Health benefits of cloves

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum, which is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

They have been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes for centuries. Cloves were highly valued in ancient times and were one of the most sought-after spices in Europe during the Middle Ages.

They have been traded along ancient spice routes, this has contributed to their widespread use in various cultures all around the world.

Today, cloves are grown in several countries, including Indonesia, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

Clove’s aromatic flavor adds a spicy warmth to both sweet and savory dishes. However, it should be used sparingly, as its potent flavor can overwhelm a dish. Also, note that if you are cooking with whole cloves, they should be removed before serving. Below are some benefits:

CONTAIN IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS
Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.

CAN KILL OFF BACTERIA
Cloves have shown to have antimicrobial properties?.  Meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria.

KEEP BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL IN CHECK
For anyone who’s watching their blood sugar levels will be happy to know that, one great strategy for keeping things in order is to simply add cloves into their meals.

Stimulates circulation, due to its “hot” nature, enhancing gum tissue health. For toothache, chew on a clove or apply a single drop of clove oil to the affected area.

One study showed that, clove oil to be as effective as benzocaine, a dental local analgesic when used before the needle is  inserted. Due to its antiseptic properties, clove oil is useful in preventing gum disease.

STRONGER IMMUNITY
Clove oil can work wonders in boosting your immunity. The antioxidant property present in the oil acts as a scavenger against the free radicals that can cause various diseases like cancer and heart ailments.

FOR BEAUTIFUL HAIR

This liquid wonder can also give you beautiful locks. Applying clove oil on your scalp boosts blood circulation which reduces hair fall and also promotes hair growth.

SAFETY FIRST
There is also the potential for topical application to be a skin irritant. Clove oil has not been widely tested during pregnancy or breast-feeding so it is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during these periods.

A HEALTHY CLOVES DRINK CAN BE MADE BY STEEPING CLOVES IN HOT WATER. HERE’S A SIMPLE RECIPE:
INGREDIENTS:
1-2 teaspoons of whole cloves
1 cup of hot water
Optional: honey or lemon for added flavor
INSTRUCTIONS:
Boil a cup of water and let it cool slightly.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of whole cloves to the hot water.
Allow the cloves to steep in the water for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
Remove the cloves or strain the liquid to remove them.
If desired, add a touch of honey or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Enjoy your healthy cloves drink!
NOTE: It’s important not to consume excessive amounts of cloves, as they can be strong in flavor and might cause irritation in large quantities.

Source: myghanadaily