Cloves: The secret spice that fights infections and lowers blood pressure
Soon, you'll reach for this spice more often because it's great for apple pie. It's also hard to imagine winter tea or mulled wine without it. Yes, we're talking about cloves. You probably appreciate their extraordinary aroma, but did you know this spice has remarkable health benefits?
2:49 PM EDT, July 23, 2024
Cloves are a spice that has been used for centuries. They not only have a unique taste and aroma, but the dried flower buds of the clove tree have a beneficial impact on health. Using them year-round is good, not just for holiday baking or warming drinks.
Rich composition
Cloves have a rich chemical composition that is responsible for their health properties. Among other things, they contain an essential oil (15-20%), which mainly consists of eugenol, known for its medicinal properties. Eugenol has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects, making cloves useful for various infections. Cloves are also a source of vitamins (A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, folates) and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc). They also have fiber, which supports digestive health.
Pain relief
When do cloves help? The eugenol in them gives cloves antibacterial properties, fighting bacteria responsible for stomach diseases, urinary infections, and respiratory infections. Cloves are also effective in combating viruses, including flu and herpes. Therefore, incorporating cloves into your daily diet can improve your immunity. Additionally, cloves help alleviate inflammation and pain thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Recommended for hypertension
Alongside mint, lemon balm, cinnamon, and vanilla, cloves are among the spices recommended for people with hypertension. It's better to limit vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and soy sauce and instead use natural herbs and spices.
Other benefits
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Regulate "bad" cholesterol levels
- Help prevent heart attacks
- Have calming effects
Drink an infusion
Cloves add a deep, spicy flavor to dishes. They are often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian dishes. In European cuisine, they are also known as an addition to cakes, compotes, and meats. Cloves can be used to prepare healthful infusions. Just pour boiling water over a few cloves to make a drink that warms and helps fight colds and sore throats. Cloves can also be added to tea to enrich its flavor and health benefits.
