Cardamom, clove and cinnamon are popular spices used in foods worldwide. Evidence shows that these spices have nutritional and safety properties that provide benefits in cooking and traditional medicine, cardamom, cloves and many spices are separate for their unique health properties. But what is the difference between cardamom vs. cloves vs. cinnamon and which is healthier for you?

This article examines the benefits, applications and nutritional values ​​of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, which helps to determine which spice is appropriate for your needs.

Nutritional Comparison: Cardamom, clove, and cinnamon 

One teaspoon of cardamom contains more calories and proteins than cinnamon and cloves. However, cinnamon has more sugar content than cardamom and clove. Cinnamon contains higher carbohydrate and fibre contents, whereas clove has more fats. Cardamom is richer in minerals than the other 2 spices. But clove has high levels of magnesium. Cardamom is richer in minerals than cinnamon. But cinnamon has high levels of calcium. Cinnamon contains vitamin B complex and vitamins K, E, and A and clove contains vitamin C and E  whereas cardamom has more vitamin C content.

Availability and cost-wise Cardamom, clove, and cinnamon are readily available. But in terms of cost, cardamom is one of the most expensive spices. In comparison, cinnamon and clove are more affordable.

Health benefits of cardamom :

• Can help with digestion: Cardamom seeds contain high amounts of turbulent oils and have long been digestively helpful in traditional medicine. Also, research suggests that cardamom helps in morning sickness during pregnancy but as the essential oils contain a ginger flavour, it should be used moderately.

• Breathing can be refreshed: Chewing cardamom seeds is an ancient method of renewing breathing. The seeds contain oils called Cineole, which is rated for its antimicrobial properties. Cineole kills the palate and the bacteria on the tongue for oral health.

• Balance of blood sugar and blood pressure: Cardamom powder can reduce blood sugar. Mice-tested rats feed on high cholesterol, high carbohydrate foods compared to the diet. However, researchers need additional studies in humans. In addition, it is a fertile source of blood sugar levels. It contains antioxidants attached to low blood pressure.

• Diuretic Properties: It also acts as a diuretic and helps to reduce blood pressure. Helping to treat gastric lesions. The Essential oils extracted from cardamom have a positive influence on gastric lesions.

• Morning Sickness: studies have shown that cardamom helps for breakfast during pregnancy, and somewhat its essential oils, as they are in ginger.

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The Health Benefits of Clove:

1. There are important nutrients in clove like fibre, vitamins and minerals, so using full or ground cloves to add flavour to your diet will provide some important nutrients. A teaspoon of cloves contains :

• Calories: 6
• Protein: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram

2. Ease dental pain and prevent gum disease

One study suggests that an herbal mouthwash made with cloves, basil and tea tree oil can reduce bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria causes dental Plaque, cavities and gum diseases.

3. Lower blood sugar

One non-human study suggests that eugenol in cloves may lower blood sugar levels. But taking clove supplements when you have diabetes could be dangerous. “Combining eugenol with insulin medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low,” warns Dr. Modlo. Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be life-threatening.

4. Protect against cancer

Several laboratory (test tube) studies suggest that clove oil, clove extract and, specifically, eugenol may have cancer-fighting properties. However, the studies used highly concentrated amounts of clove compounds that would be dangerous (toxic) to people. More research is needed to see if there are any cancer-protecting effects from eating small amounts of cloves as part of a healthy diet.

5. Relieves itchy skin

One study found that clove oil worked better than petroleum jelly and a placebo at soothing itchy skin. However, some people experience burning and skin irritation after applying clove oil or clove oil products directly to their skin.

Health benefits of cinnamon

1. Contain powerful medicinal properties

• It has been used as a raw material throughout history, which was up to ancient Egypt. It was rare and valuable and the gift was considered suitable for kings. These days, cinnamon is affordable and is widely available in most supermarkets. It is also a raw material in various foods and recipes. The unique smell and flavour of the cinnamon is due to the oil area, which is very high in semialdehyde.

2. Can be protected from heart disease

• Cinnamon is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, which is the main cause of death around the world. In addition to a review, it is supplied in addition to at least 1.5 grams (g) or a teaspoon (DSP), and it is possible to reduce the amount of cinnamon, triglycerides per day, LD in victims of total cholesterol and metabolic diseases (bad) fat and blood sugar. Another review of 13 studies has found that cinnamon triglyceride and total cholesterol may reduce the amount of cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. It is shown to reduce blood pressure.

3. Reduces sugar levels in blood

• Cinnamon is well known for its blood sugar. In addition to the beneficial effects of insulin resistance, cinnamon can reduce blood sugar through several mechanisms. First, it is shown to reduce the amount of sugar entering your bloodstream after a cinnamon meal. It does this by interfering with many digestive enzymes, which slowly slow down the fracture of carbohydrates in your digestive tract.
• Second, cinnamon reflects the effects of insulin to improve the upliftment of sugar into a compound cell.
• Many human studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of cinnamon, which reduces fasting blood sugar levels and improves haemoglobin A1C, a symbol of chronic blood sugar control.

4. Cinnamon may protect from cancer

• Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment.
• Overall, evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies, which suggest that cinnamon juices may protect from cancer.
• It works by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in the tumor and the cancer appears to be toxic to the cells, causing cell death.
• A study of mice in ovarian cancer may have found that aldehyde may prevent the exposure of some proteins involved in cancer.
• These findings are supported by test-tube tests, which can reduce the development and widespread of ovarian cancer cells.
• However, additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of cinnamon cancer in humans.

5. May improve insulin sensitivity

• Insulin is one of the main hormones that control metabolism and energy use.
• It is also necessary to carry blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells.
• However, some resist the effects of insulin. It is called insulin resistance, which is a symptom of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. 
• Although additional research is needed, some studies suggest that cinnamon insulin is reduced. Increases insulin sensitivity, cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels and supports better blood sugar control.

Related to : To know about fresh spices

Which spice is the Best for health?

Final verdict: Which spice should you choose?

1. For Digestion & Detox: Cardamom

If you are looking for all -in -one solution, including digestion, oral health and toxicity, cardamom is a great choice.

2. For Dental Health & Immunity: Clove

If your priority is your priority, cloves are the best way to protect immunity, liver protection and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. For Heart & blood sugar control: cinnamon

For those who focus on heart health, diabetes control and weight loss, cinnamon is best. 

Conclusion

Cardamom, cloves and cinnamon are three spices that not only add flavour and aroma to various foods but also offer interesting nutrition profiles. Although all three spices are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they differ in their specific nutritional content.  No single spice is superior to another – the best choice depends on your health needs. In the end, combining all three spices in your diet will provide a wide range of nutritional benefits, which is the best addition to a healthy and balanced diet.