Clove has been a significant part of Asian cuisines and specifically, Indian, Pakistan, and Indonesian cuisine. This indigenous spice is in the dried flower from the clove tree. They have shown both culinary and medicinal qualities. Clove oil, stem, and leaves have all been used as a medicine because of clove health benefits. Through the Middle Ages, cloves spread throughout Europe and Asia as well. Cloves have proved to be a commercially beneficial plant in the contemporary scenario. This spice has been such a valued ingredient that wars have been waged to dominate the Malibu Islands, which are responsible for a major part of clove production.
This spice can be used in 2 ways, both whole, and ground. They can be added to dishes to elevate their depth and flavor of it. The distinguished taste of clove originates from the eugenol present in it. It has a strong flavor so that even a small amount of it can do the job. 70-90 % of clove comprises eugenol. The rest of the elements in the clove are oils such as vanillin, tannins, and flavonoids. It is because of the presence of these oils that it is used as a local anesthetic in dental treatment as well as in preparing toothpaste. It is used in aromatherapy as well.
Health Benefits Of Cloves
The compounds present in this spice provide them with numerous clove health benefits. It works as an antioxidant and antiseptic which has anti-inflammatory characteristics. In fact, the oils present have been found to have extremely high antioxidant power, especially because of the presence of beta-carotene. These carotene pigments present in clove can turn into vitamin A, which plays a significant part in maintaining the health of your eyes. Besides all the health benefits of clove mentioned until now, there are a number of other advantages which this plant imparts.
- Protects the liver
As mentioned earlier, clove has extraordinary strength as an antioxidant. It is due to this quality that clove can protect your organs, such as the liver from the painful effects of radicals. Clove is able to oppose the negative effects of an increase in radical production, which causes a decrease in the number of antioxidants in the liver. This can damage cells and later on lead to major diseases. It safeguards the liver against these effects because of its hepatoprotective characteristics. The working of cloves improves general liver function and research shows that it reduces the chances of fatty liver disease.
- Improves Bone Health
The extracts present in cloves increase the mineral composition of bones and improve bone density. This heightens the strength of bones and enhances bone strength. People who suffer from osteoporosis, a bone condition that weakens bones and makes them brittle, often benefit from using clove as it increases bone strength.
- Improves Digestion
Among the many essential oils present in cloves are Eugenic acid and Crategolic acid. These help in improving the process of digestion. The intake of clove increases the production of digestive enzymes, which in turn causes a rise in digestive motility. This motility also prevents stomach bloating and flatulence which are caused by the excessive production of digestive gases.
This spice also relieves stomach aches and vomiting through relaxation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cures Bad Breath
One of the most noticeable characteristics of cloves is their striking aroma. That is the reason behind using cloves as a way to reduce bad breath. It is used as a home remedy and is also widely used in the production of toothpaste. It sanitizes the tongue, palate as well as the upper part of the throat from any decay or bacteria, which rids the mouth of any bad odor that comes along with bacteria. It can be consumed throughout the day in the form of drinks or food to fight bad breath.
- Reduces inflammation
It has been mentioned how eugenol is a major component in cloves. One of the most notable qualities of this compound is its anti-inflammatory ability. It reduces the inflammatory reaction in the body which also reduces the risk of arthritis. It works perfectly as a pain reliever. Additionally, the eugenol present in such high amounts is said to relieve pain that comes along with edema.
- Helps in controlling Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes are not able to produce a sufficient amount of insulin in their bodies. A study at Experimental Biology has found that eating cloves enhances the generation of insulin and maintains the blood sugar level to a safe extent. Type-2 diabetics can control their glucose levels through the intake of 1-3 grams of cloves every day. Furthermore, eating cloves in meals decreases insulin resistance as well.
- Improves Immune System
The presence of nutrients like Vitamin C and iron in clove buds helps in boosting immunity. However, even in this case, the most essential ingredient has proven to be eugenol. It has shown the capacity to effectively fight against numerous harmful microbes like bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Clove also takes responsibility for increasing the production of white blood cells in the body which vastly improve the immune system. It also has blood purification properties; it fights against toxicity in the blood.
Precautions To Take
Cloves show exceptional strength in the way they function, because of which a few things should be kept in mind before adding them to your routine life.
- Eugenol present in high amounts in cloves can sometimes react with certain medications. People on blood-thinning medication should avoid its consumption unless it is in small amounts.
- While cloves exhibit super strength in dealing with diabetes, their consumption should be in moderation. Excessive amounts of it can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition where the blood sugar levels drop too low.
- Consumption of pure clove oil can be tonic because it contains a higher amount of eugenol than whole or ground cloves. Its intake can lead to various symptoms, ranging from dizziness to even coma.
- Excessive use of cloves can also prove to be detrimental as it may lead to seizures. Heavy doses of it are also bad for pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
Conclusion
The health benefits of clove also include boosting the immune system and improving bone density. Apart from being an important ingredient, it is also used as a natural antiseptic. If used carefully, cloves can protect us from many regular diseases and infections.