What is Caper Tea, What are its Benefits?

One of the herbal teas believed to be medicinal, caper tea is not very common. More precisely, it has become widespread in recent years. It is the type of tea that many people do not taste. The side effects of caper tea, which is a natural herbal tea, are almost non-existent. Especially effective benefits are observed in the elderly. You can find more in our article!

What is Caper Plant?

The scientific name of caper, also known as “grasshopper“, is “Capparis spinosa”. It is a spiny species of the “Caparaceae” family. The small buds of the plant before flowering are called “gebre”, “kebere” or “caper”. It is widely grown in the Black Sea coastline and Thrace region in Turkey. It can also be grown in places where the Mediterranean climate is effective. It can grow spontaneously between stones, on walls, in uncultivated areas and on moisture-holding rocks. It enters the flowering period from May. It bears fruit in August-September.

The caper bush can grow up to 1 meter tall and spread 1.5 meters. It prefers places with full sunlight. It is common in late spring and early summer. It can withstand temperatures above 40 degrees in summer; however, it is sensitive in winter and cannot withstand frost. It is harvested by cutting the stems in the spring when the shoots grow. Harvesting should be done quickly before flowering. Caper; It is used in food, cosmetics, paint and pharmaceutical industries. It is usually consumed in brine or canned form. canned capers; It is consumed as a side dish with pickles, salads, pizza additives, fish and game meats. In recent years, tea has also started to become popular.

What are the Benefits of Caper Tea?

Caper is a medicinal plant that is considered as appetizer and diuretic and is very famous in Cyprus. It is one of the richest plant sources of rutin (rutoside) and quercetin, which are flavonoid compounds. In addition, it is a very rich source of quercetin; 100 grams of capers contain 180 mg of this compound. Both of these compounds work as powerful antioxidants. The caper plant is also rich in vitamins and minerals. For this reason, tea obtained from the plant is thought to have benefits against many diseases. However, more research is needed on this subject. 1 to 2 cups of caper tea a day may be sufficient for general health benefits. It is recommended to drink on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.

The potential benefits of caper tea are as follows;

• In recent years, it has become popular due to its positive effects against MS (Multiple Sclerosis).
• Having a high level of antioxidant properties, capers also prevent free radicals due to their “rutin (vitamin P1)” and “quercetin” content. Thus, it creates resistance against the factors that trigger cancer.
• Helps regulate blood circulation thanks to the “Rutin” compound.
• “Rutin” inhibits the formation of platelet aggregation in blood vessels by strengthening capillaries.
• By preventing hardening of blood vessels, prevents high blood pressure.
• The “quercetin” ingredient acts as a natural pain reliever.
• Quercetin, also; It has antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Spicy buds contain healthy ingredients like vitamins A and K, niacin and riboflavin.One tablespoon of capers contains 0.3 grams of fiber. For this reason, it is effective against constipation and indigestion problems.
• It helps to get rid of harmful substances that enter the body with red meat and fatty foods.
• It can be used for stomach aches and gas compression problems.
• It regulates blood sugar thanks to the beneficial chemicals it contains. However, sugar users should consult a doctor!
• It can be effective in problems such as phlegm and chest tightness.
• The iron and B vitamins in its content support hair health.
• Different types such as arthritis, rheumatism, toothache and skin problems can be used in the treatment of diseases.
• Caper bud has very few calories; but it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Contributes to the healing of ulcer wounds by supporting the digestive system.
• Can be used against uterine contractions in pregnant women before childbirth.
• Stops diarrhea and spasms in the stomach and intestines.
• Recommended against impotence .
• Recommended for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

How to Prepare Caper Tea?

Caper tea is prepared similarly to teas from other medicinal plants. It is rich in vitamins A and K. It also contains substances such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and rutin (vitamin P1). It is also high in calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium content.

The ingredients and their ratios are as follows;

• Energy: 23 Kcal – 1%
• Carbohydrates: 4.89 g – 4%
• Protein: 2.36 g – 4%
• Total fat: 0 .86 g – 3%
• Cholesterol: 0 mg – 0%
• Fiber: 3.2 g – 8%
• Folate: 23 μg – 6%
• Niacin : 0.652 mg – 4.5%
• Pantothenic acid: 0.027 mg – 0.5%
• Pyridoxine: 0.023 mg – 2%
• Vitamin B-2: 0.139 mg – 11%
• Thiamine: 0.018 mg, 1.5%
• Vitamin A: 138 IU – 4%
• Vitamin C: 4.3 mg – 7%
• Vitamin E: 0.88 mg – 6%
• Vitamin K: 24.6 mcg – 20.5%
• Sodium: 2954 mg – 197%
• Potassium: 40 mg – 1%
• Calcium: 40 mg – 4%
• Copper: 0.374 mg – 42%
• Iron: 1.67 mg – 21%
• Magnesium: 33 mg – 8%
• Manganese: 0.078 mg – 3%
• Phosphorus: 10 mg – 1%
• Selenium: 1.2 mcg – 2%
• Zinc: 0.32 mg – 3%
• Carotene-ß: 83 mcg
• Carotene-a: 0 mcg
• Cryptoxanthin-ß: 0 mcg
• Lutein-zeaxanthin: 0 mcg.

Useful Information About Capers

• Caper; they are thorny, heather and flowering buds that grow like a weed.
• The quality of capers is inversely proportional to their size; small capers are of better quality.
• The caper plant is one of the main components of some medicines.
• It has been used in traditional medicine in ancient Greece for its analgesic properties.
• It has been used as a medicinal and medicinal plant since ancient times. it is thought to have magical properties.
• It is recommended that those on a sodium diet stay away from capers; because capers contain high sodium.
• Salt structure may cause bloating.
• Patients with high blood pressure are recommended to use it carefully.
• Consuming excessive capers can trigger osteoporosis.
• Supporting circulatory and respiratory functions in pharmaceutical applications
• It is an herb that is thought to be effective against bee and snake stings.
• Caper pieces have been used in traditional medicines to alleviate rheumatic pains.
• Pickled capers have traditionally been used to increase appetite.