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There’s been a buzz about the health benefits of cloves for a while now, and I just had to get in on this topic. Are these tiny flower buds magical?
Cloves can help you fight inflammation, are a natural aphrodisiac, may help you prevent cancer, and can help you maintain oral health.
It sounds too good to be true, right?
Well, in this post, I’m going to go into what makes cloves this beneficial and how you can start using them to reap some of the benefits.
Cloves known scientifically as Syzygium aromaticum, have long been celebrated for their unique taste, but their history reaches far beyond culinary uses.
From ancient civilizations’ aphrodisiac concoctions to modern-day medicinal studies, cloves have become a staple in the world of wellness.
In this comprehensive post, I delve into the multifaceted health advantages of cloves.
These little gems not only fill your dishes with exquisite flavors but also offer potential remedies for a range of health concerns.
Nutritional Facts of Cloves
Let’s go on a little deep dive into the nutritional facts of cloves to uncover the wealth of healthful components hidden within these little spice gems.
Here are the vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that make cloves not only a flavor kick but also a potential aid to your overall health.
Nutritional facts for cloves per 1 ounce (28.4 grams)
- Calories: 92
- Total Fat: 3.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.0 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.6 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 25 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 18.0 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 10.6 grams
- Sugars: 0.3 grams
- Protein: 1.0 gram
- Vitamin K: 135% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 4% of the DV
- Calcium: 8% of the DV
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 16% of the DV
- Potassium: 3% of the DV
A tablespoon (2g) of ground cloves provides you with over 50% of your manganese recommended daily value which supports healthy brain function and bone health.
Cloves are also pretty high in vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium; most of their health benefits come from these nutrients.
The Potential Health Benefits of Cloves
There are a lot of big claims being proposed about cloves, though it all sounds amazing, some of these claims are long stretches with little research to back them up.
But let’s be clear, they’ve been popularly used for a reason, they work!
And not just for general health, check out the sexual benefits of clove.
So, here are the health benefits of cloves you should care about:
1. Cloves can help you manage inflammation
Cloves contain compounds like eugenol, which possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is the process of your body fighting foreign germs and healing injuries, so it’s actually a good thing.
But when inflammation gets bad, it can lead to health problems like arthritis and diabetes, to name a few.
2. It’s a natural aphrodisiac
Eugenol in cloves, along with its sweet and spicy aroma, may increase blood flow throughout your body including your sensual parts.
It increases sensitivity and stimulating nerve endings, leading to increased sexual desire.
3. Cloves may help you prevent cancer
The antioxidants found in cloves, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, can combat oxidative stress and help prevent cell damage that may lead to cancer.
A study found that cloves contain betulinic acid and other compounds that function as chemo-preventive agents against breast cancer.
4. Can help you maintain oral health
Cloves are rich in eugenol, (eugenol again, right?) known for its analgesic and antibacterial properties, which can aid in alleviating toothaches and bad breath.
Chew on 1-2 cloves or take a cup of clove tea daily to aid in oral health maintenance.
5. Cloves may aid Type 2 diabetics
Some studies suggest that nigericin and other compounds found in clove extract may improve insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels, making cloves beneficial for managing Type 2 diabetes.
Although the evidence for this claim is quite slim and still requires more research.
Improved regulation of blood sugar levels can help with weight loss. Check out more on why cloves are good for weight loss.
6. May be used as a stress-relieve
The aroma of cloves and various compounds can have a calming and stress-relieving effect on the mind and body.
Nothing sounds more calming than a cup of hot clove tea with ginger and lemon.
7. Aids your digestive system
Cloves’ anti-inflammatory properties, fiber, and antioxidant content can help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, and gas issues.
8. Cloves may improve liver health
The antioxidants in cloves, such as eugenol and flavonoids, protect the liver from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Although some studies have revealed results in mice, much more research needs to be done to prove it properly works for humans.
9. It can used to cure cold symptoms
Cloves have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make them effective in providing relief from cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
Notice a cold coming? Make a cup of hot clove tea with ginger, lemon, and honey.
Check out: Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper and Ginger
10. Used in your quest for great bone health
Cloves are a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin K, which are crucial for bone mineralization and maintaining healthy bones.
These health benefits are not only a testament to the historical significance of cloves but also reflect their scientifically validated potential to enhance various aspects of well-being.
However, if you noticed, the research on cloves relating to these health properties is pretty slim, so, carefully add them to your diet to supplement other health solution efforts.
Best Ways to Use Cloves
Chewing on whole cloves is one way, although some might find their taste and potency quite strong.
Preparing clove tea is a soothing alternative, and it can be sweetened with honey or a hint of lemon for added flavor.
Ground cloves can be conveniently added to both sweet and savory recipes, enhancing the taste and infusing your dishes with their health benefits. Around ½ a tablespoon of ground cloves is recommended per person.
However, be cautious when using clove oil, as it’s highly concentrated and should be diluted before application, particularly on the skin.
What Diseases Can Cloves Cure?
Cloves are being proposed to combat various oral health issues due to their antimicrobial properties, such as alleviating toothaches.
They also contribute to digestive health, potentially relieving digestive discomfort and indigestion.
Cloves have been utilized as a natural remedy to alleviate cold symptoms due to their ability to soothe coughs and congestion.
Additionally, their rich nutrient content makes them beneficial for bone health.
Should Diabetics Consume Cloves?
Cloves contain compounds like eugenol, which may enhance insulin sensitivity.
For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, this can potentially contribute to better blood sugar control.
However, diabetics must be mindful of their clove consumption, as excessive amounts may contribute to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
In Conclusion
Cloves are indeed magical in their potential to boost health.
These tiny buds offer a wealth of benefits, from combating inflammation and acting as a natural aphrodisiac to potentially preventing cancer and aiding oral health.
While more research is needed, cloves’ history and current scientific support make them a valuable addition to your wellness journey.
