proper insulin function is essential for maintaining constant blood sugar levels. In combination 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 United States alone. This can lead to the development of osteoporosis, and hence increase the risk of fractures and fractures. Some of the compounds in cloves have been shown to help maintain 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 teaspoon (2 grams) of cloves. Manganese is a mineral that is involved in bone formation 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 are limited mainly to animal studies. More research is needed to determine how it can affect bone formation in humans.
8. Reduces the risk of stomach ulcers
Some studies have shown that the compounds found in cloves can 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 a decrease in 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 the production of gastric mucus. Gastric mucus acts as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the gastric mucosa by digestive acids.
Another animal study found that apple extract helped treat stomach ulcers and had an effect similar to several anti-cancer drugs.
The 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 include them in many dishes. They will give a warm, distinctive taste to desserts, curries or chutneys.
You can also simmer 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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