The spice cloves have multiple health benefits.
Cloves are a sweet and aromatic spice that is used widely in cooking from traditional vegetable dishes to hot beverages. Found in both ground and whole forms, it is also a popular ingredient in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Here we give you some health benefits of cloves you need to know.
Protects your liver
The high amount of antioxidants in cloves helps protect the liver from the effects of free radical. Studies have also known that the compound eugenol in cloves is responsible for improving liver function, decreased oxidative stress and reduced inflammation.
Managing of diabetes
Clove extracts and nigericin, a component of clove extract, are known to help in regulating blood sugar levels. Both the compounds aid in increasing the secretion of insulin and improving the function of cells that produce insulin.
Boosting immunity system
Many plants are effective in boosting and protecting the immunity system, including cloves. The dried flower bud of the spice contains compounds that increase the white blood cells count, which improves the immunity system.
Oral health
Research has shown that clove oil is a natural method for treating plaque, mouth bacteria and gingivitis. Furthermore, it also found that while all mouth rinses were effective against plaque and gingivitis, rinses containing clove decreased the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Maintaining bone health
The extracts of cloves include phenolic compounds like eugenol and its derivatives that include flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones. All these extracts have proven to preserve the mineral content of bones and the density. Additionally, these extracts also increase the tensile strength of bones in patients with osteoporosis.
Fights off bacteria
Cloves and the extracts of cloves are filled with antibacterial properties that are potent enough to kill several human pathogens. They also help in stopping the growth of bacterial microorganisms.
In addition to being delicious, cloves have many health benefits. Integrate a few servings of cloves in your meals or add ground cloves to bring a warm and distinctive flavour to your everyday meals. Alternatively, simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to make a warm soothing cup of clove tea.
However, fresh cloves can be quite potent, therefore, use them sparingly.
