Cloves

Description 

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium Aromaticum tree. For years, cloves have widely been used not only as a spice but also as a medicine for many ailments. It was traditionally used for curing tooth decay, digestive issues, bad breath, and even as an aphrodisiac.

Nutrition Content Of Cloves:

Cloves, besides lending a fragrant aroma to foods like biryani, dal, curries, soups and tea, display a superb nutritional profile, comprising numerous essential vitamins, minerals, as well as dietary fibers. They are inherently low in calories, making them ideal for weight loss, besides supplying ample amounts of fibers, to facilitate smooth digestion. Cloves are a rich source of manganese, a key trace mineral for optimal brain functions and strengthening bones, along with calcium and phosphorous.

Ways To Add Cloves In The Regular Diet:

Cloves have been an integral part of Indian kitchens since time immemorial, for their overpowering minty aroma and subtly spicy flavour, in addition to the myriad health benefits they confer. Cloves, also called “Laung” or “Lavanga” in India, are used in traditional desi recipes either as the whole bud or ground into a fine powder.

The powdered clove is often a part of customary Indian spice mixes, such as garam masala, Goda masala and Chettinad masala. Clove powder or dried buds are also added to teas, warm beverages and desserts, to complement the sweet taste of sugar, honey, jaggery. Clove is used in small amounts to prepare pulao, biryani, as well as dals, meat curries and soups, for their invigorating fragrance and mildly tangy taste.

Superb Health Benefits of Cloves:

Promotes Digestion

Cloves improve digestion by stimulating enzyme secretions and increases digestive motility. Cloves are best used for easing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia, and nausea.

Controls Diabetes

Cloves are best for people with high blood sugar levels. Research has found that cloves improve insulin sensitivity and aids in the efficient functioning of insulin.

Good For Bones And Joints

Cloves are packed with hydro-alcoholic compounds such as eugenol and flavonoids that help increase the bone density and mineral content in bones. People with weak bones and osteoporosis are benefitted from taking cloves regularly.