Many nutritional benefits of clove
Clove is a very important spice with huge nutritional benefits, because it contains many vitamins and minerals, and have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Folate, Riboflavin, Thiamine, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Anti-inflammatory
- Cloves contain eugenol and isoeugenol, which may help prevent chronic diseases
- Clove oil can reduce swelling and pain in areas affected by gum disease
Antibacterial
- Eugenol in cloves helps fight germs in the mouth, lowering the risk of infection and cavities
- Clove oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Antioxidant
- Eugenol in cloves helps fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body
Digestive health
- Cloves improve digestion by stimulating enzyme secretions and increasing digestive motility
- Clove oil can relieve occasional gas and bloating
Immunity booster
- Clove oil may boost the immune system’s strength by improving white blood cell function and blood circulation in the body.
Toothache
- Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that helps numb and reduce pain.
May improve liver health
A 2022 animal study found that clove extract improved liver damage caused by the toxic substance thioacetamide. In particular, the compound eugenol may be especially beneficial for the liver.
However, there isn’t enough research showing the benefit of cloves for liver health in humans, and high doses can actually damage the liver.
May help regulate blood sugar
The compounds found in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control. For example, in a 2019 study, people with and without prediabetes who took 250 milligrams (mg) of clove extract daily for 30 days showed significantly less blood glucose after meals.
In another animal study, nigricin, a compound found in cloves, was found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase the secretion of insulin, and improve the function of cells that produce insulin in mice.
In combination with a balanced diet, cloves may help keep your blood sugar levels in check, though more research on humans is needed to confirm this.
May promote bone health
Low bone mass is a condition that affects an estimated 43 million Americans, according to the most recent estimates from 2014.
It can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of breaks and fractures.
Animal research suggests that eugenol may help improve bone mass. In addition, cloves contain manganese, which is involved in the formation of bone and is incredibly important to bone health.
That said, more research is needed to determine how cloves may affect bone in humans.
May reduce stomach ulcers
Some animal researchTrusted Source indicates that eugenol could help treat stomach ulcers.
Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.
Test tube research also suggests that clove oil may also have an effect against Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), a bacteria that can trigger stomach problems such as ulcers and even cancer.
Though the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds may be promising, further studies are needed on their effects in humans.
Credit: Healthline.com, et al.
