The nutritional value and health benefits of cloves

Introduction.

India, Indonesia and Madagascar are still the main three producers of cloves. The climate in these areas is ideal for growing clove trees, which are harvested usually once a year. Some cloves are also grown in Africa – particularly off the east coast – and in the Caribbean.

Nutritional Value of Cloves

Cloves are not just a delicious part of many recipes ; they provide important nutrients. Because they are generally eaten in small amounts, their nutritional make-up is hugely concentrated in terms of bioactive elements and other safe compounds. Below are the main substances to be found in cloves :

Vitamins and minerals : Cloves are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, various B vitamins (most notably folate), and so on. They also contain the essential minerals manganese, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Antioxidants : Cloves are particularly high in antioxidants, especially eugenol--a powerful substance to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Dietary Fiber : Cloves are not consumed in large amounts, but still have a good share of dietary fiber, which is beneficial to digestion and regulates bowel movements.

Aroma : Cloves are rich in essential oils, the most notable being eugenol, which gives them their characteristic smell and flavor. Eugenol also has antiseptic properties as well as an analgesic effect on the stomach. It is widely known for these uses.

Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves have for centuries been used for both their medicinal and culinary properties. The ancient systems of healing such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) both laud cloves as one of the more important "spices." Below are some of the most important health benefits related to cloves.

Loaded with Antioxidants

Cloves contain high levels of antioxidants which can help neutralize free radicals in the body. This makes them useful for reducing oxidative stress, and it has been proven to be a factor in or cause of many chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The antioxidant properties of cloves also help to keep your skin young by protecting it from age-related degeneration caused by environmental factors.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Eugenol, the active compound present in cloves, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It has been shown to help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, useful for conditions such as arthritis. Clove may also reduce the pain and inflammation in the respiratory system, helping to alleviate symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

Improving Digestion

Cloves have been traditionally used to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, promoting healthy digestion. Active compounds in clove, for example eugenol, are known to support gastric health too by reducing bloating, indigestion and nausea. They also have carminative properties, meaning that they help expel gas from the digestive tract, reducing discomfort.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects

Cloves have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, meaning they can be effective against infections. Studies have shown that clove oil inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as fungi like Candida. This makes cloves a common natural remedy to use for treating oral infections, sore throat, or toothache.

Pain Relief

The analgesic properties of cloves, especially with the presence of eugenol, make them effective for more types of pain relief. Cloves are often used in dentistry to alleviate toothache and sore gums. Also used topically for treatment of muscular pains, headaches and joint pains is clove oil.

Boosting Immunity

Cloves are rich in compounds that support immunity, including vitamins C and A, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. The antimicrobial properties of clove also serve to shield from harmful pathogens.

The Culinary Uses of Cloves

Cloves are an all-purpose spice used in culinary traditions worldwide. Meat dishes, savory or sweet pies--even drinking a cup of coffee diluted with cinnamon-bodied broth : cloves can do it all. Below is a partial list listing some examples of this remarkable versatility :

A. Whole Spices

In its fresh state, cloves are often added to soups, stews, curries, and braised dishes. They go well with meats such as beef, lamb, or goat, as well as food grains like rice. Also, cloves can be found in many spice blends, like garam masala--a mixture used all over India to flavor foods bought at outdoor eateries and call them 'punishing' dishes consisting of hot-hot-hot bits. Other commercial spice mixes containing cloves include five-spice powder, curry powder, etc.

B. Baking

Ground cloves are often used in cakes and cookies, breads and such sweet baked items as pumpkin pie, gingerbread or fruitcake. The strong, sharp taste of cloves provides the necessary counterpoint to sugar in spiced desserts. The classic holiday flavor of gingerbread is created by combining slices of cloves with cinnamon, nutmeg and even some peeled bits from a ginger root for a good kickstart--or here some seltzer water…

C. Beverages

Cloves are used to flavor drinks like mulled wine, hot cider, and tea, and become a very important ingredient in Indian cuisine's masala chai. Traditionally, this spicy, milky tea made with black tea leaves is sprinkled with various kinds of spices, such as cloves, cinnamon or cardamom.

D. Condiments, Pickles, and Jams

During pickling, cloves help prevent both spoilage and fishiness. Because they are so fragrant, their use in jams and marmalades can also help to produce a truly unique product--one that is said to be unique not just by makers and tasters but also by the shoppers buying large quantities of the stuff year after year !

Clove-Infused Oils and Vinegars

Cloves can also be infused into oils and vinegars. This infusion is suitable for use in salad dressings or as a final touch for grilled meats and vegetables.

How to Use Cloves

There are several methods for incorporating cloves into either cooking or nurturing yourself in other ways :

Whole Cloves : Put a few whole cloves in a dish as it cooks, such as stews, soups, or bourguignon vegetables. Take them out afterwards though ; the aroma may be too strong for most palates.

 Ground cloves : Ground cloves are used more frequently in baking or for blending spices. A little bit goes a long way, so don't overdo it, and be careful not to dominate with the flavor of other ingredients in your dish.

Clove Oil : Clove oil is an immensely concentrated form of the spice and is used in medicine. It soothes pain when rubbed directly on the skin or mixed with a carrier oil for use as massage oil.

Conclusion

Cloves have a rich history, incredible flavor and a host of health benefits. From acting as a strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory to aiding digestion and strengthening the immune system, cloves do much more than add flavor. Whether incorporated into both savory and sweet foods in the kitchen or used as a remedy for a range of complaints at home, cloves are already one of the most popular spices around.