Are cloves a common ingredient in your cooking or you don’t even consider it a worthy spice? If so, you might want to reconsider as nutritionists affirm that cloves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. David Rukerabigwi, a dietician and nutritionist in Kigali, says it is shown that this is a spice with significant nutritional benefits. For instance, one teaspoon of ground cloves contains 30 per cent of the recommended dietary allowance of the mineral manganese, and four percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin K, among others. Also, he says, current research suggests that cloves can lower blood sugar, relieve tooth pain, and maybe even improve sex life. The spice also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and can be used as a disinfectant. When it comes to managing hunger, Rukerabigwi says cloves can help regulate hunger levels because of their fibre presence. “This is so because they have an impressive amount of fibre can help regulate one’s hunger levels,” he says. Cloves have also been known to provide manganese, a mineral that can help regulate blood sugar levels. They also come with antibacterial properties. Studies show that it is a great way to improve your oral hygiene as it might also alleviate tooth pain. For instance, Rukerabigwi says one of the most notable potential pain-relieving benefits of cloves is their ability to help with toothache due to the eugenol they contain. “This acts as a natural antiseptic, as they work better at relieving pain, inflammation, wound healing, and infection than any common option,” he adds. The nutritionist says cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. According to studies from Healthline, it has been indicated that eating cloves daily could help with arthritis. Nutritionist Rene Tabaro from King Faisal Hospital says making cloves part of your diet can help delay the ageing process. He says this is so because of the anti-inflammatory properties, epigenetic cues, and mitochondrial activity found in antioxidant-rich foods, including cloves. This is what is known to help contribute to longevity and vitality. Depending on what you want, cloves can be added in rice, smoothies, desserts, or any other meal, which can help boost your antioxidant consumption,” Tabaro says.
