Doctor recommends 'antioxidant' drink 30 mins before bed to reduce blood sugar

According to studies, the drink promotes good liver health and aids in the stabilisation of blood sugar levels

A doctor has listed the health benefits of having one particular drink 30 minutes before going to sleep - including lowering blood sugar, cleanses your liver and easing joint pain. Taking to his YouTube channel, which boasts 12.8m subscribers. Dr Eric Berg DC explained the advantages of drinking clove water.

"You can use clove water for better sleep, oral health, heart health, immune health, and more," the expert began by saying. "Cloves have potent antibacterial, antifungal, anti-candida, and antiviral properties with virtually no side effects."

Listing the benefits of clove water, Dr Berg continued: "Drinking clove water before bed can help you relax, detoxify the liver, and improve digestion. It can also be used for respiratory problems like bronchitis, mucus in the lungs, colds, coughs, and asthma.

"Clove water helps support cognitive function, a healthy heart, and healthy immune function. It’s a natural sedative, so it can be used as a sleep aid without the side effects of sleep medication."

Cloves are an incredibly versatile spice that not only enhances flavour but also offers numerous health advantages. Rich in antioxidants, they may assist in regulating blood sugar, combating bacteria, and much more.

While cloves are primarily recognised for their sweet and fragrant qualities, they have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the compounds found in cloves could provide various health benefits, such as promoting liver health and aiding in the stabilisation of blood sugar levels.

Dr Berg, 59, is a chiropractor who specialises in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book 'The Healthy Keto Plan', and is the Director of Dr Berg Nutritionals.

How to make clove water:

Dr said: "To make clove water, boil 4 to 5 cloves in one cup of water, lower the heat, and allow it to simmer for five minutes. Cover the water while it’s simmering to prevent the vapours from escaping. Allow the clove water to cool for one hour and consume it 30 minutes before bed."

How cloves could lower blood sugar:

Cloves might assist in managing blood sugar levels due to their compounds that mimic insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating these levels. However, further studies are necessary to validate this potential benefit.

A study conducted in 2019 revealed that individuals, both with and without prediabetes, who consumed 250 milligrams of clove extract daily for a month experienced a notable reduction in blood glucose after meals. Another study indicated that clove extract was more effective than a placebo in reducing blood sugar levels among healthy participants.

However, the difference was just 3 milligrams per decilitre. In a separate randomised, double-blinded study, researchers found that clove bud polyphenol extract lowered fasting blood sugar and post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy adults.

It's essential to keep in mind that for those with diabetes, the eugenol found in cloves can help bring blood glucose down to safe levels. However, excessive consumption of cloves may lead to hypoglycaemia, which can be dangerous.

In combination with a balanced diet, taking cloves safely and in moderation may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. But, more research is needed to confirm this.

How cloves cleanse your liver and strengthen bones

A study conducted on animals in 2022 revealed that clove extract can help repair liver damage induced by the toxic compound thioacetamide. Notably, eugenol, a key component of cloves, might be particularly good for liver health.

That said, there is currently insufficient research to confirm the positive effects of cloves on liver health in humans, and consuming them in large amounts could potentially harm the liver.

Research also indicates that eugenol could also potentially enhance bone mass. Cloves are a source of manganese, a mineral crucial for bone formation and overall bone health. However, further studies are necessary to understand the impact of cloves on human bone health.

What you need to keep in mind

Although clove water provides a wealth of health benefits and could work as well as medication for some people, it is not a miracle cure. Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly are important to staying as healthy as possible.

Check with your doctor before taking clove water to ensure it is suitable for you, especially if you're on medications or if you are managing a medical condition.