Cloves and cinnamon are not just spices for your holiday desserts; they’re potent natural ingredients with numerous health benefits. When combined and consumed as a tea or infused water, these spices create a powerful drink that can have remarkable effects on your body. Here’s why you should consider drinking cloves and cinnamon water daily.
Health Benefits of Cloves and Cinnamon Water
- Boosts Immune System
- Both cloves and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants which help in fighting free radicals in the body. This not only strengthens the immune system but also reduces oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
- The eugenol in cloves and the cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption can help reduce inflammation and may alleviate pain, particularly from arthritis or muscle soreness.
- Enhances Digestive Health
- This spice combination stimulates digestion and increases gastric secretions. It can help alleviate indigestion, nausea, and stomach discomfort. The antibacterial properties of cloves and cinnamon also aid in combating gastrointestinal infections.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
- Cinnamon is particularly known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. For those managing diabetes, adding cinnamon to your diet can be a helpful strategy.
- Supports Heart Health
- The compounds in cloves and cinnamon can help manage cholesterol levels by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This contributes to overall cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Promotes Oral Health
- Cloves have been used traditionally to treat toothaches and other dental issues due to their pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon helps in neutralizing bad breath and also reduces the risk of bacterial oral infections.
How to Make Cloves and Cinnamon Water
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 5-6 whole cloves
- 1 liter of water
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add Spices: Add the cloves and cinnamon to the boiling water. If you’re using ground cinnamon, it can be added directly to the water. If you’re using a cinnamon stick, let it unroll in the boiling water to release more flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the water to become infused with the spices.
- Strain and Serve: Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove the cloves and cinnamon stick. Serve the drink warm, or allow it to cool and drink it at room temperature.
Optional Enhancements:
- Add a slice of lemon or a teaspoon of honey to enhance the flavor and add further health benefits.
Conclusion
Drinking cloves and cinnamon water daily can contribute significantly to your health, leveraging their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This easy-to-make drink is a delightful way to boost your overall health and can be a pleasant part of your daily routine. Whether you enjoy it warm or cooled, its benefits make it worth incorporating into your diet.