Cloves, a spice with a rich history and a distinct aroma, are more than just a culinary ingredient. They have been used for centuries in various cultures for their medicinal properties.
In fact, chewing on cloves has been linked to various health benefits, from oral health maintenance to potential cancer prevention.
This article breaks down the science-backed advantages of incorporating cloves into your daily routine, highlighting how this small spice can make a significant impact on your overall well-being.
What are Cloves?
Cloves are aromatic flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Widely used as a spice, they are recognized for their distinct, pungent flavor and are utilized in both culinary and medicinal applications across various cultures.
Benefits of Chewing Cloves
- Promotes oral health
- Supports liver health
- Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
- Promotes digestive health
- Boosts antioxidant properties
- Promotes pain relief
- Helps with weight management
- Enhances immune support
- Provides respiratory relief
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps with cancer prevention
Watch this video or keep reading to learn about the surprising benefits that stem from chewing cloves.
Promotes Oral Health
Chewing cloves is highly beneficial for oral health due to their antiseptic properties.
The eugenol oil in cloves acts as a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent, making it effective in alleviating toothaches and gum pain.
Additionally, cloves combat oral bacteria, preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Their antimicrobial properties also help in fighting oral pathogens, ensuring a healthier oral microbiome.
Regular use of cloves in moderation can enhance overall oral hygiene, contribute to fresher breath, and support the health of teeth and gums.
These True Organic Ceylon USDA-certified whole cloves are shown to provide a multitude of health benefits for the human body.
Supports Liver Health
Cloves are known for their liver-protective properties. They contain antioxidants that help in combating liver oxidative stress.
Eugenol in cloves plays a significant role in preventing liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease by improving liver function. It aids in the metabolism of toxins, helping the liver to process and eliminate them efficiently.
Regular consumption of cloves in moderation can help detoxify the liver, promoting its health and preventing liver diseases.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves also reduce inflammation in the liver, contributing to its overall well-being.
Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
Cloves have a significant impact on blood sugar control, making them beneficial for individuals with or at risk of diabetes.
They contain compounds that help in the enhancement of insulin production, thus improving the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the high fiber content in cloves contributes to a slower absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar.
Regular consumption of cloves can aid in maintaining consistent blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications and supporting overall metabolic health.
Promotes Digestive Health
The digestive benefits of cloves are numerous. They stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, which aids in efficient digestion and reduces digestive disorders such as bloating, gastric irritability, and indigestion.
The eugenol in cloves exhibits strong antibacterial properties, helping to maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and combat gastrointestinal infections.
Cloves also have carminative properties, which prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, thus alleviating discomfort. Incorporating cloves into the diet can promote a healthy digestive system and improve gut health.
Boosts Antioxidant Properties
Cloves are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which are crucial for combating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
These antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process and boosting overall health.
The presence of compounds like eugenol, flavonoids, and vitamin C contributes to their strong antioxidant profile. This helps in fortifying the body’s defense system against various ailments, including heart diseases and certain types of cancer.
Regular consumption of cloves can enhance the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, promoting overall health and well-being.
Promotes Pain Relief
Cloves are renowned for their natural analgesic properties, making them effective in alleviating various types of pain.
Eugenol, a key compound found in cloves, is particularly effective in reducing toothache and gum pain. This compound works by numbing the affected area and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, cloves have been used in traditional medicine to relieve headaches, arthritis pain, and muscular aches due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
The pain-relieving effect of cloves can be attributed to their ability to block pain signals and reduce inflammation, making them a natural alternative to synthetic painkillers.
Helps with Weight Management
Incorporating cloves into a diet can assist in weight management. Cloves stimulate metabolism, aiding in the faster breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight loss.
Their fiber content also plays a crucial role in weight management by promoting a sense of fullness and reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Furthermore, the thermogenic properties of cloves help in increasing body temperature, which in turn can boost metabolic rate and calorie burning.
Regular consumption of cloves, as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, can be beneficial for those looking to manage their weight effectively.
Enhances Immune Support
Cloves provide a significant boost to the immune system due to their high concentration of antioxidants and nutrients.
These compounds help in combating free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and strengthening the body’s defenses against various infections and diseases.
Cloves also have antimicrobial properties that help in fighting off pathogens and improving immune response.
The presence of vitamin C and other immune-boosting compounds in cloves further enhances their effectiveness in supporting immune health.
Regular consumption of cloves can lead to a more robust immune system, better equipped to defend against illnesses.
Provides Respiratory Relief
Cloves offer notable benefits for respiratory health. Their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties make them effective in alleviating coughs, colds, and sore throats.
The eugenol in cloves helps in soothing the throat and reducing irritation. Additionally, cloves are beneficial in clearing nasal passages and relieving congestion in the lungs.
They also possess antimicrobial properties, which can help in fighting respiratory infections.
Inhaling the aroma of cloves or consuming them can provide relief from respiratory ailments and improve overall respiratory function.
Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves are significant in reducing inflammation throughout the body. This is largely attributed to the presence of eugenol, which inhibits the activity of enzymes that cause inflammation.
Regular consumption of cloves can help in managing conditions like arthritis, where inflammation is a key concern.
Their anti-inflammatory effects also benefit overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with inflammation, such as heart disease.
Including cloves in the diet can be an effective way to naturally reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Helps with Cancer Prevention
Cloves have been studied for their potential role in cancer prevention. The antioxidants present in cloves, especially eugenol, play a key role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which is a risk factor for cancer.
Eugenol has been found to induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of cancer cells, suggesting a possible protective effect against cancer.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of cloves may also contribute to reducing the risk of cancer by preventing chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancerous changes in cells.
While cloves are not a cure for cancer, their inclusion in a balanced diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle that may reduce cancer risk.
FAQs About Chewing Cloves
Is Chewing Cloves Good for You?
Yes, chewing cloves can be good for you. They offer various health benefits, including promoting oral health, supporting liver health, enhancing immune function, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Cloves are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Can You Chew Cloves and Swallow Them?
Yes, you can chew cloves and swallow them. However, they should be consumed in moderation. Cloves are quite potent and can be overpowering in taste.
Swallowing them in small quantities after chewing can help you reap their health benefits.
Is Eating Raw Cloves Good for You?
Eating raw cloves can be beneficial due to their nutrient content and medicinal properties. They are particularly known for their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Consuming raw cloves can help in improving oral health, digestion, and overall immunity.
What are the Side Effects of Chewing Cloves?
While cloves are generally safe, excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as mouth irritation, damage to the gums and dental tissues, or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Overconsumption may also cause digestive issues. It’s important to consume cloves in moderation.
What Does Chewing on a Clove Do?
Chewing on a clove can have several health benefits. It can help in relieving toothache and improving oral hygiene due to its antibacterial properties.
Cloves also aid in digestion, boost immune function, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the act of chewing cloves can freshen your breath and provide temporary relief from sore throats.
Is Chewing Cloves Good for Bad Breath?
Yes, chewing cloves is beneficial for bad breath. Cloves have strong antibacterial properties that help in eliminating oral bacteria, one of the primary causes of bad breath.
Additionally, their strong, pleasant aroma can effectively mask bad breath, providing a natural breath freshener.
How Many Cloves Can Be Eaten in a Day?
The recommended quantity of cloves to be eaten in a day varies, but generally, consuming 2-3 cloves per day is considered safe for most people.
It’s important to remember that cloves are potent and should be consumed in moderation to avoid any adverse effects.
What Happens if You Chew Cloves Every Day?
Chewing cloves every day in moderation can contribute to various health benefits such as improved oral hygiene, enhanced digestion, better immune response, and relief from inflammatory conditions.
However, it is crucial to consume them in moderation to avoid potential side effects like irritation in the mouth, digestive issues, or allergic reactions.
Note: Regular consumption should be balanced and not excessive.
Final Thoughts
The health benefits of chewing cloves are diverse and significant. From enhancing oral health to providing potential cancer prevention, cloves offer an array of advantages for overall well-being.
Their natural compounds, such as eugenol and antioxidants, contribute to these benefits, underscoring the importance of natural remedies in maintaining health.
While they are not a substitute for medical treatment, incorporating cloves into a balanced diet can complement health strategies and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others live a healthier life.
References
- Cortés-Rojas DF, de Souza CR, Oliveira WP. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014.