Clove: Nutritional Values And Health Benefits

Clove is an antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral-rich spice. Cloves have long been utilised in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to boost the immune system, decrease inflammation, and help digestion.

Cloves are derived from an evergreen tree endemic to Indonesia (Syzygium aromaticum). However, it is now cultivated in other regions, including South America. The spice may be found in savoury foods, sweets, and beverages. It is also used in mouthwash, creams, gels, and oils. 

Clove effectively fights many medical conditions, such as liver disease, heart conditions, inflammation etc. Many dietitians suggest adding clove water to the diet to reduce weight.

Table Of Contents

1. Nutritional Values Of Clove

2. Health Benefits Of Clove

3. Possible Side Effects

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

Nutritional Values Of Clove

100 grams of clove containcontain the following amount of nutritive values:

• Energy- 47 kcal
• Carbohydrates- 10.51g
• Protein- 3.27 g
• Fat- 0.15g
• Fibre- 5.4g
• Niacin- 1.046 mg
• Pantothenic acid- 0.338 mg
• Pyridoxine- 0.116 mg
• Riboflavin- 0.066 mg
• Thiamin- 0.072 mg
• Vitamin C- 11.7 mg
• Vitamin E- 0.19 mg
• Vitamin K- 14.8 mg
• Calcium- 44 mg
• Iron- 1.28mg
• Magnesium- 60 mg
• Zinc- 2.32 mg

Health Benefits Of Clove

1. Anti-oxidant Properties

Cloves are a potent antioxidant that can help with various chronic health ailments. Antioxidants aid to minimise oxidative stress, which helps to prevent chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Clove contains eugenol, a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals 5 times more effectively than any other antioxidant. As a result, it prevents the development of many illnesses by avoiding cell damage.

The addition of cloves to your diet, along with other antioxidant-rich foods, can benefit your health.

2. Reduces The Risk Of Cancer

Clove is suspected of having anti-cancer properties due to its possible antioxidant action. It was discovered to have anti-cancer properties against skin, lung, and stomach malignancies. The concentration of oleanolic acid may be responsible for the anti-tumour activity. It has also been shown to have anti-cancer action against colorectal, breast, and leukaemia cancer cells. However, large-scale human trials are necessary to validate the use of clove over cancer in humans. As a result, you should follow the doctor's cancer therapy and instructions.

Despite studies indicating the advantages of clove in many circumstances, further research is needed to determine the real degree of clove's benefits to human health.

3. Holds Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cloves are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research has shown that consuming them daily can result in significant advantages, and specialists recommend them for arthritis relief. Clove oil as a balm or cloves in tea may also aid in reducing inflammation.

4. Aids Digestion

Cloves are commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive issues. Cloves are used to treat nausea, gas, and vomiting. Make tea with cloves and ginger to gain the advantages of better digestion. 

5. Promotes Liver Health

Cloves, according to certain research, aid in promoting liver health. Eugenol is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance that supports liver function. It lowers the risk of cirrhosis of the liver and fatty liver disease. In addition, it improves liver health by reducing oxidative stress. According to certain research, clove can help lower glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) levels, which are responsible for liver disorders.

Although cloves have been discovered as an excellent provider of liver health, further human research is needed. On the other hand, excessive ingestion of cloves might induce liver damage due to eugenol poisoning.

6. Reduces Ulcers

Cloves can aid in the prevention of stomach ulcers. Most ulcers are caused by weakening the mucus layers covering your stomach lining. Preliminary research indicates that cloves can harden this mucus, lessening your chance of getting ulcers and aiding in healing existing ulcers.

7. Fights Brain Conditions

Clove oil is thought to promote circulation, which may aid in managing insomnia, anxiety, memory loss, melancholy, weariness, and mental depletion. In an animal model, clove oil was evaluated for its ability to treat depression. It was shown to be beneficial because it has an antidepressant effect. However, do not substitute clove oil for medical therapy. Instead, immediately talk to your physician or psychiatrist if you are experiencing psychological problems.

8. Reduces Weight

Weight reduction to a healthy body weight has several health benefits. It decreases cholesterol and glucose levels and puts less strain on your joints and bones.

According to one study, cloves aid in the acceleration of metabolism. They have anti-cholesteric effects, which help to lower cholesterol. They also boost your metabolic rate when combined with pepper, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. As a result, they assist you in losing weight.

9. Good For Bone Health

A vast population is in danger of osteoporosis, arthritis, and poor bone density. Cloves are high in manganese, which is beneficial to bone health. In addition, the eugenol in clove promotes bone strength and density. These clove advantages eventually prevent problems such as osteoporosis, fractures, and breaks caused by reduced bone mass. Although these studies are restricted to animals, there is much potential for human study into the effects of clove on human bone health. However, a small quantity of clove powder provides over 30% of the daily manganese needed in the body.

10. Increases Testosterone Levels

In males, testosterone is an endogenous hormone that governs sex desire, bone mass, and fat distribution. It also increases muscle mass and strength, as well as the generation of red blood cells and sperm.

Cloves raise testosterone levels by improving testicular function. They also improve fertility. They promote energy and neuronal function while relieving tension and anxiety by increasing blood flow and body warmth. It inhibits erectile dysfunction and fast ejaculation. They contribute to a healthy intimate life.

Possible Side Effects

The following are some of the possible side effects of clove usage:

• Clove cigarettes can induce haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema, asthma, influenza, occupational contact dermatitis, and depression of the nervous system.
• Clove oil can cause uncommon allergic responses, local irritation, and contact dermatitis, even in modest amounts.
• Eating or being exposed to a significant quantity can result in tissue damage and acute onset seizures, liver and kidney failure.
• Before taking clove or any herb for its health advantages, consult your healthcare professional about the potential adverse effects. It will assist you in avoiding unfavourable side effects.

The Final Say

We examined all of the advantages of clove and its long-term impacts. Besides being a ubiquitous spice in Asian dishes, they also have several therapeutic benefits.

Clove can keep your body heated and warm. As a result, having children during the winter is preferred. Eugenol, an antioxidant, gives cloves their power. They also have antimicrobial effects. They can be used in place of synthetic food preservatives. So, use their benefits to the utmost, but use them sparingly to avoid health issues. Clove is an aromatic spice that may enhance the flavour of various meals. More study is needed to determine its possible medical advantages. It is best to take it in moderation because too much clove may be poisonous and induce adverse effects.

You should consult a medical practitioner before using cloves, as with any herbal medicine.

FAQs

1. Can clove cure toothache?

Yes, clove oil is often used in dental clinics as a pain reliever since it may ease toothache. However, if you have tooth pain or other dental issues, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Using natural medicines without first contacting your dentist might aggravate the issue.

2. Is clove good for health?

Clove may benefit one's health because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it can treat stomach problems (loose movements, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, gastric irritability, diarrhoea), respiratory problems (cold, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma), and many other illnesses. However, it must be ingested in the appropriate amount. Its overdose might also have negative side effects. Rare allergic responses, local discomfort, contact dermatitis, haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema, asthma, pneumonitis, occupational contact dermatitis, and depressed central nervous system are all possible side effects. As a result, only use clove after checking with a certified physician.

3. Can clove water/clove tea be consumed every day?

Yes, clove tea contains antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral effects. As a result, you can consume it every day to gain advantages. However, it should not be consumed more than once or twice a day because it might induce gastrointestinal upset.

4. What diseases can be cured using clove?

Cloves can treat diabetes, gum disease, digestive problems, and headaches. They also cure erectile dysfunction. They also protect against respiratory disorders. Asthma, colds, and sinus are examples.