Cloves

Cloves contain a lot of manganese, a mineral that helps your body manage the enzymes that help repair your bones and make hormones. Manganese can also act as an antioxidant that protects your body from harmful free radicals (unstable atoms that cause cell damage).

Cloves are also a great source of:

• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Beta-carotene
• Eugenol

Cloves are known for their strong taste and smell and can be purchased ground or whole for use in cooking.

Many cuisines include cloves, and it is also an ingredient in certain condiments, including ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Some perfumes use cloves for the aroma and clove oil is sold for use as an essential oil.

Cloves are commonly used in Ayurveda, which is traditional Indian medicine. They have also been used traditionally to cause a numbing sensation.