Capers and why they are good for heart and hair
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Capers are the flower buds of the caper bush, now cultivated worldwide. Few people know what this product is and what it tastes like though, according to Real Simple.
What are capers?
Capers are typically small, round, and dark green. They are the buds of the caper bush.
They were previously grown only in the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia.
Most people do not realize that the capers everyone buys in glass jars at the supermarket are the developing flower of the plant.
If left to mature, rather than being harvested, they bloom into elegant, almost tropical, pink-white flowers. When picked and preserved in salt or brine, they become a fantastic culinary ingredient to elevate any dish to something more refined.
Health benefits
The product has antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, containing phosphorus, calcium, choline, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, manganese, and sodium, as well as vitamins C, A, E, PP, K, and B-group.
Capers help maintain women's reproductive health. The buds of the caper bush are also rich in fiber, which aids the digestive system and nourishes the body. Additionally, they contain vitamin A, which improves the health of hair, nails, and skin.
Moreover, they positively impact the musculoskeletal system and the muscular system. They also help support the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease.
What do capers taste like?
Capers are characterized by a slightly tart and pungent flavor. They most closely resemble mustard in taste, which is not surprising as they contain mustard oil.
In their fresh form, capers are very bitter, so they are only eaten when preserved, salted, or pickled. When choosing the product, pay attention to the size of the buds. It is believed that the smaller the capers, the more intense their flavor.
Prefer capers in a glass jar with a tight lid. Also, check the brine to ensure it is not cloudy.
Also, they quickly lose their flavor when heated. Therefore, add them to hot dishes 5-7 minutes before removing the food from the heat.
Furthermore, excessive consumption of capers can lead to swelling and increased blood pressure. Therefore, people with kidney and urinary system diseases should be careful with that.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
