Cloves and Diabetes

Cloves, those aromatic flowers usually used in cooking, are more than just a flavorful spice. Research suggests that cloves could offer potential health benefits for people with diabetes.

Understanding Cloves:

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are dried flower buds from the clove tree, inherent to Indonesia but now cultivated in various tropical regions around the globe. They are widely used in cuisines worldwide, adding a unique aroma and flavor to both sweet and spicy dishes.

Nutritional Value:

The small-sized cloves are packed with nutrients. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese, vitamin K, and vitamin C. They also contain important antioxidants such as eugenol, and a diet rich in antioxidants is beneficial for certain cancers and even heart disease.

Potential Benefits for Diabetes:

Blood Sugar Control: Research shows that cloves may help control blood sugar levels. Eugenol, the primary compound in cloves, has been shown to increase insulin secretion and improve insulin function, which could help in glucose absorption.

Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in cloves may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which play a role in the development and growth of diabetes problems.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lessen inflammation linked with diabetes and its difficulties.

If you are diabetic and find it difficult to keep checking your sugar levels all day long, you may opt for a CGM device.

Some added benefits of Cloves:

As per a report shared by PubMed, some of the traditional Indian and Chinese medicines also contain cloves. For a long time, this has been used to treat vomiting, intestinal gas, stomach disorders, and even bowel conditions.

If we go to the tropical Asia region, cloves have been used to treat itchy skin rashes, cholera (a disease which is caused by contaminated water or food and can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, or death), malaria, and even tuberculosis (a disease that can infect your lungs and other tissues).
Well, even that’s not all about cloves. It was found in a study that cloves may help in treating toothaches, asthma, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is treated as an incurable condition. If cloves can treat it even a bit, it would be something truly considerable.

How to Include Cloves into Your Diet:

Spice Blends: Add ground cloves to spice blends used in cooking or baking. They pair well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Tea: Prepare clove tea by soaking a few whole cloves in hot water. This can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other spices like cinnamon or ginger.

In Cooking: Use cloves in savory dishes such as curries, stews, and marinades, or in sweet dishes like pies, cakes, and fruit compotes.

Precautions:

While cloves can be beneficial, it’s important to consume them in a limited amount. Consuming too many cloves can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which can be harmful.

Conclusion:

Cloves can help you control your sugar levels up to an extent and you may use them in your daily dishes and tea. However, please note that they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Also, please do not overconsume cloves as this may cause hypoglycemia (low-sugar) issues.