Cloves are a type of spice that comes from the dried flower buds of a tree native to India.
Clove has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but not many people are familiar with the health benefits this spice provides.
Let’s explore 8 surprising health benefits of cloves that you should know about!
Fight Against Infections
Clove oil is known to have powerful antiseptic properties and can be used to fight against both bacterial and fungal infections.
By diluting the clove oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, you can use it as an antiseptic cream to treat cuts and scrapes.
Improve Digestion
The active compounds found in cloves like eugenol help reduces gastrointestinal irritation, which can help improve digestion and overall gut health.
In addition, cloves can help stimulate saliva production which helps with digestion by breaking down food particles before they reach your stomach.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, but when it becomes chronic it can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
Fortunately, cloves contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body, helping to protect against these conditions.
Boost Immune System Function
The antimicrobial properties of cloves make them great for boosting immune system function.
Studies have shown that consuming cloves on a regular basis helps increase white blood cell count, which helps fight off infection and disease more effectively.
Improve Skin Health
Cloves contain anti-aging compounds that help promote collagen production in the skin, keeping it looking young and healthy for longer periods of time.
They also contain vitamin C which helps protect skin cells from damage due to sun exposure or environmental factors such as pollution.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Studies have shown that consuming cloves on a regular basis may help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and pre-diabetics alike by increasing insulin sensitivity in cells throughout the body.
Relieve Stress
Eugenol is one of the active compounds found in cloves, and studies have shown that it has a calming effect on the nervous system.
This makes it great for reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and creating an overall sense of well-being
Aid Weight Loss
Eugenol has also been linked to increased metabolic activity, which means eating foods with high concentrations of this compound could speed up weight loss efforts.
Additionally, cloves are low in calories yet still provide plenty of flavors, making them perfect additions to any diet plan.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many surprising health benefits associated with cloves!
From fighting infections to aiding weight loss, this versatile spice offers something for everyone!
So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up some organic whole or ground cloves so you can start reaping all their amazing benefits!
