Best Natural Antioxidant Spice – Cloves
Researchers have identified cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) as the best
natural antioxidant spice, because they contain high levels of phenolic
compounds, as well as having other properties.
Out of five antioxidant properties tested, cloves had the highest
capacity to give off hydrogen, to reduce lipid oxidation, and was the
best iron reducer.
The research team also evaluated the antioxidant effect of the
essential oils from other spices: oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage, but
cloves ranked as the best natural antioxidant.
Cloves are native to Indonesia, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, and
Sri Lanka. Clove is the strongest of all the aromatic spices and thus it
is used at fairly low levels.
References: Manuel Viuda-Martos, Yolanda Ruiz Navajas, Elena
Sanchez Zapata, Juana Fernandez-Lopez, Jose A. Perez-Alvarez.
“Antioxidant activity of essential oils of five spice plants widely used
in a Mediterranean diet”. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 25, 13-19,
February 2010.
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