Relying on nature and using herbs for therapeutic purposes is a favorite of many people, and there are many plants and herbs that have many medicinal and health benefits, including the bergamot herb or capers, so what is this herb? And what health benefits does it provide? You can learn about the answers to these questions and how to use this herb and its possible harms through the following paragraphs.

What is the bergamot herb?

Capers are the immature flower buds of the Capparis spinosa plant, usually harvested in Spain, Italy and Greece.

It is usually made as a pickle and used as a garnish or seasoning for other dishes. The bergamot herb contains many nutrients and has been linked to many potential health benefits.

Nutritional value of the bergamot herb

Barbs or capers are eaten in small quantities, so each serving contains a small amount of calories and some grams of carbohydrates, fats and protein, but contains a high amount of sodium. And 9 grams (one tablespoon) of canned capers contain the following:

• Calories: 2 calories.
• Protein: 0.2 grams.
• Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams.
• Fiber: 0.3 grams.
• Sodium: 9% of the daily requirement.
• Copper: 4% of the daily requirement.
• Riboflavin: 1% of the daily requirement.
• Vitamin K: 2% of the daily requirement.
• Iron: 1% of the daily requirement.
• Magnesium: 1% of the daily requirement.

It is worth noting that sodium plays an important role in regulating fluid and blood pressure levels. Barberry also contains copper, which is an essential mineral that plays a role in iron metabolism, energy production and brain function. Also, some other elements, such as vitamin K, help in blood clotting and promote bone health.

Benefits of the bergamot herb

The potential health benefits of this plant include:

1- Rich source of antioxidants

Antioxidants help neutralize or neutralize harmful free radicals to prevent damage to cells. These antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and protect against some chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. According to studies, the bergamot herb contains Quercetin and Rutin, which help in:

• Reduce infections.
• Promote wound healing.
• Promote normal blood sugar levels.

2- Promote weight loss

Capers have a rich flavor but are low in calories, which makes them a good addition to a weight loss diet. High-calorie ingredients can be substituted for burgers, and this may help reduce your overall calorie intake.

3- Fighting diabetes

Some studies suggest that bergamot contains properties that can help fight diabetes. It helps promote diabetes control, by improving tissue absorption of sugar, reducing carbohydrate absorption, and protecting the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

4- Reduce heart rhythm disturbances

It richly contains the antioxidant quercetin, which plays an important role in improving the function of potassium channels, which when malfunctioning increases the risk of many health conditions such as, arrhythmia.

5- Alzheimer’s prevention

Some studies suggest that people who take certain types of antioxidants, such as quercetin, have a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This may be due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in this herb, which in turn limit cell damage.

Important notice:

All the aforementioned benefits are not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence, and they still need more studies, so you should consult your doctor first before introducing this herb to the diet or using it for any therapeutic purpose.

How to use capers

Capers are available in different sizes, and can be found in major food stores, and can be used in more than one way, such as:

• Add it to salmon and cream cheese.
• Sprinkle it on the eggs.
• Fry it or add it with lemon juice and butter to make chicken piccata.
• It can be stuffed with large peppers, with other toppings such as black olives and cheese.
• Put it on the tuna salad.
• Put it with green power.
• Put it with olives and sausage on pizza.

Damage to the bergamot herb

This herb contains a lot of sodium, one tablespoon contains 9% of the daily need, and despite the importance of sodium in the health of the body, high amounts of sodium can cause the following:

• High blood pressure, which in turn is a significant risk factor for some other diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
• A diet high in sodium increases the risk of some health problems, such as stomach cancer.

Therefore, it is recommended to eat burgss or capers in moderation, and as part of a balanced diet, especially if you pay attention to the amount of salt that is entered into the body, or if you follow a low-sodium diet. It can also be washed or rinsed before use to reduce the amount of sodium in it.