scientific

Cloves are known as a sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine, with animal studies finding that compounds in cloves may have many health benefits, including support liver health and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

This report reviews a group of potential health benefits of cloves when included in the diet, as published on the “Healthline” website.

* Contains important nutrients

Cloves contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to flavor food can provide important nutrients. One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains 6 calories, 1 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber % of the daily value of manganese.

* Contains a high percentage of antioxidants

Research has proven that cloves are rich in antioxidants, as cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has been proven to be a natural antioxidant, a test tube study found that eugenol stopped oxidative damage caused by free radicals five times more effective than vitamin E, which is another strong antioxidant.

* Helps protect against cancer

Some research suggests that compounds found in cloves may help protect against cancer, as one test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promote death. cell in cancer cells.

Another test tube study saw similar results, showing that large amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells, and eugenol has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. it was found in cloves.

A test-tube study found that eugenol induced cell death in cervical cancer cells, but concentrated amounts of clove, clove oil, and eugenol must be used, as eugenol is toxic in large amounts, and overdoses of the oil may clove lead to liver damage, especially in children.

* It can kill bacteria

Cloves have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can stop the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria that cause food poisoning.

The antibacterial properties of cloves can also help promote oral health, as another study in 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash containing tea tree oil, cloves, and basil.

After using an herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they showed an improvement in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, but this was combined with regular brushing.

* Improves liver health

Studies show that beneficial compounds found in cloves can help improve liver health, as another animal study showed that eugenol found in cloves helps reverse the symptoms of cirrhosis or scarring. liver

* Helps regulate blood sugar

Research shows that compounds found in cloves may help control blood sugar, as an animal study found that clove extract helped raise blood sugar in diabetic mice.

* Promotes bone health

Low bone mass is a condition that affects approximately 43 million older adults in the United States alone, and can lead to osteoporosis, which can increase the risk of fracture.

An animal study found that clove extract, which contains a high percentage of eugenol, improved many signs of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength.

Cloves are also rich in manganese, providing 30% of the daily value needed in a teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves.

* Reduces stomach ulcers

Some research suggests that compounds in cloves can help treat stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, which are painful ulcers that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.

One animal study showed that clove essential oil increases the production of gastric mucus acting as a barrier and helping to prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids.

Another animal study found that clove extract helped treat stomach ulcers, and showed effects similar to those found in many anti-ulcer medications.