The first things you prioritise when stocking up your spice rack are probably garlic powder, turmeric, and, of course, salt and pepper. But the next time you’re rebuilding your inventory, you should consider adding cloves to your cart; they are another health-benefiting staple to keep in mind.
What are cloves, you may ask? Cloves are nothing but dried flowers of a clove tree. The flower buds originate from a type of tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia, which has been used for centuries in many different kinds of dishes. Due to the wide range of health benefits of cloves, they have been a part of herbal medicines for years.
Now that you know what cloves are, your recipes might still need to feature cloves more often because they’re worth including. The spice packs a powerful nutritional punch and supports the body in various ways. From relieving cough, helping with inflammation, preventing the risk of cancer, and easing toothache, the health benefits of cloves are mindblowing.
This post reveals the complete list of ten surprising health benefits of cloves for your reference;
Cough relief
Cloves are used for treating colds and coughs. They (colds and coughs) can be relieved by drinking clove water on an empty stomach in the morning.
Helps reduce inflammation
The primary benefit of cloves is their ability to reduce inflammation. Eugenol, a compound contained in it, helps to reduce inflammation.
Prevents the risk of cancer
When talking about the health benefits of cloves, there’s a need to also talk about their cancer-fighting properties. Because cloves are composed of some essential compounds, it helps prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Cloves in your diet can reduce your chances of cancer, including cervical cancer, liver cancer, and bone cancer.
Toothache ease
Want to get instant relief from tooth aching? Try applying a drop of clove oil or eating a clove to ease your toothache. Cloves have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce toothache and swelling in the area.
Relieving headaches
Cloves’ anti-microbial and anti-mutagenic properties are said to play a significant role in reducing headaches. You can feel a marked relief from headaches almost immediately by making a paste of a few clove buds, mixing it with rock salt, adding it to a glass of milk, and drinking it.
Diabetes management
The compounds in clove extracts are similar to insulin in some respects, which is why they are believed to keep blood sugar levels in check. A study revealed that when taken as part of a planned plant-based diet, it could help in diabetes management.
Antibacterial Properties
Cloves are highly valued for their antibacterial properties that can fight many human pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms and even destroy them.
Gastrointestinal Health
Cloves can be effective in dealing with many stomach-related problems; they can help boost digestion and check gastrointestinal irritation. Furthermore, the absorption of fried cloves in the system in some form can also help stop vomiting – all thanks to their anaesthetic properties.
Anti-ageing effects
Due to cloves’ antioxidant content, they may have anti-ageing effects. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage that can lead to ageing. Some research suggests that cloves may help improve skin elasticity and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Prevents Mutation
The compounds in cloves, such as phenylpropanoids, can reduce mutagens’ harmful effects. In other words, cloves possess anti-mutagenic properties that prevent D.N.A. from changing over time.
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