Ever Heard Of Capers? Here’s Why You Must Add These Healthy Flower Buds To Your Diet

You might be familiar with capers if you are an avid connoisseur of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. However, for most of you who are hearing this word for the first time in your life, capers are small, green flower buds that pack a punch of flavour and can elevate your dishes with their tangy, salty, and slightly briny taste. 

Furthermore, these tiny green buds are not just a versatile ingredient but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. ‘Capers have been widely used in traditional medicine,’ relayed a study published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal. The research reported that capers are a good source of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and fatty acid derivatives. 

Health Benefits of Capers

Capers are endowed with a multitude of nutritional benefits. It is a powerful antibacterial and antioxidant-rich source, that is also hailed for its alleged protection against cancer, and as an excellent candidate for the development of antidiabetic drugs. Capers are also low in calories, a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, and support heart health as it promotes healthy blood circulation. 

Also Read: 5 Low Calorie Fruits For Weight Loss

The wide array of health benefits provided by Capers has made it famous for its medicinal uses across the world:

• Iran: In Iran, capers are famously used when treating malaria, joint diseases, haemorrhoids and gout.
• Pakistan: Capers are in abundant use in Pakistan for relief from pain and constipation, to prevent haemorrhoids and inflammatory illnesses, and to clear out the flow of urine. 
• India: There is documented use of caper buds, roots and leaves in India to counter the irritation caused by boils, and to treat swelling. 
• Romania: The country is famous for using capers to treat paralysis. Romanians also use the roots and bark of capers to treat fever, inflammation, toothache, and asthma, and to kill earworms. 
• Saudi Arabia: Capers are also used for treating rashes, dry skin, and swollen joints.
• China: Perhaps the country that uses Capers most widely for their medicinal benefits, the Chinese population famously uses capers for treating rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammation, stomach and intestinal disorders, swollen tissues, and anaemia. China has also documented the use of capers for alleviating pain and bloating.
• Morocco: Morocco is another country after China, to have widespread use of Capers for treating eye infections, hypertension, diabetic complications, colds, gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, and dysentery. The country is also famous for using capers to aid in the removal of kidney stones.

Creative Ways To Use Capers In Your Diet

Since capers are still not widely known for their dietary benefits in India, knowing how to use them in your diet may seem daunting. But do not let this inconvenience stop you from availing the power of this wonder ingredient. Here are some ways in which you can include capers in your diet:

Also Read: 9 Foods That Have More Vitamin C and Antioxidants Than Orange

• Salad Enhancement: Add a zesty kick to your salads by sprinkling capers on top. Chop them into thin slices and pair them with Mediterranean-style salads, potato salads, and tuna salads.
• Pasta Perfection: Stir capers into pasta sauces. Capers bring a burst of flavour that complements both creamy and tomato-based pasta dishes.
• Fish and Seafood: Capers are a classic accompaniment for fish and seafood. Top your grilled or baked fish with a mixture of capers, lemon, and butter for an exquisite sauce.
• Creamy Dips: Blend capers into creamy dips like tzatziki or hummus for an extra layer of flavour. They also work well in tartar sauce for fish and chips.
• Sandwich Delight: Elevate your sandwiches and wraps by adding capers. They pair wonderfully with smoked salmon, chicken salami, cucumber, and bean sprouts.
• Garnish Magic: Use capers as a garnish for various dishes, including roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and deviled eggs. Their vibrant green colour adds visual appeal as well.
• Homemade Dressings: Create homemade salad dressings or vinaigrettes with capers, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a burst of flavour.

Capers may be small, but they have the power to transform ordinary dishes into culinary delights. With their unique combination of flavours and excellent health benefits even against major illnesses like cancer and diabetes, capers deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen pantry. 

Once you have tried capers, and understood their flavour profile, you can start experimenting with them and customising your meals as per your taste and nutritional requirements. One hundred grams of capers contains approximately 5g of carbohydrate, 0.4g of sugar, 3g of dietary fibre, 0.9g of fat, 2g of protein, 4mg vitamin C, 138 IU vitamin A, 24.6mg vitamin K, 0.88mg vitamin E, 0.652mg niacin, 0.139mg riboflavin,1.7mg iron, 2960mg sodium, 40mg potassium, and a calorie count of 22.