We rarely think of cacti, of the different plants that offer medicinal and nutritional benefits for people’s health, we rarely think of cacti. Cacti are ornamental plants with a unique appearance and are very easy to maintain most of the time. However, some species of cacti are helpful in the field of health and medicine and can be used both externally and internally. However, not all cacti are edible or applicable to skin or hair.
Therefore, in this FastlyHealarticle, we tell you what the health benefits of cacti are and which are the species that are most used in this regard. Take note!
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Prickly pear cactus benefits health
The cactus scientifically known as Opuntia ficus-indica is a species present in Central and South America. This plant, commonly known as nopal or prickly pear, depending on the country, is increasingly in demand around the world for its properties and benefits. It is used to improve aspects of health and for care and beauty. Thus, to benefit from its properties, it can be taken in juice, eaten in some dishes, or applied as creams or masks. Take note of the main health benefits of the Nopal cactus :
- It contains pectin, a biochemical component that lowers cholesterol levels in the body.
- Pectin is a valuable chemical for diabetic patients as it helps reduce the need for insulin.
- It is an excellent source of vegetable protein that helps eliminate fluid retention in the body. It is also helpful for vegetarians looking to supplement their protein levels with sources of this type.
- Prickly pear cactus is an excellent source of fiber and therefore aids in digestion, regulates the intestine’s functioning, helps regulate water absorption, and can help you lose weight. It can treat constipation, as it controls and acts as a natural laxative.
- Its fruits are stores of water and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, B6, and K and contain high levels of calcium and magnesium.
- Reduction and prevention of inflammation in the muscles.
- The oil from the seeds of this cactus is also widely used worldwide and increasingly to treat hair, skin, and nails. It has high nutritional properties, providing the vitamins mentioned above and minerals and highly hydrating properties. One of its primary uses is to reduce dark circles considerably.
Properties and benefits of the hoodia cactus for health
Hoodia Gordonii is the scientific name of this other beneficial cactus for our health. It is a plant from the African Kalahari desert, but today we can find it in many other places. In this case, the most common uses of this cactus focus on treating and caring for our interior instead of also applying it to the exterior. The main benefits of the hoodia cactus for our health are the following:
- Regulates intestinal transit, helping to treat constipation.
- It is used to eliminate retained liquids since it has diuretic properties.
- It is commonly used to lose weight by consuming the cactus directly, its juice, or the capsules on the market. It is the glycosides it contains, such as oxypregnannes, which give it the ability to act on our hypothalamus, specifically at the point that regulates satiety, causing our feeling of hunger to decrease.
- Provides antioxidant vitamins that help improve skin, hair, and other tissues, such as cartilage.
It is essential not to overdo this last use, as it can be dangerous if not controlled well. For this reason, the indicated dose is usually 200 mg per day, although you must consult your doctor in each case and read the recommendations on the capsule packaging.
Discover in this other article from FastlyHealsome the best satiating foods that help you lose weight.
Cactus Caralluma is a very beneficial plant for health.
Finally, the Caralluma cactus, with the scientific name Caralluma Fimbriata, is another of these beneficial plants to take care of our health. It is a cactus native to India, and its
- It contains fibers, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, minerals, and vitamins.
- It is very satiating since it acts on the hormone ghrelin or ghrelin that is secreted in the stomach and regulates the sensation of hunger. Therefore, by slowing down the secretion of this hormone, the Caralluma cactus makes us less hungry. In addition, it must be borne in mind that due to the amount of fiber it contains, consuming a tiny amount, we already feel fuller and satisfied since the fibers are easily hydrated and take up space in the stomach.
- In addition, as we have already seen in the case of the nopal, these fibers help regulate the body by controlling blood glucose and cholesterol. Also, these fibers are optimal to help prevent and treat some kidney conditions.
- It is also a plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which combine the different nutrients mentioned above.
Side effects and contraindications of cacti for health
Although they have significant benefits for our health, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming some cactus, in whatever format. In addition, you have to consider the cases in which you should never take any of these plants. Thus, these are the contraindications of cacti for health :
- Children under 12 years old.
- Pregnant
- Infants and lactating mothers.
- People with digestive problems such as diarrhea, irritable bowel, or ulcers.
- If you are already taking a treatment with medicines or other medicinal herbs to lose weight.
It is also advisable to know the possible side effects of taking cactus :
- If taken in excess, they can cause digestive ailments, such as gas, constipation, and stomach pain.
- Suppose it is consumed in excess or taken simultaneously as hunger-regulating medications as a weight-loss treatment. In that case, the feeling of satiety can be so constant that we do not get to eat properly. This can lead to severe problems like malnutrition, anorexia, and excessive weight loss.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.