Why cloves are beneficial during pregnancy - 24 Mantra organic

Clove is a common flavouring spice found in almost all Indian kitchens. It is used in everyday preparations and hot beverages and adds a unique spicy warmth to baked dishes like cakes and cookies. Additionally, it also has several medicinal properties and is used in various forms, including oil, stem, dried florets, and even leaves. Despite its medicinal properties, many people would advise against consuming cloves during pregnancy. That’s because you need to take extra measures during this special time to avoid any harm to the health and development of the life growing inside you.

In this article, we will look at eight health benefits of having cloves during pregnancy and its side-effects.

How Are Cloves Made?

Cloves are prepared by drying the flower buds of an evergreen tree called clove tree, or Syzygium aromaticum [1]. The flower buds are harvested when they are still raw and left to dry in the sun. These immature flower buds are reddish-brown spike, which is approximately one centimetre in length, and a bulbous top [2]. They are used as a whole spice or ground into powder. Cloves have slight sweetness, bitterness, and astringency taste with a strong, pungent flavour.

Clove Nutritional Facts

Having Cloves During Pregnancy

The nutritional value of cloves makes it a healthy spice that can cure several diseases. But is it safe to consume it during pregnancy? In general, having cloves during pregnancy poses no harm. You can consider sprinkling it on top of your dishes or use it while cooking to add some extra flavour. However, it is advisable to consume it in moderation and not overindulge since it can do more harm than good.

Is it risky to have cloves during pregnancy?

According to medical experts, adding organic clove powder or whole clove to dishes is safe during pregnancy. However, the use of clove oil or clove enhancements may not be safe and should be avoided. Cloves should also not be used for medicinal purposes such as treating toothaches, cough, and cold.

While consuming organic cloves during pregnancy may not be damaging per se, it is always sensible to consult your doctor first in case of any doubts. That is because your doctor will be in a better position to evaluate your health and suggest accordingly.

Benefits of Having Cloves During Pregnancy

Organic cloves, if eaten in moderation during pregnancy, has several health benefits, including:

• Cloves have a small amount of Vitamin E, which is crucial for muscle building of the baby.
• Cloves also have a small amount of calcium and phosphorus, which is beneficial during pregnancy to promote bone development of the baby.
• Cloves are a rich source of antioxidants, which not only prevents cell damage but boosts immunity by making the body resistant to infections.
• Cloves are a great source of minerals such as sodium, manganese, and phosphorus, all of which promote proper growth and development of the baby.
• Cloves contain fibre that has a positive impact on the bowel movement and combats digestive issues such as constipation and indigestion. Since these are some of the common complaints during pregnancy, having cloves may relieve these problems.
• Cloves are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is critical for the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system.
• Cloves also have flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids, therefore, can ease pregnancy-related joint pains, aches and swelling.
• Cloves are rich in iron, which reduces the chances of premature birth and results in blood formation.

Side-effects of having cloves during pregnancy

Having an unchecked amount of cloves during pregnancy can also have some side effects, particularly when used as oil or in the form of supplements.

• Clove oil, when consumed in large quantities, may potentially stimulate the uterus and cause contractions, resulting in premature labour.
• Some women are also allergic to cloves, causing reactions and unwanted complications. If you see any reactions on your body, then stop consuming it immediately.
• Having too much clove can also lead to other complications such as intestinal bleeding, breathing problems, diarrhoea, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, increased mouth sensitivity, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, kidney failure.

How To Safely Consume Cloves During Pregnancy?

If you want to have cloves during pregnancy, there are some safer ways to do it. Some of the common ways to consume them are:

• Boiling: If you have a stuffy nose, then boil a handful of cloves in water and inhale the steam.
• Eating in its original form: A clove or two can be consumed in its original form after meals to facilitate digestion.
• Clove tea: Add it in your tea to reduce oral bacteria build-up, and improve digestion.

Restrict the use of clove oil during pregnancy to avoid complications.

Final Words

Pregnancy is a special time that requires care and attention to what you eat. Cloves is one of the many spices that can be eaten during pregnancy but in moderation. In case you are still not sure about having this versatile spice, then it is always sensible to speak to your doctor. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Try 24 Mantra Organic’s Cloves and savour the taste of organic goodness