7 Amazing Benefits of cloves

 

Cloves are flower buds found on the clove tree. Cloves contain beta-carotene, which gives them their rich brown color. Carotene pigments can convert into vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy.

Whole cloves

You can consume cloves in different forms, such as whole, ground, and oil. You can use this spice to season meat sauces, add flavor to (tea and milk), and bring a spicy taste to cookies and cakes. Cloves have incredible health benefits, such as supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels.

Clove oil in a glass bottle

Clove powder

Below are some of the impressive health benefits of consuming cloves.

Contain important nutrients

Cloves contain fiber, small amounts of vitamin K, manganese, potassium, beta carotene, eugenol, carbs, and calories. Using them to add flavor to your food or tea can provide nutrients.
Manganese is essential for maintaining brain function and building strong bones.

High in antioxidants

Cloves are rich in eugenol, a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic disease. Including cloves and other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve your overall health.

May help protect you against cancer

Some research suggests that the compounds found in cloves might help protect against cancer. The eugenol in cloves has anti-cancer properties.

Can kill bacteria

Cloves have antimicrobial properties, which means they can help suppress the growth of bacteria. If you regularly brush and practice proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves may benefit your oral health.

May improve liver health

The compound eugenol may promote liver health. Cloves are high in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease due to their ability to decrease oxidative stress.

May help regulate blood glucose levels

Research shows that the compounds in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control. Cloves may increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase insulin secretion, and improve the function of cells which produce insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps transport sugar from the blood into the cells. When the insulin well functions, you will have steady blood sugar levels.

Combined with a balanced diet, cloves could help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

May help reduce ulcers

Cloves can help protect your stomach from ulcers by thickening the layers of mucus that protect your stomach lining.

NOTE

Eugenol is toxic in high amounts. Eugenol can sometimes interact with blood-thinning medication. People on this medication should avoid consuming clove oil or clove tea.

Cloves may also affect blood sugar levels. In diabetic people, eugenol can lower blood glucose to steady levels. However, excessive consumption of cloves can cause hypoglycemia (lower than normal blood sugar levels).

Clove oil contains a higher dosage of eugenol than whole or ground cloves. Consuming pure clove oil can be toxic and can lead to dizziness.

Summary

Cloves have many potential health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar, reducing ulcers, improving liver health, protecting against cancer, and helping block the growth of bacteria. 

Try adding a few cloves per week to your meals. You can easily incorporate whole or ground cloves into many dishes.
You can also use clove oil. Cloves add flavor to food, tea, and milk.