Cloves: The spice that's a winter favourite with year-round benefits

Soon, you'll reach for this spice more often because it's great for apple pie. It's also hard to imagine winter tea or mulled wine without it. Yes, we're talking about cloves. You probably appreciate their extraordinary aroma, but did you know this spice has remarkable health benefits?

Cloves are a spice that has been used for centuries. They not only have a unique taste and aroma, but the dried flower buds of the clove tree have a beneficial impact on health. So, using them year-round is good, not just for holiday baking or warming drinks.

Cloves have a rich chemical composition that is responsible for their health properties. Among other things, they contain an essential oil (15-20%), mainly eugenol, known for its medicinal properties. It has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects, making cloves useful for various infections. Cloves are also a source of vitamins (A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, folates) and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc). They also have fibre, which supports digestive health.

When do cloves help? The eugenol in them gives them antibacterial properties, fighting bacteria responsible for stomach diseases and urinary and respiratory infections. Cloves are also effective in combating viruses, including flu and herpes. Therefore, incorporating cloves into your daily diet can improve your immunity. Additionally, cloves help alleviate inflammation and pain thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Alongside mint, lemon balm, cinnamon, and vanilla, cloves are among the spices recommended for people with hypertension. It's better to limit vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and soy sauce and instead use natural herbs and spices.

      
• lower blood sugar levels,
• regulate "bad" cholesterol levels,
• help prevent heart attacks,
• have calming effects.

Cloves add a deep, spicy flavour to dishes. They are often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian dishes. In European cuisine, they are also known as an addition to cakes, compotes, and meats. Cloves can be used to prepare healthful infusions. Just pour boiling water over a few cloves to get a drink that warms and helps fight colds and sore throats. Cloves can also be added to tea to enrich its flavour and health benefits.