Clove
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Fun facts:
- Cloves are unopened sun dried flower buds of the tropical clove tree.
- Cloves have an assertive, characteristic taste given by the essential oil eugenol, they go well with savory and sweet foods but must be used sparingly.😲
- Cloves have a fruity hot taste with a warm aroma and undertones of camphor and pepper.🌹
- Tanzania, Zanzibar and Madagascar are the main exporters of cloves.
Benefits:
- Contain important nutrients: Cloves have a low calorie count but are high in manganese. Aside from that, they're a minor nutrient source.
- High in antioxidants: Cloves are rich in antioxidants, such as eugenol, which can help with oxidative stress reduction.
- Protects against cancer: Clove compounds have been shown in test tubes to inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. More research is required in humans to validate these results.
- Anti-bacterial: Cloves' antimicrobial properties, which may help kill harmful bacteria, have been shown in studies to improve oral health.
- Improves liver health: Cloves and the compounds they produce have been shown in several studies to help alleviate oxidative stress and protect the liver.
- Helps regulate blood sugar: Clove compounds have been shown in test tubes and animal experiments to help stimulate insulin development and lower blood sugar levels.
- Promotes bone health: Clove extract and manganese have been shown in animal studies to help increase bone mineral density. To confirm these results, further research is required.
- Reduces stomach ulcers: Clove extract and clove oil have been shown in animal studies to improve gastric mucus production and protect against stomach ulcers. More human research is needed.
How to take:
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They'll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries, or chutneys. You can also simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea. Cloves are delicious and may provide many important health benefits.
