Benefits of Cloves are a multipurpose spice that adds flavour while simultaneously offering health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar levels, fight bacteria, and more.
Cloves are the bloom buds of the clove tree, an immortal tree also known as *Syzygium aromaticum*.
Available in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season roasts, flavour hot beverages, and add a spicy kick to cookies and cakes.
You may recognise cloves as a main ingredient in gingerbread or a key spice in Indian cuisine.
Cloves are known for their sweet, aromatic flavour, but they are also used in traditional medicine.
In fact, various studies suggest that the compounds in cloves may offer multiple health benefits, such as promoting liver health and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
This article examines 8 of the most surprising health benefits associated with consuming cloves.
1. Contains Essential Nutrients
Cloves contain fibre, vitamins, and minerals; therefore, using whole or ground cloves to flavour your meals can provide several essential nutrients.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of crushed cloves contains:
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fibre: 1 g
- Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 2% of the DV
Manganese is an important mineral for maintaining brain function and strengthening bones.
In addition to being a rich source of manganese, cloves are used only in small quantities, so they do not contribute a large amount of nutrients overall.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
In addition to containing various essential vitamins and minerals, cloves are rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that decrease oxidative stress, which can donate to the development of chronic diseases.
Cloves also contain a multiple called eugenol, which has been exposed to act as a natural antioxidant. Therefore, including cloves in your diet—along with other antioxidant-rich foods—may help improve your overall health.
3. May Improve Liver Health
A 2022 animal study revealed that clove extract better liver damage caused by the toxic substance thioacetamide. In particular, the compound eugenol could prove especially beneficial for the liver.
However, there is insufficient research demonstrating the benefits of cloves for liver health in humans; in fact, high doses could potentially damage the liver.
4. It May Help Protect Against Cancer
Some research suggests that clove oil may help protect against cancer.
In particular, eugenol has been shown to possess anticancer properties. Specifically, test-tube studies suggest that eugenol promotes cell death in breast cancer cells.
However, as previously mentioned, eugenol is toxic in high doses; in fact, high doses of clove oil can cause liver damage, particularly in children. Further investigate is needed to determine how lower doses might affect humans.
5. It May Kill Bacteria
Cloves have been shown to possess antimicrobial possessions, meaning they can help inhibit the development of microorganisms, such as bacteria.
Furthermore, when combined with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial properties of cloves may benefit your oral health.
6. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
The compounds found in cloves might help keep blood sugar levels under control. For example, in a 2019 study, individuals—both with and without prediabetes—who consumed 250 milligrams (mg) of clove extract daily for 30 days showed lower post-meal blood glucose levels.
In another study conducted on animals, it was discovered that nigricin—a compound found in cloves—increased sugar uptake from the blood into cells, boosted insulin emission, and improved the function of insulin-producing cells in mice.
When combined with a together diet, cloves may assistance keep your blood sugar levels in check, although more research in humans is needed to confirm this effect.
7. May Promote Bone Health
Low bone mass is a condition affecting an estimated 43 million Americans, rendering to the most recent estimates from 2014.
This condition can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which, in turn, can increase the risk of fractures and bone breaks.
Research conducted on animals suggests that eugenol may help improve bone mass. Additionally, cloves contain manganese, a mineral involved in bone formation and essential for bone health.
However, further research is needed to determine how cloves might influence bone health in humans.
8. May Reduce Stomach Ulcers
Some animal studies suggest that eugenol may help luxury stomach ulcers.
Also recognized as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful injuries that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or oesophagus.
Additionally, test-tube studies suggest that clove oil may be effective against *Helicobacter pylori* (*H. pylori*), a bacterium that can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and even cancer.
While cloves and their compounds may have beneficial effects on ulcers, further studies are needed to determine their effects in humans.
What are the side effects of cloves?
Below are some points to keep in mind regarding the safety of cloves:
- Consuming Cloves: It is unlikely that ingesting a small amount will harm you. In fact, the Food and Drug Management (FDA) has approved clove flower buds and clove oil as substances “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS) for use as food additives. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the effects of ingesting large amounts of cloves, particularly in pregnant or breastfeeding women. As a precaution, adhere to the amount recommended in the recipe.
- Ingesting Clove Oil: Although cloves and clove oil both contain eugenol, this compound is present at higher concentrations when cloves are distilled to produce the oil. Consequently, ingesting clove oil is unsafe, especially for children. Even small amounts of clove oil can trigger serious side belongings, such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances. It may also cause bleeding in individuals with blood-clotting disorders or during surgical procedures.
- Topical Use: Clove oil or creams formulated from clove flowers are generally safe for topical application. However, applying clove oil to the gums may cause irritation and tissue damage.
- Drug Interactions: Exercise caution if you are taking medications to manage blood clotting or regulate your blood sugar levels (e.g., for diabetes), as eugenol in cloves may interfere with their action.
What is the best way to consume cloves?
Regarding clove oil, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) suggests the following:
- Spray or Diffuser: Mix 10-15 drops per 1 oz of water.
- Topical Use: Mix 10-15 drops into a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Use a smaller amount if you have sensitive skin.
- For Teeth: Soak a cotton ball in the topical mixture and apply it to the aching tooth, taking care to avoid contact with the gums.
In Your Diet
Like many healthy foods, cloves are most effective when comprised as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Try joining a few cloves into your meals each week.
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They add a warm, unique flavour to desserts, curries, or chutneys. Below are some examples of recipes that feature cloves:
- Breaded Lamb Chops with Spiced Red Cabbage
- Chicken with Chorizo and Brandy
- Pumpkin Soup
- Sweet Corn Fritters with Homemade Ketchup
- Roasted Fruit in Spiced Wine
What are the benefits of boiling and drinking cloves?
Another way to consume cloves is to steep whole cloves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to prepare a relaxing cup of clove tea.
Cloves have also been traditionally used to alleviate nausea and help reduce symptoms of respiratory infections or asthma, although more studies in humans and animals are needed to confirm these effects.
In Conclusion
The clove tree produces small flower buds, commonly known as cloves. These buds can be found whole or ground and used in various ways in cooking.
While best known for their sweet, aromatic flavour, cloves are also used in traditional medicine.
Cloves may offer various potential health benefits, including helping to preserve blood sugar levels steady and contributing to the inhibition of bacterial growth.