The Power of Clove: A Spice That Packs a Punch for Your Well-being
How Clove Can Boost Your Health, According to Nutritionists.
Unlocking the Health Benefits: Nutritionists Shed Light on Clove’s Potential to Enhance Your Overall Wellness
Clove is a spice that is widely used in cooking and baking, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, which is native to Indonesia. Clove has a strong and distinctive aroma and flavor, and is often used in combination with other spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
But clove is not only a culinary ingredient, it is also a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clove has various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, fighting infections, relieving pain, and improving digestion. In this article, we will explore some of the scientific evidence and expert opinions on how clove can boost your health, and how much you should consume.
The Health Benefits of Clove
According to Luciana M. Cherubin and Madison Shaw, both experts in nutrition, clove has several health benefits, which include:
Reducing oxidative stress: Clove is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect the cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Clove has one of the highest antioxidant capacities among spices, and can help prevent and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Promoting oral health: Clove has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which can help prevent and treat oral infections, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Clove also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve toothache and sore gums. Clove oil is often used as a natural remedy for dental problems, and can be applied topically to the affected area, or diluted in water and used as a mouthwash.
Aiding digestion: Clove can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, which can help break down the food and improve the absorption of nutrients. Clove can also help relieve digestive disorders, such as indigestion, bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Clove tea is a popular drink that can help soothe the stomach and promote digestion.
Supporting liver health: Clove can protect the liver from the toxic effects of certain substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and environmental pollutants. Clove can also enhance the liver’s ability to detoxify the body and eliminate the waste products. Clove can also help regulate the blood sugar levels, which can prevent or manage diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for liver diseases.
Improving blood circulation: Clove can improve the blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow. This can help lower the blood pressure and the cholesterol levels, which can prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Clove can also prevent the formation of blood clots, which can cause thrombosis and embolism.
The Recommended Quantity of Clove
Clove is generally safe and well-tolerated when consumed in moderation, as part of a balanced and varied diet. However, excessive or prolonged consumption of clove can cause some side effects, such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, mouth ulcers, bleeding disorders, liver damage, and seizures. Clove can also interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, antidiabetics, and anticonvulsants, and can affect their effectiveness or cause adverse reactions.
Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before using clove as a supplement or a remedy, especially if you have any medical condition or take any medication.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable daily intake of clove is 2.5 mg per kg of body weight.
This means that for an average adult weighing 70 kg, the safe amount of clove is about 175 mg per day, which is equivalent to about half a teaspoon of ground clove.
Clove is a spice that can add flavor and aroma to your dishes, as well as provide various health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress, promoting oral health, aiding digestion, supporting liver health, and improving blood circulation. However, clove should be consumed in moderation, and with caution, as it can also cause some side effects and interactions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using clove as a supplement or a remedy, and to follow the recommended quantity of clove for optimal health.
