Clove, or laung, is a common spice that adds flavour to foods like chai, biryani, and curries. While it adds taste, it is also said to support heart health and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. According to ayurveda, just one clove, taken regularly can boost your wellbeing.
Ayurveda says that small, consistent interventions in your daily routine can have a profound effect on your health. Dr Partap Chauhan, Founder and Director, Jiva Ayurveda, and a renowned Ayurvedacharya, says, “Clove is a perfect example. Just one clove, used correctly, can support your heart and cholesterol.”
Clove, he adds, works by gently warming your system and improving your digestion. “This may sound like a simple culinary trick, but in Ayurveda, digestion is central to your health. Poor digestion allows Ama, the toxic residue, to build up, which can affect your heart and blood vessels.”
Heart health benefits of clove
Dr Chauhan reveals how regular use of clove can benefit your heart:
- Boosts your digestive fire: It helps metabolise fats more efficiently
- Reduces oxidative stress: Protects tissues from everyday damage
- Improves circulation: Promotes warmth and better blood flow
- Supports healthy cholesterol levels: Helps maintain balance naturally
“Consistency is key. You won’t see overnight miracles, but with regular use, your heart can feel lighter, and your system more balanced,” suggests Dr Chauhan.
Speaking about how a clove helps with cholesterol, Dr Chauhan says, “The vital ingredient is eugenol, a compound in clove with antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing oxidative stress on your blood lipids, eugenol helps keep cholesterol levels in check.”
Additionally, when your digestion is active, fats are processed more efficiently, and the body experiences less heaviness after meals, says Dr Chauhan. “Clove is particularly useful if your eating patterns are irregular or you often feel sluggish after food,” he adds.
How to use cloves safely
There are a couple of simple ways to incorporate clove into your daily routine:
- Chew one clove after meals
- Boil lightly in water to make a warming decoction
“However, those with strong Pitta tendencies might find clove too heating, so moderation is important,” says the expert. Also, clove isn’t a replacement for medical treatment, but it can help your heart and cholesterol find better balance.
FAQs on Health Benefits of Cloves
1. What are the main health benefits of cloves?
Cloves support heart health, improve digestion, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, thanks to their warming properties and eugenol content.
2. How do cloves improve digestion?
Cloves stimulate digestive fire, aiding in the efficient metabolism of fats and reducing post-meal heaviness.
3. Can cloves help in reducing cholesterol levels?
Yes, eugenol in cloves has antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce oxidative stress on blood lipids, keeping cholesterol levels in check.
4. How should cloves be used for their health benefits?
You can chew one clove after meals or boil it lightly in water to make a warming decoction for regular use.
5. Are there any precautions when using cloves?
Those with strong Pitta tendencies should use cloves in moderation due to their heating nature. Cloves are not a substitute for medical treatment but can help balance heart and cholesterol health.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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