If you open the spice box in your kitchen, you will definitely see cloves. When you make something like a meat curry or a biryani, how wonderful is the taste and aroma that comes with a few fragrant clove pods? But these little clove pods are not just a spice. Inside them, there are many secrets that are very valuable to our health, as well as dangerous things that we should be careful about. So today, let's learn more about these cloves.
What are these cloves?
Simply put, cloves are a spice made by drying the flower buds of the clove tree. In the past, spices were considered as valuable as gold. Cloves are no different. Today, they have become an indispensable part of our kitchens. We use cloves whole (in pod form) or powdered. These small, dark brown pods add a subtle sweetness and a warm, earthy flavor to dishes.
How are the nutritional values of cloves?
Cloves are very nutritious. They are especially high in the mineral manganese . This manganese helps our body control enzymes, strengthen bones, and produce hormones. Manganese is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals , which are harmful particles that damage our cells.
In addition, cloves are also rich in the following:
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
- Eugenol - This is the main active compound in cloves.
Let's see what the nutrition in a teaspoon of cloves (powder) is like.
| Nutrient section | Size |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6 |
| Protein | Less than 1 gram |
| Fat | Less than 1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 1 gram |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
Cloves get their characteristic brown color from a pigment called beta-carotene . This carotene is converted into vitamin A in our bodies. As you know, vitamin A is essential for keeping our eyesight healthy.
Benefits of cloves for our body
Reduces swelling and pain
Eugenol, a compound found in cloves, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can reduce inflammation and associated pain in the body. This property helps control joint pain and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis.
Protects cells from damage (Antioxidant properties)
There are harmful particles called free radicals in our body that damage cells and age the body from within, just like rusting iron. The antioxidants in cloves help remove these harmful particles from the body. This helps reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and some types of cancer.
Reduces the occurrence of stomach ulcers
A major cause of stomach ulcers, or gastric ulcers, is the thinning of the mucus layer that protects the stomach wall. Some preliminary studies have shown that consuming cloves can thicken this mucus layer. This reduces the risk of new ulcers forming and helps existing ulcers heal.
Improves liver function.
Research has found that cloves are also good for the health of the liver, one of the most important organs in our body. There is evidence that eugenol, a compound found in cloves, can reduce the symptoms of conditions such as liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Everyone's talking about Clove Oil
You may have heard of clove oil being used as an instant relief for toothaches since ancient times. It is still a popular treatment today. The reason for this is that clove oil contains a very high concentration of eugenol.
Eugenol is a natural anesthetic, meaning it causes a numbing sensation. Applying a little clove oil to the area of a toothache numbs the area, temporarily relieving the pain.
But the most important thing to remember is that while clove oil may help relieve pain, there is still not enough scientific evidence to prove that it kills the bacterial infection that caused the pain. Therefore, if you have a toothache, even if you use clove oil for temporary relief, you should definitely see a dentist for proper treatment.
Things to watch out for: Side effects of cloves
Cloves have a very strong flavor and aroma. It is generally safe to add a small amount to food as a spice. However, there are a few things we need to be very careful about when using cloves, and especially clove oil .
| Risk situation | Description and warning |
|---|---|
| Drug Interactions | If you are taking blood-thinning medications like Warfarin , avoid clove oil and clove tea. Eugenol can further reduce blood clotting. As a spice, a small amount may not be a problem. But it is important to ask your doctor. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | People with diabetes can benefit from cloves to help control their blood sugar levels. However, if consumed in excess, blood sugar levels can drop dangerously low. This condition is called hypoglycemia . |
| Clove oil toxicity (Essential oil toxicity) | Clove oil is a very concentrated substance. Never drink clove oil. It can be toxic. Ingestion of large doses (about 2-6 teaspoons) can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, and even coma. |
| Liver damage | Clove oil, especially in young children and infants, can cause serious liver damage. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may appear within 12-24 hours. Therefore, clove oil should not be given to children. |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may be allergic to eugenol. When it comes into contact with the skin or gums, symptoms may include redness, inflammation, and blistering elsewhere on the body. |
Very important: If someone, especially a child, accidentally ingests clove oil, immediately take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). If necessary, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How to use cloves correctly?
Since cloves are dried flower buds, we can easily get them throughout the year. However, once they are ground, their aroma and properties quickly disappear. Therefore, it is best to take cloves as pods and store them in an airtight bottle. Grind them with a pepper grinder or mortar and pestle when needed.
Here are some ways you can add cloves to your diet:
- Add a few pods to meat, fish, or vegetable curry.
- Add it while making biryani and yellow rice.
- Add a little powder when making pumpkin pie or cakes.
- Use when making chai tea (Chai latte).
Some people soak cloves in water and drink it as "clove water." However, there is no scientific evidence that it provides any health benefits. Also, since there is no control over how much eugenol enters the body when drinking it, it can be dangerous.
Take-Home Message
- Cloves are a valuable spice that adds flavor and aroma to food and contains many health-promoting nutrients. They are generally very safe to use as a spice in cooking .
- Clove oil is a very potent and concentrated substance. Never consume or use it excessively without medical advice.
- Especially young children, pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, those with blood clotting problems, and diabetics should be very careful when using clove oil or supplements containing cloves.
- If you are taking medication for a medical condition (e.g. diabetes) or are taking blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin), be sure to talk to your doctor before using cloves as a medicine.
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