Rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, cloves offer a wide array of medicinal properties, from enhancing digestive health to protecting against chronic diseases.
This article explores the various detoxifying health benefits of cloves, highlighting how this small spice can make a significant impact on your overall wellness.
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What are the Detox Benefits of Cloves?
Cloves enhance detoxification by supporting liver function and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Their high antioxidant content combats oxidative stress, while their antimicrobial properties help cleanse the digestive system, making them an effective aid in purifying the body and boosting overall health.
Health Benefits of Cloves
- Packed with Antioxidants
- Antibacterial Properties
- Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
- Promote Healthy Bones
- Help with Digestion
- Prevent Stomach Ulcers
- Reduce Inflammation
- Boost the Immune System
- Treat a Toothache
- Improve Liver Health
Watch this video or keep reading to learn about the detoxifying benefits that stem from consuming cloves.
Packed with Antioxidants
Cloves are incredibly rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight oxidative stress and combat the free radicals that can damage cells in the body.
One study compared the antioxidant capacity of 26 different spices and found that cloves were the most potent.
Cloves contain a compound known as eugenol, which researchers believe to be responsible for most of the impressive health benefits. The antioxidant potential of eugenol was shown to be five times stronger than vitamin E.
Therefore, consuming only two cloves in the morning is an easy and effective way to boost your antioxidants and combat free radical damage throughout the day.
These True Organic Ceylon USDA-certified whole cloves are shown to provide a multitude of health benefits for the human body.
Antibacterial Properties
Cloves exhibit significant antibacterial properties, making them an effective natural remedy for combating bacterial infections.
The active compound eugenol, found in cloves, has been extensively studied for its antibacterial effects against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause common infections like strep throat, staph infections, and pneumonia.
Clove essential oil is often used as a mouthwash to treat oral infections. It can also be used topically due to its ability to kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Cloves also contain a property known as allicin, which is also found in garlic. Therefore, you can consider consuming cloves and garlic for maximum antibacterial protection.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Cloves can play a significant role in managing blood sugar levels, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Studies found that their properties can help increase the uptake of glucose from the blood to your cells. Ultimately, this helps increase the production of insulin.
This explains why researchers believe that cloves effectively manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Promote Healthy Bones
Cloves are packed with calcium, phosphorus, boron, magnesium, and manganese, essential minerals that play a significant role in healthy bone development.
Studies found that clove consumption is linked to increased bone density, mineral content, and overall bone strength.
In other words, cloves appear to be highly effective in preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Help with Digestion
Cloves have been traditionally used to enhance digestive health and relieve digestive issues.
Their properties can increase the amount of gastric mucus produced, creating a barrier between the digestive lining and harmful fluids such as stomach acid and bile.
This ensures that the digestive lining isn’t exposed directly to acidic or alkaline corrosion. Again, eugenol is the property of cloves that is believed to be responsible for this benefit.
Cloves can also help digestion by killing off pathogens and certain fungi that try to disrupt the healthy intestinal flora in your gut.
Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Cloves are beneficial in preventing and treating stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers. These ulcers can develop on the stomach lining due to excessive stomach acid or a breakdown in the mucosal lining that protects it.
Researchers believe that eugenol helps increase gastric mucus, which protects the entire digestive system and helps prevent stomach ulcers from developing.
One study tested the effectiveness of cloves compared to pharmaceutical drugs in preventing and treating stomach ulcers.
The results found that cloves exhibited effects similar to the anti-ulcer drugs that were administered. However, more research is needed in this area, but preliminary findings seem promising.
Reduce Inflammation
Cloves are highly effective at reducing inflammation due to their rich content of anti-inflammatory compounds like eugenol.
This natural substance works by inhibiting the enzymes that produce inflammatory markers in the body, thus helping to reduce swelling, pain, and redness associated with various inflammatory conditions.
Whether it’s inflammation linked to arthritis, muscle pains, or inflammatory diseases such as asthma, cloves can offer significant relief.
Regular consumption of cloves, either in whole form or as an oil, can be a natural way to manage inflammation and associated symptoms, promoting overall well-being and comfort.
Boost the Immune System
Cloves are a powerhouse for boosting the immune system. Their high levels of antioxidants and micronutrients, such as vitamin C and manganese, strengthen the immune system, enabling it to better fend off infections and illnesses.
The antimicrobial properties of cloves also play a crucial role, offering a natural defense mechanism against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Furthermore, the eugenol in cloves has been shown to enhance the proliferation of white blood cells, the body’s primary defense against pathogens.
This enhances the immune response and reduces susceptibility to disease. Incorporating cloves into the diet can help keep the immune system robust and responsive.
Treat a Toothache
Cloves are a traditional remedy for toothaches due to their pain-relieving properties, primarily attributed to the compound eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic.
Eugenol effectively numbs and reduces pain in the affected area while also possessing antiseptic properties that help reduce infections in the mouth.
One study was performed to test the effectiveness of cloves compared to benzocaine, a topical anesthetic used in the dental setting. The results showed that both cloves and benzocaine offered similar pain relief.
Clove-based mouthwash contains anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties, which can inhibit pathogens’ growth and boost dental health.
This makes clove oil a popular choice for temporary relief from dental pain. A small amount can be applied directly to the affected tooth or gum area, providing quick relief from discomfort.
Additionally, chewing on a whole clove can slowly release eugenol, soothing pain and keeping oral environments healthy.
Improve Liver Health
Cloves are beneficial for liver health due to their high antioxidant content, particularly in protecting the liver against damage from toxins and promoting liver function.
Studies found them to be effective in decreasing the amount of a specific enzyme that is involved in the development of liver disease.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of cloves may also support liver health by reducing inflammation within the liver, which can contribute to its better functioning and resilience against diseases.
This goes a long way in preventing fatty liver disease, a growing concern that is expected to affect up to 33% of adults by 2030.
Thus, regular clove intake can be a supportive measure in maintaining healthy liver function and staving off liver-related diseases.
Final Thoughts
Cloves offer a natural and effective way to support the body’s detoxification processes.
Their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties not only cleanse but also protect against disease by eliminating harmful toxins and improving liver function.
By incorporating cloves into your daily routine, you can take a proactive step towards maintaining cleansed and vibrant body systems, enhancing your overall health and well-being.
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.