Cloves are an ingredient found in everyone’s kitchen, used in various savory and sweet dishes. Sourced from the flower buds of the clove tree, also known as Syzygium Aromaticum, cloves, which are found in both ground and whole forms, are used for roasting season pots, bringing spice to food, adding flavor to cakes and cookies, and adding aromatic spice to hot beverages. This seasoning originates from the Spice Islands near China.
What Is The Nutritional Profile of Cloves?
Though ubiquitous in kitchens worldwide, many people are still unaware of the health benefits of cloves for immune system support. This spice is rich in manganese, which is a crucial mineral for regulating the enzymes that help in hormone synthesis and bone restoration. Manganese also functions as an antioxidant, which protects your body from damaging free radicals, which are unstable particles that contribute to molecular damage. Cloves can also serve as a source of:
- Potassium
- Eugenol
- Vitamin K
- Beta-carotene
Cloves contain a high quantity of beta-carotene, contributing to their deep brown color. Carotenes, a set of pigments, play a key role as precursors to nutrients and antioxidants. The pigments in cloves transform into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining outstanding eye health.
Health Benefits of Cloves for Immune System Support
Source of Antioxidants
Cloves are rich with a wide range of antioxidants, including phenolic formulations, eugenol, and flavonoids. The natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves shield cells against inflammation caused by radicals. Consistent consumption of cloves has the potential to foster healthy living by thwarting ailments like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Eugenol, a major component of cloves, is known for demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory properties. The natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can tackle inflammation inside your body, reducing symptoms associated with conditions like rheumatism, inflammatory digestive diseases, and arthritis. Incorporating cloves into your diet could alleviate the discomfort of bloating.
Digestion-boosting Properties
Cloves have the potential to ease numerous digestive problems like flatulence, bloating, and dyspepsia. They can help in jump-starting the development of digestive enzymes, which may improve the breakdown of food. Cloves also have carminative qualities, stopping gas development in the digestive system, and ensuring a smooth digestive process.
Oral Health Benefits
Clove oil is a popular ingredient in dental hygiene products due to its powerful pain-relieving and antibacterial characteristics. Chewing on whole cloves or rinsing the mouth using clove oil can clean off detrimental bacteria in the oral cavity, refresh breath, and prevent cavities. Cloves also lessen gum discomfort and toothaches, making them a natural solution for oral health complications.
Support for the Immune System
The antioxidants present in cloves may help improve the functioning of your immune system by building up your body's resistance against infections and balancing free radicals. Clove consumption may decrease sensitivity to common health issues such as colds, respiratory inflammations, and influenza, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of the immune system.
Heart Health
Cloves may also have a great effect on your cardiovascular health. They may reduce your cholesterol range and improve blood circulation. The intake of eugenol could do wonders to shrink your undesirable (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increase beneficial (HDL) cholesterol ranges. The antiplatelet traits present in cloves could help alleviate the possibility of blood clots, cerebral hemorrhage, and heart attacks.
Regulates Blood Glucose Levels
Cloves may help in enhancing your insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels. This will help people susceptible to or diagnosed with diabetes. Cloves have ingredients that may diminish your insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism, improving your blood sugar levels over time.
Easing Discomfort
The analgesic characteristics of cloves alleviate pain and offer relief from tooth pain, headaches, joint discomfort, and muscle distress. The clove numbs the affected area, and then reduces infection, making it a natural and safe alternative to traditional over-the-counter pain mitigation measures.
Improves Liver Function
The eugenol in cloves could lessen symptoms of hepatic steatosis and liver cirrhosis. Consuming cloves may help in optimizing liver functioning.
Promotes Respiratory Well-being
Cloves can help you deal with respiratory ailments like colds, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Their bronchodilator and expectorant properties can help reduce mucus production, relieving congestion, and opening air passages, improving your lung functioning. Daily consumption of teas, inhalants, or syrups containing cloves can do wonders to help your breathing.
Preventing Dental Erosion
Some acidic foods and drinks can cause damage to the tooth enamel, which is the tough outer coating of your teeth. The eugenol in clove oil could prevent or reduce these when applied to your teeth. However, further research is needed to conclusively confirm if clove oil can serve as an adequate preventive measure for avoiding tooth enamel erosion.
Potentially Prevents Cancer
Cloves might harbor cancer-preventing properties due to their capacity to obstruct the spread of cancerous cells. Eugenol and other bioactive ingredients in cloves may possess anti-neoplastic effects as showcased in some preliminary studies. This hints that cloves may help in mitigating cancer risk by supporting treatment efforts. But, further investigation is needed to determine whether adding cloves to your diet could help mitigate the risk of cancer. One thing is for sure, while every little bit helps, they are not a substitute for treatment for serious illnesses.
Suggested Dishes
Cloves are a common way to give a big boost of flavor and nutritional value to your meal. Here are a few ways you can include this aromatic spice in your diet:
- Adding powdered cloves into a pumpkin pie.
- Adding whole cloves into blends to add spice to zesty pickled goods.
- Cloves are a great way to add a kick of flavor to a chai latte.
Conclusion
Regardless of the form — whole, clove oil, or powder — these little spices can be a hugely beneficial inclusion in your health practices and diet. However, as is the case with any change to your lifestyle and diet, consult a healthcare provider if you suffer from any pre-existing health issues.
