By Chisom Ibemere
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree which are common in Ayurvedic medicine. They have a strong, pungent flavor and are used in various cuisines as spice. They are locally referred to as kanafuru in Yoruba, kanumfari in Hausa and kanafure in Igbo.
Cloves are rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber. They are one of the highest-ranking spices for antioxidant content. They neutralize harmful free radicals and protect against oxidative stress due to their high anti-oxidant content.
Cloves are composed of eugenol, compound that possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate associated symptoms.
They have been used to improve oral health due to their antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Cloves stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and improve the absorption of nutrients thereby aiding digestion. They aid the relieve of digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and stomach ulcers.
Clove oil has pain-relieving properties and can be used topically to alleviate toothaches, headaches, and muscle pain. They can help soothe respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and asthma due to their expectorant and anti inflammatory properties.
Cloves may help to increase insulin secretion and improving insulin efficiency. They are composed of compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
They contain bioactive compounds that have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells thereby reducing the risk of certain types of cancer,
Cloves with their numerous health benefits, should be consumed in moderation as they have a strong flavor and can be overpowering.
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They’ll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries, or chutneys. Another way to consume clove is to simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea.