The Power of Cloves

Cloves are one of the quintessential spices we often associate with Christmas. An incredibly aromatic spice, it can be used in a number of different way, from sweet to savoury, food to drinks. They are the dried buds of an evergreen tree that is native to Eastern Indonesia. It also has some incredible health benefits that may surprise you.

Incredibly high in antioxidants

Cloves contain several critical vitamins, minerals, and most importantly: antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress; therefore can aid chronic disease alleviations. For example, this aromatic spice contain an abundance of Eugenol, which is 5 times more effective than Vitamin E. Eugenol functions as an anti-inflammatory, and can reduce inflammatory symptoms by 30%!

Anti-carcinogenic cloves

This aromatic spice has been particularly interesting to the medical community for their anti-carcinogenic properties. Tests have discovered that they are particularly powerful in fighting lung cancer at its early stages. A study found that concentrated amounts of clove oil actually caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells.

May improve liver health

Within these aromatic buds, there are beneficial compound that promote liver health. Owing to the eugenol antioxidant, cloves can decrease levels of GST. This enzyme is involved in detoxification and is a marker of liver disease. This, as well as the other antioxidants in cloves that decrease oxidative stress can help the liver.

Great for diabetes

Research has found that this aromatic spice have compound that are particularly good for those who suffering from diabetes. They are particularly good for keeping diabetes under control. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your blood to your cells. Cloves are able to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood cells into the cells, increase the secretion of insulin and also improve the unction of cells that produce insulin.

Helps many respiratory conditions

Owing to the expectorant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves are wonderful in helping respiratory conditions. Stretching from many ailment, including the common cold, sore throat, viral infections, asthma, and even bronchitis. Drinking clove tea or even embracing the aromatic steam of cloves soaked in hot water can help these illnesses.

As with anything, everything should be taken in moderation with a healthy diet and exercise regime. What’s your favourite way to use cloves? Tell us in the comments below.