Cloves ‘are the best anti oxidants’

Those looking to add an antioxidant-rich food to their diet should look no further than the humble clove, according to a recent study.

Researchers from the Miguel Hernandez University found that cloves are the best antioxidant spice as they contain high levels of phenolic compounds.

“Out of the five antioxidant properties tested, cloves had the highest capacity to give off hydrogen, reduced lipid peroxidation well, and [were] the best iron reducer”, said Juana Fernandez-Lopez, one of the authors of the study and a researcher at the university.

Last month, Dr Melina Jampolis, a diet and fitness expert, wrote in a piece on CNN.com that Acai berries contain antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients that can help to improve health.

The researchers at Miguel Hernandez University explain that, as well as being beneficial to health, antioxidants also increase the life span of foods.

Cloves could become a viable option for use in the food industry, removing the need for synthetic antioxidants, Ms Fernandez-Lopez suggested.

Do you know any good recipes involving cloves?