CAPERS

Capers are the unripe flower buds of Capparis spinosa. They are also called Flinders rose. Capers are perennial winter deciduous plants which are native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia and South Africa.
These are an integral ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines.
After these pea sized buds are cultivated, they are dried in the sun and used in pickles due to their tangy lemony flavor. Ancient history says capers were used in Sumerian food.
Capers range in size from that of a peppercorn or nonpareil up to the size of a small green olive.
Larger capers are stronger in flavor but if you want to enjoy its aroma go for the tiny ones.

Caper buds are picked by hand. They not only add some vibrant flavor to your meals, they are also known for their immense health benefits.
One tablespoon of capers contain just two calories. Hence capers can be a good option if you are following a low calorie diet. Apart from its low calorie benefit, they also contain antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins essential for optimum health.

pickled capers are 84% water, 5% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat. Preserved capers are often particularly high in sodium content. In a typical serving of 28 grams (one ounce), capers supply 6 calories and 35% of the Daily Value (DV) for sodium, with no other nutrients in significant content. In a 100 gram amount, the sodium content is 2960 mg or 197% DV, with vitamin K (23% DV), iron (13% DV), and riboflavin (12% DV)

Health Benefits Of Capers

1. Antioxidant Powers:

Capers are rich in flavonoid compounds including rutin and quercetin. Both these compounds are potent sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to prevent free radical, which can cause cancer and skin related diseases.

Rutin helps in smooth circulation of blood and it can be very helpful in treating strained blood vessels.
Recent research reveals quercetin has analgesic, anti- inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties

2. Mineral Mine:

Capers contain minerals like iron, calcium, copper and high levels of sodium .

Calcium helps in building strong bones, and teeth.
Copper combines with certain proteins to produce enzymes that act as catalyst to help a number of body functions.
Iron helps our muscle to store and use oxygen. It is a part of many enzymes that help our body to digest food.

3. Vitamin Vitality:

These tasty herbs are storehouses of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin, and riboflavin.

Vitamin A improves eyesight and helps us see in the dark. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancers. This essential vitamin helps our body fight off infection and retains our immunity system.
Vitamin K plays a vital role in bone health. It lowers the risk of blood clotting.
Niacin protects against cardiovascular diseases and also supports cognitive functions, the nervous and digestive system.
Riboflavin, also called vitamin B2, helps the body to convert food into fuel that keeps us energetic. It is also known to support adrenal function. Thus it helps to maintain a healthy nervous system.

4. Fiberlicious Good:

Capers are potent sources of fiber . Fiber reduces constipation. A tablespoon of capers contains 0.3 grams of fiber, about 3 percent of your minimum recommended daily fiber intake.

5. Bad Enzyme Buster:

People who include fat and red meat in their daily diet should eat capers since it destroys certain byproducts found in meat and foods which are rich in fat. These byproducts are often responsible for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

6. Rheumatism Relief:

Capers have been used as a treatment for rheumatic pain in ancient Greece.

7. Relieves Flatulence:

Caper relieves stomach ache and flatulence . In addition, these spicy buds are eaten for improving appetite.

8. Diabetes Buster:

Capers help to keep diabetes in check. Capers contain chemicals that keep blood sugar in check. Avoid consuming high quantities of capers if you are already using diabetes medicine as both tend to lower blood sugar .

9. Congestion Relief:

These are also known to prevent chest congestion. It reduces phlegm .

10. Dry Skin Relief:

Capers are good for dry skin . They can be used directly on the skin to keep it moisturized.

11. Skin Aid:

It is also used in treating skin disorders such as skin redness, irritation and pimples. Hence, capers are used in skin care products . In addition, caper helps to slow down the aging process due to its antioxidant properties.

12. Promotes Hair Growth:

Capers are widely used in hair care products too since it is rich in vitamin B and iron. Both are known for promoting hair growth. Vitamin B helps blood circulation in our body. Thus it sustains the overall health of hair since blood circulation is a primary condition for healthy and shiny hair. Iron helps to prevent hair loss.