Health Benefits of Clove
Clove is a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called, appropriately enough, the clove tree, also known as Syzygium aromaticum. Clove flower buds are harvested in their immature state and then dried. Ancient Romans used cloves for culinary and medicinal purposes. In fact, they were one of the most expensive spices in Europe in the Middle Ages. Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes. You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in gingerbread baked goods or a staple spice in Indian cuisine. In addition to their sweet, aromatic flavor, cloves are known for their potent health properties:
Fights inflammation
Studies have shown that the eugenol in clove works as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This is also true with clove essential oil, one form of clove that is widely available. Clove also fights inflammation of the mouth and throat. In yet another study by the University of Florida, subjects who consumed cloves on a daily basis had reduced levels of a specific pro-inflammatory cytokine in just seven days. Lowering these cytokines can significantly reduce the likelihood of arthritis and joint pains. In fact, long-term inflammation can lead to arthritis – and taking clove regularly could be a good step in preventing that.
Helps fight cancer
One study showed how clove extract could prevent tumor growth and induce cancer cell death. The anti-cancer properties of clove can be attributed to eugenol, which had even shown to benefit in the case of esophageal cancer.
A good source of antioxidants
Half a teaspoon of ground clove contains more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries. Antioxidants fight inflammation and protect us against cancer.
Helps control blood sugar
Studies have shown that daily eating of cloves may boost the insulin activity by three times, keeping the blood sugar under control. Adding cloves in your diet can assist in even delaying the starting point of diabetes. Volunteers in a study reported lower glucose levels after regularly taking cloves. Another animal study showed how cloves could moderate blood sugar spikes in diabetic mice. Cloves contain another compound called nigericin, which was found to improve insulin secretion and the health of cells that produce insulin. This means that cloves, when taken as a part of a balanced diet, can keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Promotes digestive health
Certain compounds in cloves can reduce stomach ulcers, as per some research. The oil from cloves can increase the thickness of gastric mucus, and this protects the stomach lining and prevents peptic ulcers. The fiber in cloves can also aid digestion and might prevent constipation.
Aids in overcoming flatulence
Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. This not only causes uneasiness in the body, but it also leads to pain in the lower abdomen. Not to mention the embarrassment caused by flatulence. One of the less-known health benefits of cloves is the fact that it can help reduce the amount of flatulence that accumulates throughout the day to alleviate pain and give you a much-needed boost of confidence.
Improves oral health
The eugenol in clove is known to provide relief. The substance is an anesthetic and has antibacterial properties, and this helps you deal with the pain. One simple way to get rid of a toothache is to place a few whole cloves in your mouth and moisten them with your saliva – after which you can crush them with your teeth. The oil that is released fights the pain. You can use a whole clove for 30 minutes, before discarding it and repeating the process with a new one. If you have a much severe toothache, such that grinding cloves with your teeth is not possible, you can use crushed cloves. Crush the whole cloves and place the powder on the affected tooth. An Iranian study also speaks about the analgesic affects of clove, which can help relieve toothache.
Bad breath
Bad breath can be cured by consuming the buds of clove daily. Its bud releases necessary enzymes that kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. Clove can be consumed as a powder or as a whole bud. To eat the bud, simply soak them in water for about 10 minutes before adding them to your favorite soup or salad.
Relief from respiratory infections
Ayurveda recommends making a clove tea to reduce, or prevent, flu and colds. It is utilized as a medicine also, making it much easy to coughing up phlegm. The Cloves are a natural painkiller and fight bacteria, so they’ll help you to get relief from sore throat.
Improves metabolism
By increasing blood flow, cloves promote proper circulation of nutritional vitamins and air throughout your body, which improve the body metabolism. They are also found to hinder the blood clotting therefore assisting keeping up cardiovascular health.
Stress relief
It helps ease senses and ease stress. Blend cloves with cardamom, basil, and mint and add hot water to make a nice flavored tea. Take this with honey to get rid of stress.
Cloves is included in Evina Naturals Healtea – Cardamom & Spice. CLOVES HEALTH BENEFITS
Health Benefits of Clove
Clove is a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called, appropriately enough, the clove tree, also known as Syzygium aromaticum. Clove flower buds are harvested in their immature state and then dried. Ancient Romans used cloves for culinary and medicinal purposes. In fact, they were one of the most expensive spices in Europe in the Middle Ages. Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes. You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in gingerbread baked goods or a staple spice in Indian cuisine. In addition to their sweet, aromatic flavor, cloves are known for their potent health properties:
Fights inflammation
Studies have shown that the eugenol in clove works as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This is also true with clove essential oil, one form of clove that is widely available. Clove also fights inflammation of the mouth and throat. In yet another study by the University of Florida, subjects who consumed cloves on a daily basis had reduced levels of a specific pro-inflammatory cytokine in just seven days. Lowering these cytokines can significantly reduce the likelihood of arthritis and joint pains. In fact, long-term inflammation can lead to arthritis – and taking clove regularly could be a good step in preventing that.
Helps fight cancer
One study showed how clove extract could prevent tumor growth and induce cancer cell death. The anti-cancer properties of clove can be attributed to eugenol, which had even shown to benefit in the case of esophageal cancer.
A good source of antioxidants
Half a teaspoon of ground clove contains more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries. Antioxidants fight inflammation and protect us against cancer.
Helps control blood sugar
Studies have shown that daily eating of cloves may boost the insulin activity by three times, keeping the blood sugar under control. Adding cloves in your diet can assist in even delaying the starting point of diabetes. Volunteers in a study reported lower glucose levels after regularly taking cloves. Another animal study showed how cloves could moderate blood sugar spikes in diabetic mice. Cloves contain another compound called nigericin, which was found to improve insulin secretion and the health of cells that produce insulin. This means that cloves, when taken as a part of a balanced diet, can keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Promotes digestive health
Certain compounds in cloves can reduce stomach ulcers, as per some research. The oil from cloves can increase the thickness of gastric mucus, and this protects the stomach lining and prevents peptic ulcers. The fiber in cloves can also aid digestion and might prevent constipation.
Aids in overcoming flatulence
Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. This not only causes uneasiness in the body, but it also leads to pain in the lower abdomen. Not to mention the embarrassment caused by flatulence. One of the less-known health benefits of cloves is the fact that it can help reduce the amount of flatulence that accumulates throughout the day to alleviate pain and give you a much-needed boost of confidence.
Improves oral health
The eugenol in clove is known to provide relief. The substance is an anesthetic and has antibacterial properties, and this helps you deal with the pain. One simple way to get rid of a toothache is to place a few whole cloves in your mouth and moisten them with your saliva – after which you can crush them with your teeth. The oil that is released fights the pain. You can use a whole clove for 30 minutes, before discarding it and repeating the process with a new one. If you have a much severe toothache, such that grinding cloves with your teeth is not possible, you can use crushed cloves. Crush the whole cloves and place the powder on the affected tooth. An Iranian study also speaks about the analgesic affects of clove, which can help relieve toothache.
Bad breath
Bad breath can be cured by consuming the buds of clove daily. Its bud releases necessary enzymes that kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. Clove can be consumed as a powder or as a whole bud. To eat the bud, simply soak them in water for about 10 minutes before adding them to your favorite soup or salad.
Relief from respiratory infections
Ayurveda recommends making a clove tea to reduce, or prevent, flu and colds. It is utilized as a medicine also, making it much easy to coughing up phlegm. The Cloves are a natural painkiller and fight bacteria, so they’ll help you to get relief from sore throat.
Improves metabolism
By increasing blood flow, cloves promote proper circulation of nutritional vitamins and air throughout your body, which improve the body metabolism. They are also found to hinder the blood clotting therefore assisting keeping up cardiovascular health.
Stress relief
It helps ease senses and ease stress. Blend cloves with cardamom, basil, and mint and add hot water to make a nice flavored tea. Take this with honey to get rid of stress.
Cloves is included in Evina Naturals Healtea – Cardamom & Spice.