Capers are the immature, unripened, green flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa or Capparis inermis).
The plant is cultivated in Italy, Morocco, and Spain, as well as Asia and Australia. It’s most often associated with Mediterranean cuisines, but enjoyed worldwide.
Capers are mainly used as a seasoning or for garnishing. They are redolent with flavor but surprisingly have many health benefits as well.
Below are 7 benefits of including capers in your diet:
1. Capers are loaded with antioxidants
Capers contain flavonoid compounds like rutin and quercetin that are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that produces highly reactive free radicals that could damage cells by altering the structures of DNA, proteins, and other cellular structures. Antioxidants interact with these free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
2. Capers can help fight the risk of anemia
Anemia is a condition where the individual does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry to the body’s tissues. One common form of anemia is called iron deficiency anemia, which is caused by a person not consuming enough iron in his or her diet.
Iron is an essential mineral for the body because it is integral to the compound, hemoglobin, in the red blood cell. The iron in hemoglobin binds to oxygen, which is how oxygen is transported. Without iron, oxygen cannot be attached and carried.
3. Capers can help you maintain strong bones
Vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium are important minerals for maintaining the healthy integrity of the bone structure thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
4. Capers may possess anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body when the body tried to remove harmful stimuli and start the healing process. For short periods, inflammation can be a good thing for your body. However, chronic, or long-term, inflammation cause diseases like cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.
A 2016 study suggested that caper extracts possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties because of compounds like caffeic acid, catechin, rutin, syringic acid, and ferulic acid.
5. Capers could protect you from allergies
Allergic symptoms of mild skin irritations and spasms of the bronchus can be reduced with the consumption of capers extracts and capers.
6. Capers could help promote a healthy digestive system
Capers are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which could help reduce constipation and the risk of fecal compaction.
7. Capers could help promote healthy blood vessels
Rutin in the blood vessels can help in smooth circulation of the blood and treat strained blood vessels.
