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Great News About a Tiny, Green Pasta Garnish
More proof that good things come in small packages: The tiny pickled plant buds known as capers could do big things for your body.
That's because capers -- used for centuries in Mediterranean fare to add zing to fish, salads, and pasta -- may have their own special heart-disease-busting and cancer-thwarting powers.
Two Great Capers
Extracts from capers, even in small amounts, did two surprising things in a recent study. First, they limited toxic and gene-mutating by-products of meat digestion. Great news, because those by-products can spell trouble for your heart. (Learn how to lower your risk of a heart attack.)
Second, the caper extracts improved the bioavailability of vitamin E. Also great news, because vitamin E helps put a damper on certain cancer-causing processes. (Are you due for a cancer screening? Take this health assessment to find out which scheduled checkups you need.)
Cooking Ideas
Capers contain a bundle of antioxidants, including a bit of vitamin C and vitamin E. Just don't go overboard if you're sensitive to salt, because capers also pack quite a sodium wallop. New to capers? Here are some super serving suggestions:
- Make this fantastic caper and lentil appetizer.
- Serve this sumptuous salad with capers, pasta, tuna, and roasted red peppers.
- Try this healthful and tasty fish dish: Halibut with Lemon and Caper Sauce.
Share your favorite caper recipe on the RealAge Community Message Boards.
RealAge Benefit:
Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
