Cloves health benefits include improving digestion, fighting bacteria, protecting the liver, fighting lung cancer, regulating blood sugar, preventing mutation, enhancing immune system, fighting inflammation, supporting oral health, curing respiratory infection, curing headaches, relieving stress, treating wounds, supporting healthy bones, treat acne, promoting youthful skin, and preventing stomach ulcers.
Cloves are a spice that is widely used to add flavor to various East Asian dishes. However, their contribution isn’t limited to adding flavor, but it provides various health benefits as well. Not to be taken lightly because of their small size, they are beneficial for the digestive process, blood sugar regulation and much more.
What are Cloves?
The spice is indigenous to countries in East Asia and is grown as the flower buds of the tree which is scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. It is increasingly being added to western dishes such as roasts and baked goods to give them a dash of warmth.
Nutritional Value of Cloves (1 Tbsp)
Nutrients Amount %DV
Protein 0.4 g 0%
Carbohydrate 4.3 g 1%
Energy 18 Kcal –
Dietary Fiber 2.2 g 8%
Total Fat 0.8 g 0.0%
Sugar 0.2 g –
17 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cloves
1. Improve Digestion
Using cloves in your meals will add a burst of flavor to them and also aid the digestive process by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. They eliminate gas that collects in the digestive tracts which makes them a good cure for flatulence. They can be used in powder form with honey as a home-treatment for stomach disorders. As a result, you’re less likely to feel nauseous because of indigestion.
2. It Is Antibacterial
Cloves have been widely researched to test their medicinal properties and effects on human-infecting pathogens. As expected, the extract from cloves is enough to do so and proves its antibacterial properties. To be specific, they are highly effective in killing strains of bacteria that cause diseases such as cholera.
Studies show that cloves can act as an effective anti-carcinogenic which is a substance that can protect that body against the growth of cancers by inhibiting them. This was applied specifically to lung cancer, and results showed that cloves stopped the growth completely.
4. Protects The Liver
The liver is an important organ which functions to break down complex substances which are consumed by the body. Cloves are fairly rich in antioxidants which protect the body against the harmful effects of freely roaming radicals. These can take a toll on the body over long periods of time, especially the liver. Cloves protect it against the increase in radical and lipid production which is a result of metabolism.
5. Regulate Blood Sugar
Cloves have been used as traditional medicine for a variety of illnesses such as diabetes. Patients that suffered from this disease would face the problem of insufficient or no insulin being produced in the body. Cloves seem to imitate the effects of insulin in the body and have the potential in regulating the levels of blood sugar in the body.
6. Prevents Mutation
Cloves contain certain compounds such as phenylpropanoids which can reduce the harmful effects of mutagens. This anti-mutagenic property possessed by cloves helps in preventing against changes in the genetic makeup of the DNA.
7. Enhances Immune System
The science of Ayurvedic medicine has described the spice to b effective in developing the immune system of the body. They stimulate the production of white blood cells and lead to better defense against bacterial infections.
Cloves possess a compound called eugenol which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies show that its presence is correlated with the reduction of inflammation. Results also show that the compound eugenol can reduce the pain felt by stimulating receptors.
9. Oral health
Cloves are beneficial for gum diseases such as gingivitis, and the extracts are effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogens. They also have properties which mimic those of pain-killers so they can be used for toothaches as well.
10. Cures Respiratory Infection
Ayurvedic medicine shows a wide use of the spice in teas to lessen the symptoms of colds or the flu. It also acts as an expectorant and help is relieving congestion and makes it easier to rid the respiratory tracts of phlegm.
11. Cures Headaches
The presence of eugenol in cloves makes it an excellent alternative to painkilling medicine which is usually used to treat headaches. Using cloves to make a tea is effective in curing a headache and does not result in the harmful side effects of using medication.
12. Relieve Stress
Cloves have a calming effect on the nerves which can be useful when a person is under stress. This induces the production of hormones which regulate the stress level and uplift the mood. Using cloves to make some aromatic tea will soothe the nerves and reduce any anxiety that the person is facing.
13. Treat Wounds
Being an exceptional analgesic and antiseptic, cloves are highly regarded as being effective for treating bruises and scrapes. Considering that it also has anti-inflammatory properties, it will work well for swellings as well.
14. Healthy Bones
The presence of phenolic compounds such as isoflavones, flavones, and flavonoids in clove extracts is beneficial for healthy bones. This is because they aid in retaining bones mass and prevent it from deteriorating. This proves its effectiveness in reducing the painful symptoms of rheumatic arthritis.
15. Treat Acne
The antibacterial properties of cloves are extremely helpful in reducing acne on the skin. Pimples and acne are caused by the accumulation of dirt and harmful bacteria which uses your skin as a breeding ground. The antibacterial properties of clove extracts can reduce such skin problems while the anti-inflammatory characteristic lessens the redness and swelling of such issues.
16. Youthful Skin
The presence of antioxidants in cloves makes it a great addition to the lifestyle of youthful skin. Harmful radicals cause the skin cells to age rapidly, and this causes premature wrinkles. Cloves can battle such radicals with antioxidants and help your skin stay youthful.
17. Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Research on clove extracts shows that they contain certain compounds which can help in treating painful ulcers which emerge in the stomach. These are often caused by a thinning of the lining which exposes the delicate tissue underneath. This occurs due to factors like infections, stressful lifestyles, and heredity. The study shows that cloves stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach. This gastric mucus can prevent the thinning of the lining which would lead to the erosion of tissues by gastric acids.
To conclude, the various benefits provided by cloves lead to a healthier lifestyle highlighted by youthfulness and vitality. It’s beneficial for problems such as inflammation and indigestion which makes it a household staple that every kitchen cabinet should hold.