Cloves — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 5, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 274 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 66 g | 24% |
| Fiber | 34 g | 121.43% |
| Sugars | 2 g | 4% |
| Glycemic Index | 50 | - |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Sodium | 277 mg | 12.04% |
| Total Fat | 13 | 16.67% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
34 g
✅ High Fiber Content
50
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, such as eugenol, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Contains antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections and improve overall health.
- Supports digestive health by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and reducing symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
- May help regulate blood sugar levels due to their potential to improve insulin function.
- Supports oral health with their antibacterial properties, which can help reduce gum disease and bad breath.
- May provide pain relief due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help alleviate toothaches and other pains.
Health risks
- Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Risk of digestive irritation such as heartburn, stomach pain, or nausea when consumed in large quantities, particularly in its powdered form.
- Possible interaction with medications such as blood thinners, as cloves have natural anticoagulant properties, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Risk of toxicity if clove oil is ingested in large amounts, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues.
How to choose cloves
Fresh cloves are known for their intensely aromatic and pungent scent. They should be dark brown and have a firm, unbroken shape. When pressed, cloves should release their oils, indicative of their freshness and potency.
Avoid cloves that appear shriveled or pale, as these are likely stale and will not provide the desired depth of flavor. Good cloves are essential for adding a rich, warm flavor to dishes.
How to store cloves
Cloves should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A spice cabinet away from heat and light is ideal to preserve their flavor and potency. Properly stored, whole cloves can last up to a year.
Heat and moisture can cause cloves to lose their aroma and strength. Avoid storing them near the stove or in humid areas. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent them from losing their essential oils and becoming less effective.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Cloves can last for 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ground cloves lose their potency faster and should be used within 1 year.
What to do with leftovers?
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
How cloves support specific health conditions
Cloves are a spice rich in antioxidants, such as eugenol, which support immune health by protecting cells from oxidative stress. Their anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. Cloves also support digestive health by stimulating enzyme production and improving nutrient absorption. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties can promote oral health by preventing gum disease and bad breath.
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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