Capers; They are the immature buds of the Capparis spinose plant, which grow on a short thorny flowering shrub in the mountains that are full of stones or on the side of the roads in dry and desert climates, and their size can be from the size of a pea to an olive. be variable The smaller the capers are, the better their quality is, that’s why small capers have a higher price.
Capers are used in Mediterranean cuisine due to their spicy and sour taste, which makes the food delicious. Capers are also used to color the salad.
Capers at a Glance
- It can be used during pregnancy
- Full of useful substances for pregnant women
- Capers help a lot to have a healthy diet during pregnancy
Can Pregnant Women Eat Capers During Pregnancy?
Consumption of capers during pregnancy is safe, but like other foods, capers should be consumed in moderation. Capers have a bitter taste in their natural state, so capers can be bought in salty or sour form from stores. Pregnant women can easily use capers in their diet without any feeling of danger, but before consumption, they must observe hygiene in washing capers so that the contamination is not transferred to the mother and fetus.
Benefits of Eating Capers During Pregnancy
Rich in vitamins A and K
Vitamin A and antioxidants in capers can have anti-cancer properties in the mother and fetus and also prevent the accumulation of free radicals. These vitamins increase the blood circulation routine and reduce the pressure on the veins.
Vitamin Riboflavin, Niacin
Vitamin B12 present in capers helps in vitality and energy because pregnant women usually need more energy. Niacin in capers can help control blood cholesterol levels because high cholesterol can cause pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Flavonoid
Flavonoids are useful in oxidative stress during pregnancy because oxidative stress can cause preeclampsia and miscarriage.
Plenty of Fiber
Pregnant women usually deal with a lot of digestive problems, muscle cramps, bloating and constipation are among the common problems of this period. The fiber in capers helps control bloating and constipation and facilitates bowel movements.
Iron, Calcium, Copper
Anemia is one of the common cases in pregnant women, and the iron in capers prevents anemia in pregnant women.
Calcium can help the bone growth of the fetus, and the calcium in capers helps pregnant mothers to have healthy bones to bear the weight of the child, and the copper in capers helps to release useful enzymes for the body.
Anti-inflammatory
Stretching of the skin is one of the problems that women face during pregnancy. Cracks in the skin caused by dry skin are much more. Caper can keep the skin moist and prevent inflammation and skin irritation.
Decrease Fasting Glucose Level
Caper extract can reduce fasting blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes
Capers can prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries, which reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
Based on the study conducted on capers, the researchers came to the conclusion that capers can help patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Capers reduce blood triglycerides, and since the non-alcoholic fatty liver has increased in pregnant women in recent years, it can cause complications for mothers and children, so eating capers can be beneficial for these mothers.
Can capers be harmful to pregnant women?
Excessive consumption of capers can cause miscarriage, bleeding, and muscle cramps before delivery because capers have blood-thinning properties and can be dangerous during pregnancy and during cesarean surgery.
On the other hand, capers should be consumed in moderation due to their high-salt content, because too much salt is not recommended and not useful for the mother and the fetus, and it can cause kidney and heart problems for the child, and a low-salt diet reduces the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Also, high sodium can be one of the causes of osteoporosis.
In some cases, capers can cause skin and allergic reactions, and if this happens, you should see a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Caper is one of the ingredients that can be consumed with food or salad. Capers are rich in nutrients that can help the pregnant mother and the fetus, but the important thing is that capers should be consumed in moderation and in moderate amounts because consuming too much can lead to complications. Therefore, you should always be careful when consuming capers.
