Certain members of the spice family are known for their powerful effects, and cloves is one such spicy ingredient. While some people may not like clove in large quantities, it can be used effectively in many recipes!
Cloves contain an aromatic compound called allicin that gives them their flavor and aroma. Allicin helps promote healthy blood circulation and removes harmful toxins from the body.
This article will discuss the health benefits of cloves in more detail.
Helps prevent tooth decay
As mentioned before, acid is what causes cavities in your teeth. The longer your mouth is exposed to acids, the more exposure you give your teeth to help them grow and strengthen their protective layer.
Clove oil contains an alkaline compound that helps neutralize acidic foods and drinks. Therefore, it can protect your teeth from constant exposure to acids, which may otherwise cause damage or even loss of teeth.
There are many ways to use clove oil for oral care, such as chewing or applying directly onto the tongue or mouth. Because it has a strong smell, it may be difficult to use all the time, but it will still work if used occasionally.
Has antimicrobial effects
Recent studies have shown that clove can play an important role in preventing or treating infectious diseases. These studies indicate that it works as a potent antibacterial agent, especially against bacteria that cause skin and urinary infections.
A few studies conducted with mice found that cloves reduced inflammation caused by severe wounds. This may help in reducing chronic inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) and obesity.
Another study determined that two drops of whole-clove extract per day was effective in relieving pain due to osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis).
It is thought that compounds in clove work similarly to salicylic acid — a natural compound used in many over-the-counter medicines for acne and other skin problems.
Cloves contain a chemical called eugenol that has similar properties to salicylic acid. You probably use salicylic acid every time you apply moisturizer to your skin!”
You are also likely well aware of all those delicious Indian dishes that feature garlic! Besides its sweet flavor, garlic contains sulfurous chemicals that contribute to its antimicrobial effect.
Can help reduce symptoms of certain illnesses
Recent studies have shown that clove oil has many potential uses, from pain relief to improving overall health. It can be directly applied onto your skin or mixed into oils for internal use.
Many people use it to treat sunburns because of its anti-inflammatory effects. You may also have heard of it being used to treat toothaches, which is not true. Doses are usually never enough to relieve pain of oral tissues. Instead, it stimulates the body to produce natural chemicals to deal with the cause of the pain.
It works by suppressing xanthine oxidase, an enzyme in the body that causes inflammation. This enzyme becomes suppressed due to the action of clove oil and other substances containing beta carotene like carrots or apricots. Carrots and apricots both contain high levels of beta carotene.
Clove oil can be found at most drugstores and beauty supply stores. Make sure to test it on your own hand first as some individuals are allergic to cloves.
Boosts the effects of some other spices
In addition to enhancing the flavor of foods, cloves have several health benefits. They may boost the effectiveness of other herbs and spices you use in cooking.
Cloves are sometimes referred to as sweet or cardamom clove. Either one is really just about half a clove.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis determined that two teaspoons of ground cloves could reduce blood cholesterol levels up to 17 percent.
That’s more than 2 points on a standard test for total cholesterol performed by your doctor.
Can be used in many recipes
There are several reasons why cloves are considered an integral part of our culinary repertoire. First, they taste good! Whether it is as a light flavor accent or ingredient in something else, clove can add some depth and/or intensity.
Second, they are helpful for health. Nutritionists agree that cloves contain antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that help promote healthy skin and oral hygiene. This is particularly important during times when the mouth is exposed to lots of food and drink, suchas after eating or while you are sleeping.
Third, there are few things that people get sick from, at least medically. If you do happen to get sick, clove comes with its own set of warnings and tips about how to use it. Because of this, it has been deemed safe to consume either raw or dried powdered form.
It is also relatively inexpensive. Depending on the quantity needed, a one-ingredient recipe will cost around $0.10-$1.00 per tablespoon.
Improves the overall quality of your bread
Adding cloves to your dough will give you more dense, heavier loaves that are full of flavor. These flavors can be from vanilla, cinnamon, or both along with the clove taste.
Cloves contain an oil called eugenol that gives off a pleasant aroma and flavor when heated or mixed into other substances. This compound acts as a natural antimicrobial agent, which means it fights bacteria and viruses.
You may have noticed people in India and China baking special products using whole cloves as a rising agent. The smell is reminiscent of what we know as Indian cuisine!
There are some theories about how adding cloves to bread could help prevent heart disease. One theory suggests that antioxidants found in cloves reduce blood clotting, reducing risk for atherosclerosis (the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries). Another hypothesis is that compounds in cloves may enhance endothelial function, keeping blood vessels healthy.
However, there isn’t enough research to say whether or not eating cloves helps keep us healthier.
Helps preserve your food
Besides just taste, cloves can also help preserve the nutritional value of what you are eating. When baking or cooking, add one teaspoon of dried clove powder into whatever recipe you have.
This will give your food some extra protection against loss of vitamins and minerals caused by air or water exposure. For example, if you like to toast bread in olive oil, adding clove powder will prevent your body from losing important nutrients due to oxidation.
Cloves can likewise be used when sautéing, roasting, or boiling vegetables and meat. The natural compound in cloves is antimicrobial, which means it fights microorganisms. Add them at the beginning of the cook time for better results.
Cloves can also be mixed with coconut milk to make a gel that can be applied directly onto wounds to stop bleeding. This could include minor scrapes and cuts as well as gushing wounds from accidents.
Enhances the taste of your food
As mentioned before, cloves contain an ingredient called allicin. This compound gives clove powder its unique flavor and aroma.
Allicin is naturally occurring sulfur that comes from onion or garlic products. When consumed, it breaks down into another chemical compound that has similar properties to sodium chloride, which means it can help neutralize other chemicals in our bodies.
This includes ketones, acids such as lactic acid and acetic acid, and glucose (sugar). All of these are present in higher amounts due to stressors like poor diet and/or excessive exercise.
Cloves have been shown to reduce ketone levels when ingested; however, they may also increase glucose levels depending on how you use them. Because of this, there isn’t any clear evidence whether or not consuming cloves helps with weight loss or diabetes.
Some studies suggest that eating more spices like curry contains may improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels, but this requires having enough nutrition so that you don’t feel hungry. That is why it is important to eat adequate protein, carbs, and fat while using cloves for health benefits.
Cloves can be used directly in recipes or you can purchase dried or powdered form if you would like to add it to foods yourself.
