Introduction
Cloves are a popular spice that comes from the flower buds of the clove tree, which is native to Indonesia. They have a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavour that is a pivotal ingredient in Indian cuisine. The main constituent of clove is eugenol which constitutes 70-90% of the total clove composition.
One of the most well-known medicinal benefits of cloves is their ability to keep seasonal flu at bay. But did you know that clove also offers a wide range of health benefits? In this blog, we’ll explore some of the surprising ways that cloves can promote health and wellness.
A Small Spice with Surprisingly Big Health Benefits
1. Oral Health:
One of the most well-known advantages of cloves is their ability to relieve toothaches and other dental issues. This benefit of clove may be attributed to the presence of eugenol, a natural compound that acts as an analgesic and antiseptic. Studies have demonstrated that Eugenol is effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the mouth, as well as fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. For immediate relief, use clove oil as a mouthwash or apply it directly to the affected area.
2. Boosting the immune system:
They are loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Studies have shown that cloves also help in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to a range of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. By adding cloves to your diet, you can help boost your immune system and protect your body from various diseases.
3. Improving digestion:
It can help improve digestion by increasing the production and secretion of digestive enzymes and decreasing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Cloves can treat digestive issues such as bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach ache, constipation, and so on. To improve digestive health, include cloves in your meals or drink clove tea.
4. Regulating blood sugar:
One of the most notable health benefits of cloves is their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Findings indicate that cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. The active compound in cloves that is responsible for their blood sugar-regulating properties is thought to be eugenol, a natural compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.
5. Providing pain relief:
Another impressive benefit of cloves is that they seem to aid in pain management, thanks to eugenol. For centuries, cloves have been used as a pain reliever for an infected tooth or cavity as a treatment. The eugenol in cloves is a natural pain reliever. Clove oil is now recognised as a dental anaesthetic. Using clove toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums healthy is a great idea. This is due to the fact that it has germicidal properties.
6. Promoting bone health:
Cloves are a good source of eugenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that helps to increase bone density and strength. The use of clove in osteoporosis patients has been shown to increase bone tensile strength.
7. Supporting liver health:
Studies have shown that clove is an ideal choice to safeguard the body’s organs, especially the liver. Trials depict that the eugenol found in cloves can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress and help reduce signs of liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Final Thoughts
Overall, cloves are versatile spices that offer a wide range of health benefits. They contain a high concentration of antioxidants that are crucial to keeping your body working properly and keeping diseases away.
However, it’s important to remember that they should be used in moderation. Excessive consumption and prolonged use of cloves can cause side effects like mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and dizziness.
