Cloves

Indigenous to various countries in Asia.The clove that we recognize is actually the dried flower bud of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum which belongs to the Myrtaceae plant family.However when it comes to medicine, various parts of the plant are used including its familiar buds but also its leaves and stems while its essential oil is also extracted and sold commercially.Cloves have been used therapeutically for a very long time in both Chinese and Ayurveic medicine as a treatment for everything from tooth decay to enhanced libido.

Cloves are rich in vitamins and important minerals. They are also virtually free of calories and very high in fiber as well as natural antioxidant properties. But that is not all; the chemical component which give cloves their powerful medicinal effects is eugenol.

A couple Healthy Benefits cloves are known to offer

Aids in digestion

Blessed with biochemicals, this multi-nutrient spice helps in improving digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. It also aids in reducing dyspepsia and nausea.

Protects liver

Hepatoprotective properties and antioxidants in clove extracts are helpful in protecting the organs from free radicals. It aids in increasing metabolism and decreases the production of antioxidants in the liver.

Antibacterial properties

Extracts of clove are effective against bacteria that spreads cholera. Moreover, the buds are known to carry strong antibacterial properties that are potent enough to kill human pathogens.

Possesses anticarcinogenic properties

In the disease-ridden world, spices like cloves can do wonders. Apart from the many properties that the little spice boasts of, one of the most valuable health benefits of cloves is due to its anticarcinogenic and chemopreventive properties. Cloves have been tested for their anticarcinogenic properties and it was revealed that cloves can aid in controlling lung cancer in the early stages.

Preserves bones

Clove buds contain hydroalcoholic extracts like eugenol, flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones. These phenolic compounds aid in preserving bone density, are helpful in increasing the tensile strength of bones in osteoporosis and maintain a healthy mineral content for the bones. Moreover, the minerals and vitamins present in clove extracts such as magnesium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and vitamin K help your body absorb calcium from food, thus leading to healthier bones.

Boosts immunity

A healthy immune system is a function of the food you consume. Including clove as a spice in your daily preparations or adding it as a condiment in dishes can increase the food’s immune boosting power. Moreover, it increases the white blood cell count which results in improving delayed type hypersensitivity.

Possesses anti-mutagenic properties

First of all, the chemicals that change the genetic makeup of the DNA by mutations are known as mutagens. One can control mutagenic effects to a certain rate with the help of biochemical compounds found in cloves—like phenylpropanoids these compounds possess anti-mutagenic properties.

Controls diabetes

The health benefits of cloves have been in use for thousands of years. Because of this, it has become a useful remedy for a number of diseases. One such disease is diabetes. Patients suffering from diabetes have a less amount of insulin produced by their body and one can use clove to overcome this devastating disease. Scientists have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and maintains sugar levels in the body.

Aids in overcoming flatulence

Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. This not only causes uneasiness in the body, but it also leads to pain in the lower abdomen. Not to mention the embarrassment caused by flatulence. One of the less-known health benefits of cloves is the fact that it can help reduce the amount of flatulence that accumulates throughout the day to alleviate pain and give you a much-needed boost of confidence.

Treats respiratory infections & common cold

Believe it or not, clove when added to food during respiratory congestions can help you kick the infections away. One of the many health benefits of cloves is that it works as an excellent expectorant that loosens mucus in the esophagus and throat to help us cough it out. Its antimicrobial properties kill the pathogens that can lead to throat infections and congestion in the chest. A common problem we all suffer from, especially when the weather changes is common cold coupled with cough.Helps in beating stress

With stress taking over today’s lifestyle, it is extremely important to unwind and relax your mind, body, and soul for a healthier tomorrow. While yoga, meditation, and traveling are amongst the many ways to refresh your body, the right food can do wonders too. Stress relief is one of the most popular health benefits of cloves.