Cloves are dried flower buds
that come from the clove tree and are native to Indonesia. They are a common
spice that is added to rice dishes, stews, meats, sauces, and soups.
The shape of a dried clove
resembles a nail, so their name comes from the Latin word clavus, which means
"nail." Cloves have been used in traditional medicine and cooking for
a long time, but scientists have only recently begun investigating their
potential health benefits. Continue reading to learn more about cloves' potential
health benefits, uses, and dangers.
Cloves' Benefits to Health
Cloves Might Be Good for Your
Health in A Number of Ways, Like
Oral Wellness
Due to its effect on plaque,
gingivitis, and bacteria in the mouth, researchers are studying clove oil as a
natural method of maintaining oral health. Researchers at Trusted Source
compared the efficacy of an essential oil mouth rinse and an herbal mouth rinse
made with clove, basil, and tea tree oil. Both mouth washes worked against
plaque and gingivitis, indicating that they may help reduce bacteria and
inflammation in the mouth.
Additionally, the researchers
discovered that the clove-infused mouthwash had a greater effect on reducing
the number of harmful bacteria than the standard mouthwash.
Diabetes
In a mouse study, insulin
resistance in mouse muscle cells was reduced by clove extract and nigericin, a
component of clove extract. Additionally, glucose tolerance, insulin secretion,
and beta cell function were improved in diabetic nigericin-consuming mice. The
effect of clove bud powder on laboratory markers in a diabetic rat model was
the subject of another animal study conducted by Trusted Source. When compared
to the rats in the control group who did not receive the clove powder, those
that received it had lower blood sugar levels.
Cancer
Antioxidants, which are
chemicals that reduce cell damage that could lead to cancer, are abundant in
many spices and herbs. "Just 1/2 teaspoon of ground clove is said to
contain more antioxidants than 1/2 cup of blueberries," states Today's Dietitian.
Researchers discovered that clove extract could slow the growth of a variety of human cancer cells in one laboratory study, trusted source. Colon cancer cells were also killed more quickly by the extract of clove. The growth of tumors in mice was also the subject of the same study. When compared to the mice in the control group, those treated with clove extract experienced significantly less tumor growth.
Researchers examined the
effects of various preparations of clove extract on human breast cancer cells in
another study, Trusted Source. Both clove essential oil and clove ethanol
extract were found to be harmful to breast cancer cells.
Due to their ability to slow
cell multiplication and cause cell death, the authors suggested that cloves
might be useful in the treatment of cancer in the future.
Obesity
Cloves have also been studied
by scientists for their potential impact on obesity. Researchers found that a
high-fat diet-induced obesity was reduced by clove extract in mice in a Trusted
Source study.
Compared to the control group,
the mice that received the clove extract had lower body weight, less abdominal
fat, and less liver fat.
Risks, Effects, and Things to
Think About
Clove oil poses a number of
risks, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It could
irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, or it could cause an allergic
reaction to the skin. If swallowed and enters the airway, it is also flammable
and could cause death. In one case report, a 15-month-old child who consumed 10
milliliters (ml) of clove oil developed liver failure. A 2-year-old child who
consumed 5-10 milliliters of clove oil was the subject of another incident. The
child was diagnosed with a number of health issues, including a coma, damage to
the liver, and issues with blood clotting.
Cloves may also increase the
risk of bleeding or the body's response to warfarin, according to Trusted
Source. It is essential to consult a medical professional prior to using any
herbal products so that they can examine any potential interactions and side
effects.
Uses
Ground or whole cloves can be
purchased for use in cooking and are renowned for their strong flavor and
aroma. Cloves are a component of numerous cuisines and condiments, including
ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Clove oil is available for use as an
essential oil and is used in some perfumes for their aroma. In Ayurveda, a form
of traditional Indian medicine, cloves are often used. Additionally, they have
traditionally been utilized to produce a numbing effect.
How To Use Garlic
Ground cloves can be used to
flavor applesauce, oatmeal, muffins, and cookies in the same way that cinnamon
and ginger can. In this recipe for gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting,
ground cloves are used. Chai, a popular Indian and Pakistani beverage that
combines milk, spices, and tea, can also be made with cloves. Cloves are used
in this recipe for cardamom ginger chai.
Both this recipe for baked
chicken with artichokes, cinnamon, and preserved lemons and this one for
slow-cooker braised beef with carrots and turnips make use of cloves in savory
dishes.
Information About Nutrition
Ground cloves have the
following nutrients in them, according to the National Nutrient Database
Trusted Source maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture: -
|
1. |
6 kilograms of calories |
|
2. |
There are 0.13 g of protein. |
|
3. |
0.27 grams total fat |
|
4. |
1.38 grams of carbs |
|
5. |
0.7 g of fiber |
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