Capers
Overview
Capers are among the highest sources of quercetin, a flavonoid polyphenol that supports antioxidant networks and may have neuroprotective effects. The estimated flavonoid intake ranges from 50 to 800 mg/day (About 75% of dietary polyphenol count is quercetin). It is abundant in capers, apples, onions, berries, kale and soybeans.
Recipes
Substances
2 substances in this food
Quercetin (and Isoquercetin)
Polyphenol; antioxidant; mitochondrial support; bioavailability improved with vitamin C
Sodium
Electrolyte for fluid balance and nerve function
Preparation Notes
- Can be used as seasoning or condiment
- Rinse if high-sodium pickled variety
- Part of diverse polyphenol intake strategy
- Pair with other quercetin sources
Biological Target Matrix
| Biological Target | Substance | Contribution Level | Therapeutic Areas | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation & Oxidative Stress | Quercetin (and Isoquercetin) | Contextual / minor contributor | Anti-inflammatory, anti-neuroinflammatory, and neuroprotective properties; supports gut barrier integrity and TLR4 suppression | |
| Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS) | Quercetin (and Isoquercetin) | Contextual / minor contributor | Contributes to LPS and immune defense; supports stress response modulation | |
| Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics | Quercetin (and Isoquercetin) | Contextual / minor contributor | Enhances mitochondrial baseline activity and energy production; supports mitochondrial function | |
| Neurotransmitter Regulation | Sodium | Contextual / minor contributor | Supports fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function; balance with potassium is relevant for blood pressure and neuronal excitability |
References
- The estimated flavonoid intake ranges from 50 to 800 mg/day (About 75% of dietary polyphenol count is quercetin). It is abundant in capers (Neveu V et al database 2010), apples, onions, berries, kale and soybeans