Cloves are aromatic flower buds that come from the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum, widely recognized for their strong, warm, and slightly sweet flavor. Traditionally used as a spice in cooking, cloves are an essential ingredient in many culinary dishes around the world, particularly in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Beyond their culinary uses, cloves have been valued for centuries in traditional medicine due to their numerous health benefits. They contain powerful compounds, such as eugenol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. These properties make cloves useful for supporting oral health, reducing pain and inflammation, aiding digestion, and boosting immunity. Cloves can be used whole, ground into powder, or infused into teas and oils, providing versatile applications in both cooking and holistic health practices. Their distinctive aroma and therapeutic qualities have also made cloves popular in aromatherapy and natural remedies, contributing to overall well-being.
Cloves
Cloves are a fragrant spice that is made from the dried flowers of the clove tree. Cloves were once considered as valuable as gold in the ancient world. During the late Middle Ages, they slowly spread from the Spice Islands to Europe and Asia, where they became an essential component of regional cuisine. Even today, cloves remain a popular spice that adds a subtly sweet warmth to many dishes.
Cloves Nutrition
Cloves come with a lot of manganese, a mineral that helps your body manage the enzymes which help in repairing your bones and make hormones. Additionally, manganese has antioxidant properties that shield your body from dangerous free radicals, which are unstable atoms that destroy cells.
Cloves are also a source of:
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
- Eugenol
Contains important nutrients
Using whole or ground cloves to flavor food can supply essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One teaspoon (tsp) (2 grams (g)) of ground cloves contains:
- Calories: 6
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 2% of the DV
For healthy bones and brain function, manganese is a vital nutrient (Trusted Source).
Cloves are used sparingly and don’t offer much in the way of nutrients, despite being a high source of manganese.
High in antioxidants
Cloves are high in antioxidants and several essential vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to the onset of chronic illnesses.
Eugenol, another substance found in cloves, has been demonstrated to have antioxidant properties. Thus, adding cloves to your diet along with other foods high in antioxidants can help you feel better overall.
May improve liver health
According to a 2022 animal study (Trusted Source), clove extract helped heal liver damage brought on by the harmful chemical thioacetamide. Specifically, eugenol may be particularly advantageous for the liver.
Cloves can actually harm the liver, and there is insufficient evidence to support their positive effects on human liver function.
May help protect against cancer
Clove oil may help prevent cancer, according to some research.
In particular, eugenol has been shown to possess anticancer effects. Eugenol specifically causes cell death in breast cancer cells, according to test-tube researchTrusted Source.
However, as previously mentioned, excessive consumption of clove oil can harm the liver, particularly in young children, and eugenol is hazardous in large quantities. The potential effects of lower levels on people require more investigation.
Can kill bacteria
It has been demonstrated that cloves possess antibacterial properties, which means they can help halt the growth of bacteria and other germs.
Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of cloves may even improve your oral health when used in conjunction with consistent brushing and good oral hygiene.
May help regulate blood sugar
Cloves include chemicals that may help regulate blood sugar levels. In a 2019 study, for instance, participants with and without prediabetes who took 250 mg of clove extract daily for 30 days showed significantly lower post-meal blood glucose levels (Trusted Source).
Another animal study revealed that nigricin, a substance present in cloves, increased the uptake of blood sugar into cells, increased insulin production, and enhanced the function of mice’s insulin-producing cells.
Cloves may help control blood sugar levels when combined with a healthy diet, but further human studies are required to prove this.
May promote bone health
According to 2014 statistics, an estimated 43 million Americans have low bone mass.
It can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of breaks and fractures.
Eugenol may help increase bone mass, according to animal research. Furthermore, manganese, which is crucial for bone health and plays a role in bone development, is found in cloves.
Nevertheless, further investigation is required to ascertain the potential impact of cloves on human bone.
May reduce stomach ulcers
Eugenol may help heal stomach ulcers, according to certain animal researchTrusted Source.
Stomach ulcers, sometimes called peptic ulcers, are excruciating sores that develop in the lining of the esophagus, duodenum, or stomach.
Clove oil may also be effective against Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal issues including ulcers and even cancer, according to a test tube study.
Cloves and their components may have promising anti-ulcer properties, but more research is required to fully understand how they affect people.
What are the side effects of clove?
These are the things to keep in mind in terms of the safety of clove:
Eating clove:You are unlikely to be harmed by eating tiny amounts. Clove oil and buds have actually been certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food additives. Nevertheless, there is insufficient data regarding the effects of consuming high amounts of cloves, particularly for those who are pregnant or nursing. To be safe, don’t go over the recipe’s suggested quantity.
Ingestion of clove oil:Eugenol is present in both clove and clove oil, however when clove is distilled into oil, the compound is present in far greater amounts. Clove oil is therefore dangerous to consume orally, especially for young children. Seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances are just a few of the serious negative effects that clove oil can have, even in little doses. Additionally, it may cause bleeding during surgery or in those with bleeding disorders.
Topical:For skin use, clove oil or cream made from clove flowers is usually safe. On the other hand, applying clove oil to the gums may cause inflammation and harm.
Drug interactions:The eugenol in clove may interact with treatments that control blood coagulation or blood sugar, such as those for diabetes.
What is the best way to take cloves?
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends the following when it comes to clove oil:
- Spray or diffuser: Mix 10-15 drops per ounce of water
- Topical: Mix 10-15 drops into a carrier oil such as coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin, use less.
- Dental: Apply the topical mixture to the aching tooth using a cotton ball dipped in it, being careful not to get any on your gums.
Conclusion
Cloves are more than just a flavorful spice; they offer antioxidants and plant compounds that may support overall health. From potentially helping with blood sugar control to supporting digestion and bone health, cloves have several promising benefits. That said, most of the strong claims still need more human research. Enjoying cloves in your food is generally safe and can be a healthy addition to your diet. Just remember: moderation is key, especially when it comes to clove oil or supplements.
