Cloves are one of the most used spices in Indian kitchens. We are sure you have a container of these little black pods somewhere in your kitchen cabinet. While we mostly use them to add flavour to our dishes, did you know that they can also help control diabetes? As we all know, diabetes is an irreversible condition, but the good news is that it can be controlled well. How? By including the right kind of foods in your diet. Cloves fit perfectly in this category as it offers incredible benefits for diabetes management. Here, we will share how you can make clove tea at home. But first, let’s find out why clove tea is beneficial for diabetics:
Also read: 5 lunch time mistakes diabetics should avoid for better diabetes management
Photo Credit: iStock
Benefits of clove tea for diabetes management | How does clove water help manage blood sugar levels?
1. Keeps your digestive system healthy
When your stomach is healthy, you are healthy too! Digestive health is of utmost importance for diabetics because sugar and starch are broken down into glucose during digestion. A weak digestive system can cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unstable blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your stomach and slow down digestion. To prevent this, consider drinking clove tea.
2. Rich in antioxidants
The diet for diabetics should include foods and drinks rich in antioxidants. You will be happy to know that cloves are an excellent source of it. Drinking clove tea can make a huge difference in your condition. Diabetics should focus on including antioxidants in their diet as these help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), antioxidants are effective in reducing the complications of diabetes.
3. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Diabetes can cause inflammation in the body, which can worsen your condition and lead to other health problems. You can address this by consuming foods and beverages with anti-inflammatory properties, such as clove tea. The NIH says that consuming cloves can reduce inflammation in the body, helping to control your blood sugar levels.
4. May improve insulin sensitivity
Another amazing benefit of clove tea is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, which is a common problem among diabetics. When this happens, our body cells are unable to respond normally to insulin – a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. But here’s the good news: foods and drinks with anti-inflammatory properties, such as clove tea, can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Also read: Okra Water For Diabetes: 4 Ways This Mix Can Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Photo Credit: iStock
How To Make Clove Tea At Home:
Making clove tea at home is very easy. To make it, put 7-8 cloves in a mortar and pestle and grind them coarsely. Add this powder to a pan of water and boil it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You can add more water depending on the amount of tea you want to make. When the water starts boiling, add half a teaspoon of tea powder and let the mixture boil for a few more minutes. Strain the water and enjoy it! You can drink it at room temperature or warm it up, depending on your preference.
In short, cloves offer incredible health benefits. Include clove tea in your daily diet to help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Don’t forget to consult your doctor or dietitian before making any sudden changes to your diet to ensure you are headed in the right direction.
