Carnation is associated with gingerbread, winter cocktails and pumpkin dishes. Like cinnamon and ginger, it has warming properties and can add a special flavor to any dish, from Indian spiced chicken to latte tea. But cloves are not just another spice for your dinner, but a whole range of healthy elements. It is one of the favorite ingredients in Ayurveda and has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic properties and is great for prevention and treatment at home. Other reasons to add cloves to almost any food are detailed in our material.
1. Cloves normalize blood sugar
Scientific studies carried out on diabetic mice have clearly shown that the substance of cloves can significantly lower glucose levels. As for the people, the predictions here are also very promising. In one mini-study, diabetic patients were prescribed to take 1-3 grams of cloves regularly for 30 days. As a result, a month later, the patients showed positive changes associated with risk factors for diabetes - glucose, fat and cholesterol levels.
Another study found that people who regularly used cloves as a seasoning experienced a gradual normalization of their glucose levels. Scientists believe that the secret of such a beneficial effect of cloves on blood sugar balance is due to manganese in its composition, which plays a leading role in the production of insulin, a protein responsible for carbohydrate metabolism in the body.
2. Cloves are a rich source of antioxidants
Dark chocolate, blueberries, red wine - all this comes to mind when the word "antioxidant" sounds. But with a carnation, such a connection is unlikely to arise. Let's face it, this is a big omission. Plants and spices are the best sources of antioxidants, among which cloves are rightfully leading. In terms of their concentration, it surpasses blueberries by 30 times.
As we know, antioxidants are the main "protectors" of youth, neutralizing free radicals that weaken skin cells. Because of this, they become more vulnerable and easily susceptible to the destructive effects of chronic diseases, disorders and other factors of aging (see also: "How White Truffle Will Save You From Premature Aging"). Laboratory studies have also shown that the antioxidant properties of cloves have an effect on slowing the growth of malignant tumors. Conclusion: for treatment or prevention, but cloves should be included in the list of essential products.
3. Cloves can relieve toothache
As early as the 13th century, cloves were used as a remedy to relieve pain in the mouth. And it worked great thanks to the eugenol in its composition - a substance that is actually a powerful analgesic. In one scientific experiment, patients who used eugenol paste after being conjured by a dentist on their teeth experienced less pain than those who resorted to regular pain relievers or did without all of the above. It is also known that cloves can be an excellent local anesthetic.
And one more pleasant bonus: cloves are excellent at reducing plaque and gum disease, so this is another reason to look for clove paste on the shelves (read also: "5 products for perfect teeth cleanliness").
4. Cloves are a rich source of manganese
At first glance, it may seem that since the miracle properties of the carnation have not yet been described on all existing healthy lifestyle portals, then you should definitely not look for any special benefits from it. However, this is not at all the case: cloves are a real storehouse of manganese, which, along with calcium, is the main bone-building nutrient in our body. Just one tablespoon of cloves contains up to 50% of the recommended amount of manganese daily.
Dosage and safety question
It has been proven that, without the presence of special contraindications as a dietary supplement, cloves are absolutely safe. However, taking high doses of clove oil or extract can have a number of negative consequences. The World Health Organization specifies a daily dose of clove oil of 2.5 mg / kg body weight. But it is better not to give it to children without first consulting a doctor: eugenol, an anesthetic in the composition of cloves, can cause problems with blood clotting, so it is definitely not worth using it with an appropriate diagnosis or before surgery.
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