We talk about the benefits the spice brings to our health in the article.
- What you need to know
- Calories and nutritional value
- Benefit
- Harm
- Expert commentary
Sergey Mironov, restaurateur, founder of the Meat & Fish restaurants, chairman of the coordinating council of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, public commissioner in the field of restaurant business in Moscow;
Oksana Teplukhina, PhD, gastroenterologist, ultrasound doctor at the multidisciplinary clinical center Real Clinic.
Cloves: what you need to know about the product
Flower buds are collected while still unopened, when they contain the most oil.
Cloves are a spice used in cooking, cosmetics, and alternative medicine. It has a pronounced taste and warming aroma, adding piquancy to hot dishes, baked goods and drinks.
The flower buds of the evergreen clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, are collected while still unopened when they contain the greatest amount of oil. They are then dried in the sun and sent for sale. Cloves can be bought in the store all year round in whole or ground form. Clove essential oil is used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Clove calories and nutritional value
One teaspoon (approximately 2 g) of ground cloves contains (1):
- 6 kcal
- 0.13 g protein
- 0.7 g fiber
- 1.38 g carbohydrates
- 0.27 g fat
Benefits of cloves: 5 properties
Experiments Show Cloves Have Potential to Treat Diabetes
Cloves contain many beneficial microelements, they help the health of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce inflammation and blood sugar.
1. Treats stomach ulcers
An animal study found that clove oil increased gastric mucus production. It acts as a barrier and protects the stomach lining from the effects of digestive acids (2), (3).
Another experiment proved that clove extract acts on stomach ulcers like some anti-ulcer drugs and cures them (4). But in order to include the spice in the treatment of this disease, additional research is needed.
2. Affects blood sugar levels
Several studies in mice have shown that clove extract and the nigericin it contains reduce insulin resistance in muscle cells (5).
Another study looked at the effect of clove bud powder on diabetes in rats by dividing them into two groups, one of which received the product continuously. Blood sugar levels were lower in rodents that were given clove bud powder regularly (6). Experiments have shown that cloves have potential in treating diabetes, but more information is needed.
3. Has disinfectant properties
Scientists have found that clove essential oil kills three common types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli) (7).
Compounds isolated from cloves have also been found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that cause gum disease (8). When combined with regular brushing and good hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves can have a positive effect on oral health.
4. Contains many antioxidants
Cloves are rich in antioxidants. These compounds reduce oxidative stress, a process that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases (9). Eugenol from cloves stops oxidative damage caused by free radicals five times more effectively than vitamin E (10).
When added to the diet along with other antioxidant-rich foods, the spice can improve overall health.
5. Strengthens bones
The compounds found in cloves help maintain bone mass and increase bone strength. If it decreases, the risk of developing osteoporosis, fractures and cracks in the bones increases (11).
Cloves are also high in manganese, which is involved in bone formation (12). But modern tests have so far only been carried out on animals, so additional research in humans is needed.
Harm of cloves
Clove oil may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and an allergic reaction.
Despite the health benefits that cloves can provide, adding them to your diet should be done with caution. Oil can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and cause an allergic reaction. It is also highly flammable and can be fatal if swallowed.
Cloves increase the likelihood of bleeding and enhance the reaction to warfarin. Therefore, it is worth discussing adding cloves to your diet with your doctor.
Expert commentary
