Traditionally in India, chewing a mouth freshener after a meal is a part of the culture, and clove is one such spice, which is often eaten raw after meals as a mouth fresher. Interestingly, eating a clove after a meal is a lot more than a mouth freshener, but also has some potential health benefits that help several health concerns like slackening metabolism, cold cough healing or fixing sore throat or oral health, this one spice is a lot more than just a taste enhancer. Well, here are some compelling reasons to include cloves in the post-meal regime.
Cloves have an abundance of antioxidants, which fight oxidative stress in your body. Chewing cloves after every meal can keep your cells from free radical damage, thereby building your immune system and preventing the risk of chronic disease. Antioxidants in cloves also aid in slowing down the aging process, maintaining the health of your skin and organs in the long run.
Cloves are said to soothe the digestive system, putting balance to the level of stomach acid. Chewing a few cloves after eating will reduce the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. The natural chemicals in cloves soothe the lining of the esophagus, inhibiting irritation and giving relief after a big meal.
Cloves chewed after meals also improve digestion. The spice has eugenol, a compound that stimulates digestive enzymes. This makes the stomach digest food better, minimizing the risk of indigestion, bloating, or gas. It can also cure nausea and is an excellent natural remedy for an upset stomach after a meal.
Cloves contain natural antimicrobial substances that can kill mouth bacteria, most commonly responsible for bad breath. Chewing a few cloves after a meal will provide you with naturally fresh breath. Cloves also contain a very strong, pungent aroma that acts as a natural, long-lasting mouth freshener and is thus an excellent alternative to commercial breath mints and chewing gums.
Aside from fixing bad breath, chewing of cloves is also healthy for overall oral well-being. Cloves' antiseptic and antibiotic qualities repel gum disease, tooth decay, and infection. Cloves also relieve toothache by anesthetizing the surrounding area of the sore tooth,which helps in momentarily relaxing the pain until proper treatment is donee
Chewing cloves will most likely enhance blood flow because of the eugenol, which is an anti-inflammatory substance. Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the entire body, which makes a person healthier overall. With improved circulation of blood, cloves can ensure improved energy levels and faster recovery after meals.