Nine incredible benefits of capers
It's frankly amazing how the caper plant has antioxidant properties and is so rich in minerals that it works wonders for our overall health.
Capers are the unripe flower buds of Capparis spinosa, a winter plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and South Africa. They are an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine.
Capers vary in size: almost as small as a peppercorn or as large as a small green olive.
In general, larger capers have a stronger flavour, but if you want to appreciate their aroma, choose the small ones, which are certainly more valuable.
One tablespoon of capers contains only two calories. So, capers can be a good option if you are on a low-calorie diet. In addition to being low in calories, they also contain antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins essential for optimal health.
Health Benefits of Capers:
1) Antioxidant power
Capers are rich in flavonoid compounds, including rutin and quercetin. Both of these compounds are powerful sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to neutralize free radicals preventing them from damaging our cells.
Rutin helps regulate blood circulation, while quercetin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties.
2) A real mine of mineral substances
Capers contain minerals such as iron, calcium, copper and high levels of sodium.
Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth.
Copper combines with certain proteins to produce enzymes that act as catalysts to aid a variety of body functions.
Iron helps our muscles store and use oxygen. It is part of many enzymes that help our body with digestion.
3) Vitamin vitality
Capers are storehouses of vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin and riboflavin.
Vitamin A improves vision and also helps reduce the risk of some cancers. This essential vitamin helps our body fight infections and strengthens its immunity.
Vitamin K plays a vital role in bone health. Reduces the risk of blood clotting.
Niacin protects against cardiovascular disease and also supports cognitive functions and the nervous and digestive systems.
Riboflavin, also called vitamin B2, helps the body convert food into fuel that keeps us energetic. It is also known to support adrenal function. Therefore, it helps maintain a healthy nervous system.
4) Powerful source of fiber
Capers are very rich in fibre. Fiber reduces constipation. One tablespoon of capers contains 0.3 grams of fiber, about 3% of the minimum recommended daily fiber intake
5) Relief from rheumatism
Capers have been used as a treatment for rheumatic pain since ancient Greek times.
6) Relief from stomach pain
The caper helps relieve stomach pain and flatulence.
7) Relief for dry skin
Capers are excellent for combating dry, dry skin. They can be used directly on the skin to keep it hydrated.
8) Help for skin beauty
Capers are also used to treat skin redness, irritation and pimples. Hence, capers are used in skin care products. Furthermore, as we have already seen, capers help slow down the aging process thanks to its antioxidant properties.
9) They promote hair growth
Capers are also widely used in hair care products as they are rich in vitamin B and iron. Both are known to promote hair growth. Vitamin B helps blood circulation in our body. Therefore, it supports the overall health of hair as blood circulation is a primary condition for healthy and shiny hair. Iron helps prevent hair loss.
Cooking tips
Capers can be used in the kitchen in various ways: to bring flavor to many varieties of sauces, including tuna sauce or "tartare", to enrich salads with flavour, they can even be used as a substitute for salt in cooking fish , meat, vegetables and poultry. Obviously they are also excellent for preparing appetizers for aperitifs or for your moments of leisure.
As we have seen, the advantages of capers are many. These exotic fruits are truly amazing. Let's not deprive ourselves of their wonderful taste but consume them in moderation. Excessive consumption of capers can increase the risk of osteoporosis and hypertension.
Do you want to taste the artisanal capers selected for you by a producer on the island of Salina? Click here.
