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5Cloves - scientifically proven benefits of spices for the body
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the EdaPlus.info project E-mail: eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Abstract. The article discusses the main properties of cloves and its effect on the human body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. The chemical composition and nutritional value of the product are indicated, the use of cloves in various types of medicine and the effectiveness of its use in various diseases are considered. The potentially adverse effects of cloves on the human body under certain medical conditions and diseases are analyzed separately.
Key words: cloves , benefit, harm, beneficial properties, contraindications
Fragrant cloves make food tasty and healthy due to its effective composition. In India, it is loved for its medicinal properties and is used to combat coughs, sore throats, and toothaches. Studies have confirmed that the spice contains the antioxidant eugenol, therefore supporting liver function and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Here are all the health benefits of spice proven by science.
The calorie content of cloves is low - 274 kcal per 100 g of powder. It contains fiber, iron , magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and other minerals. Most of all in the composition of vitamin K, but even more important is the content of manganese - in 2 g 30-55% of the daily requirement of the mineral. But it should be borne in mind that the flower buds of the clove tree have a bright taste, therefore they are used in small quantities and do not provide the body with all the nutrients. [one]
Top 7 Proven Health Benefits of Clove
1. Destroys bacteria
Chewing whole cloves is an ancient way of promoting oral health and protecting it from germs. Scientists have confirmed that the spice has antimicrobial properties. The compounds included in its composition stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease. And the essential
oil kills three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, the strain that causes food poisoning. [2, 3' 4
5]
2. Protects against free radicals
Clove contains antioxidants and with their help reduces oxidative stress, prevents the development of chronic diseases. Eugenol plays a major role in the fight against free radicals. A test-tube study found that the compound stopped oxidative damage five times more effectively than vitamin E. [6, 7]
3. Supports Liver Health
Spice reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases of the largest organ. The antioxidant eugenol effectively fights fatty liver, reduces inflammation, reverses the signs of cirrhosis, scarring. There is every reason to believe that in the future it will become the main component of medicines. [8, 9 10, 11]
4. Reduces stomach ulcers
Experiments conducted on animals show that the use of clove oil stimulates the production of gastric mucus - the most important factor in protecting the mucous membrane. It prevents the erosion that digestive acids can cause and the likelihood of ulcers. Its components in their action are similar to antiulcer drugs. Additionally, they reduce the negative impact on the gastrointestinal tract of factors such as stress, infection, genetics. [12, 13, 14]
5. Regulates Blood Sugar
According to some animal studies, clove extract improves diabetes by improving blood sugar levels when combined with a balanced diet. The compound nigericin increases the absorption of sugar from the blood into cells and stimulates the production of insulin even in diabetes. [15, 16]
6. Fights cancer
The extract helps to stop the growth of oncological tumors and provokes the death of malignant cells. Test-tube studies show that concentrated clove oil causes the death of 80% of esophageal cancer cells. Eugenol also contributes to the death of cervical cancer cells, prevents the development of other malignant tumors. [17, 18, 19]
7. Supports Bone Health
The high content of eugenol improves the condition in osteoporosis, helps maintain bone mass. Not the last role is played by manganese - a mineral that is involved in the formation of bones, increases their mineral density. [20, 21]
Precautions and risks when eating cloves
Eugenol is toxic in large amounts, and an overdose of clove oil can cause organ damage and seizures, especially in children. This was shown in one study involving a 2-year-old boy in whom 5-10 ml of an oily extract caused serious liver damage. [22, 23]
Clove oil also slows down blood clotting - causing bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. The product can cause bleeding during and after surgery, so doctors advise to stop using it two weeks before elective surgery.
How many cloves can men, women and children eat?
There is not enough reliable information about the safe portions of the spice. It is known that high doses can be harmful and dangerous for people with gastritis and ulcers instead of good. It is advisable to consume the product in small quantities with food - no more than 1-2 g several times a week. It can be eaten at any time of the day, but when taken before bed, the benefits are doubled. [24]
Cloves in cooking: how to eat and where to add
A versatile spice available in whole and ground forms. It adds a warm, characteristic flavor to stews, sauces, oatmeal, rice side dishes, muffins, gingerbread, apple and other desserts. It is easy to add to many dishes, like cinnamon, ginger. In India and Pakistan, the spice is used to make a drink from a mixture of tea, spices and milk.
Expert comment
Tatyana Eliseeva, nutritionist, nutritionist
The benefits of the fragrant spice are still being studied, but it is already known that it kills bacteria, helps get rid of a scratchy throat and supports the immune system. For all the amazing health benefits, add cloves to your daily diet. Consult a dietitian or nutritionist to find out how much superfood is good for your body based on your health and well-being.
Literature
1. Spices, cloves, ground, https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171321/nutrients
2. Antimicrobial Activities of Clove and Thyme Extracts, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074903/
3. Microbicide activity of clove essential oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769004/
4. Compounds from Syzygium aromaticum possessing growth inhibitory activity against oral pathogens, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8904847/
5. A comparative study of antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of herbal mouthrinse containing tea tree oil, clove, and basil with commercially available essential oil mouthrinse, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095623/
6. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
7. Assessment of antioxidant activity of eugenol in vitro and in vivo, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20013178/
8. Protective effect of clove oil and eugenol microemulsions on fatty liver and dyslipidemia as components of metabolic syndrome, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24611461/
9. Eugenol-rich Fraction of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Reverses Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in Liver Cirrhosis and Inhibits Hepatic Cell Proliferation, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4285960/
10. Effect of short-term dietary administration of eugenol in humans, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8645503/
11. Glutathione S-transferases in alcoholic liver disease, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1378621/
12. Gastroprotective activity of essential oil of the Syzygium aromaticum and its major component eugenol in different animal models, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21140134/
13. Barrier function of gastric mucus, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10405521/
14. Gastrointestinal effects of Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae) in animal models, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19062476/
15. Hypoglycemic effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum flower buds) on genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice and identification of the active ingredients, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21987283/
16. Clove and Its Active Compound Attenuate Free Fatty Acid-Mediated Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle Cells and in Mice, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28338397/
17. Comparative anticancer potential of clove (Syzygium aromaticum)--an Indian spice--against cancer cell lines of various anatomical origin, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22292639/
18. Clove Extract Inhibits Tumor Growth and Promotes Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132639/
19. Eugenol enhances the chemotherapeutic potential of gemcitabine and induces anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activity in human cervical cancer cells, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21939359/
20. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum Linn) extract rich in eugenol and eugenol derivatives shows bone-preserving efficacy, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21711176/
21. Manganese supplementation improves mineral density of the spine and femur and serum osteocalcin in rats, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18330520/
22. Near fatal ingestion of oil of cloves, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8215554/
23. An unexpected positive hypersensitive reaction to eugenol, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3794103/
24. Essential oil poisoning: N-acetylcysteine for eugenol-induced hepatic failure and analysis of a national database, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-005-1692-1
An extended HTML version of this article is available on the edaplus.info website . Cloves - scientifically proven benefits of spices for the body
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Received 26.02.2022
Abstract. The article discusses the main properties of cloves and its effect on the human body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. The chemical composition and nutritional value of the product are indicated, the use of cloves in various types of medicine and the effectiveness of its use in various diseases are considered. The potentially adverse effects of cloves on the human body under certain medical conditions and diseases are analyzed separately.
