Ancient Wisdom Part 15: How to add cloves to your diet for easing constipation | Health

Cloves or raun, also known as lavanga in Sanskrit, are small spices that have powerful effects on many health conditions. Made from the dried flowers of the clove tree, this spice has a variety of medicinal properties, including controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels, improving bone health, and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also helps relieve pain and is traditionally used to relieve toothaches. The history of clove use dates back thousands of years. In the late Middle Ages, cloves were used in Europe to flavor, decorate, and preserve food. In 200 BC, people in China used cloves to scent their breath before appearing before the emperor.

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Clove buds have a pungent and strong taste due to the aromatic oil eugenol, which is extracted by distillation. The oil can also help relieve toothache. Eugenol is also used in perfumes and mouthwashes. The presence of eugenol and several antioxidants give spices many benefits. Cloves are an excellent source of fiber and can also help manage blood sugar levels. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can also prevent certain types of cancer. It helps with liver health and also reduces the chance of stomach ulcers.

“Cloves are a small spice, but they have a lot of health benefits. This spice helps control carbohydrates, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, improves bone, liver and stomach health, reduces pain, and protects against heart disease and cancer. Provides many nutrients that help reduce risk.The scientific name of clove is Syzygium aromaticum L. Clove essential oil is derived from a plant in the Myrtaceae family that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and contains volatile compounds and antioxidants. It acts as a valuable source of oxidants such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, etc. Its versatility has attracted great attention due to its wide range of applications in fragrance, cosmetics, healthcare, pharmaceutical, culinary and food industries. In addition, clove essential oil exhibits various bioactivities that are beneficial to human health. It includes properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and insect repellent properties,” said Dr. Amrita Hospital Clinical Nutrition, Kochi. says Rahitha OR, nutritionist in the department.

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Benefits of cloves

Spices and herbs have been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They not only enhance the taste, aroma and color of foods and beverages, but can also protect against acute and chronic diseases.

“Rich in antioxidants like eugenol, cloves play an important role in fighting free radicals that harm cells and cause disease. It helps reduce the risk of developing the disease,” says Rahisa O.R.

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Rahitha OR lists additional benefits of cloves

regulate blood sugar levels

Cloves are an excellent source of fiber and help regulate blood sugar levels. Research shows that the compounds found in cloves may boost insulin production and help lower blood sugar levels.

reduces tooth pain

Cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce tooth pain and other types of pain because it contains a compound called eugenol.

relieve constipation

Chewing cloves in the morning stimulates saliva production, which aids in digestion. Cloves can also help reduce nausea and acidity. Cloves may prevent aging. It can be used as a cough suppressant.

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prevent cancer

“Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation caused by diseases such as arthritis and help the body fight free radicals, which can lead to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. ,” says nutritionist Ishti Saluja.

liver health

“Dried clove buds are said to have liver-protective effects. They promote liver health by promoting new cell growth and liver detoxification, and contain various active compounds such as thymol and eugenol. It also has protective effects,” says Arooshi Garg, nutritionist at GOQii.

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How were cloves used in ancient times?

“Cloves have historically had a variety of uses in India and other parts of the world.As early as 200 B.C., envoys from Java carried cloves with them when they visited the Chinese court during the Han Dynasty. Traditionally, cloves were held in the mouth to freshen breath during an audience with the emperor.During the late Middle Ages, cloves were used in Europe to preserve, flavor, and decorate foods.” Mr. O.R. says.

How to incorporate cloves into your diet

• Add ground cloves to your pumpkin pie recipe.
• Adding cloves will give your chai latte even more flavor.
• To make spicy pickles, add whole cloves to your pickle mix.
• Incorporate cloves as a key spice in curry dishes.
• Add plenty of cloves to enhance the aroma of mulled wine.
• Use cloves in meat seasoning to enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Ground cloves can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes.

Who should avoid taking cloves

• Clove oil can cause bleeding if people with bleeding disorders take it
• Some people have an allergic reaction to cloves.
• Cloves can interact with certain medications that can affect blood sugar levels.
• Cloves and clove oil are not recommended for use in infants and young children
• Pregnant and lactating women should use cloves in moderation

Interesting facts about cloves

• Cloves are a rich source of manganese, a mineral essential for brain and bone health.
• There is evidence to suggest that cloves may help reduce the occurrence of ulcers and improve liver function.
• Cloves contain a variety of compounds that are associated with anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. It is also rich in antioxidants such as eugenol.
• Chewing 2-3 cloves in moderation is a great natural way to maintain fresh breath
• Despite their small size, cloves can help prevent disease, eliminate toxins from the body, relieve headaches, regulate blood pressure, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

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