Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree indigenous to Indonesia and India, bearing a striking resemblance to small nails. The Latin word “clavus,” meaning “nail,” is the source of the term “cloves.” Cloves, with their potent aroma and robust flavor, are a popular spice in a variety of culinary applications.You might have encountered their distinctive taste in various foods and drinks such as mulled wine, honey-glazed ham, or apple pie. But have you ever considered the many health benefits of cloves? What many do not know is that cloves are actually a superfood, and contain many vitamins and nutrients that can provide various benefits to one’s health. Read on to learn how this miraculous plan could transform your health, if you chew cloves everyday.
You would be protected against infections.
Eugenol, a key component of clove oil, is renowned for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which help safeguard against infections from a variety of organisms.
Although research on cloves is still in its infancy, further studies are necessary to determine how these findings translate to humans. Preliminary research involving mice indicated that clove essential oil could elevate white blood cell counts, hinting that clove consumption might enhance the immune system. As an antiseptic, clove oil is effective in eliminating three types of harmful bacteria, including a strain of E. coli that can cause foodborne illnesses.
Your blood sugar would be better regulated.
Incorporating clove extract into a balanced diet might help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for those who are pre-diabetic or generally healthy. Clove extract mimics the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for managing blood sugar levels. Consuming one to three grams of clove per day over the course of a month can assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in managing their blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.
Additionally, there is a noted correlation between healthy manganese blood levels and effective blood sugar metabolism, further supporting the idea that cloves could play a role in the prevention or management of diabetes.
Your oral health would improve.
Cloves are excellent for oral care due to their antimicrobial properties. Since the 13th century, people have used cloves’ compound, eugenol, to treat toothache, jaw pain, and sore gums. Despite the rare risk of eugenol causing contact dermatitis, modern dentistry still widely uses it for its antibacterial, pain-relieving, and anesthetic qualities.
You will often find eugenol listed as an ingredient in herbal toothpaste and mouthwashes. Research has demonstrated that clove extract can effectively eliminate the bacteria responsible for gum disease.
You would cough less.
Clove oil is a natural expectorant, making it a valuable remedy for upper respiratory issues like coughs. To harness its benefits, you can crush cloves and steep them in your tea. The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can help soothe your throat and alleviate coughing.
Your gut health would be transformed.
Given that cloves are rich in fiber and possess antioxidant properties, it is not surprising that they are excellent for promoting gut health. Cloves have been demonstrated to relieve indigestion and reduce gas. Additionally, cloves contain eugenol, a compound that may help alleviate the pain associated with peptic ulcers, a condition that occurs when the mucus layers of the stomach become thin and damaged.
Further studies on clove extract suggest that it may enhance the production of mucus in the stomach lining, thereby countering ulcer discomfort. Nonetheless, more research is required to conclusively determine whether clove extract can be reliably used as an ulcer treatment.