The nopal, also known as prickly pear, is a plant that comes from a cactus and is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. For centuries it has been used as a natural remedy thanks to the great benefits it can bring to health; It is a fruit in different sizes, its skin is covered with thorns, and it grows wild in arid regions. This fruit stands out for its low caloric and fat intake, just 17 kcal; The plant is composed of three edible parts, the stem, which is considered a vegetable; the flowers used in salads; and the pear or prickly pear, which is the fruit. At FastlyHealwe show you the health benefits of nopal.
Table of Contents
For diabetes
Nopal is recommended for treating and preventing diabetes and hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar levels drop. This fruit has mucilages, a type of soluble fiber, which provides the benefit of stabilizing blood sugar levels. Fiber causes the absorption of simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, to be delayed, reducing sugar rises.
For cholesterol and triglycerides
Another health benefit of nopal is that it helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The components of this fruit prevent the reabsorption of cholesterol, which occurs during digestion, forming a gel layer on this fat and expelling it without passing through the bloodstream, thus reducing the chances of suffering from cardiovascular problems. The cactus also has antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories, which prevent plaque from accumulating in the arteries.
For gastrointestinal problems
Its richness in antioxidants and amino acids allows the elimination of toxins generated during digestion and by the food we eat. The flavonoids it contains and the soluble fiber will enable it to serve as a liver tonic, protecting the gastric mucosa; it also has an antiulcer effect, so it is recommended in diets for gastritis and as a treatment for heartburn.
To lose weight
Its low calorie and fat content are another of the nopal benefits for health and weight loss. It also has a satiating effect, which will help you avoid snacking between meals and regulate your intestinal transit; Thanks to its contribution of fiber, it can absorb 30% more fat than other foods that contain this element. Prepare the following nopal juice to lose weight :
Ingredients
- One peeled nopal
- Three pieces of pineapple
- a piece of celery
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Two spinach or parsley leaves
Preparation: blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor, add honey if you wish, and drink it without straining.
How to consume nopal?
How you can consume nopal are:
- In fruit, either cut or prepared in juices.
- As a vegetable, the first thing to do is remove the bones with a vegetable peeler or knife. Please place them in hot water and remove the discolored parts, cut them as you prefer, and clean the blade because there may be thorns. From here, you can cook them boiled; in this case, you must remove the water and boil them two more times; everything will depend on the thickness of the sap. Add lemon, salt, and pepper if you decide to grill them.
- For an infusion of its flowers, use up to 5 grams of dried flowers per cup of water and drink up to 3 times a day.
- In capsules, take two capsules before meals.
Nopal contraindications
The nopal is considered a safe food. However, the amount consumed daily must be taken care of since it can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Sickness
- Headache
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Benefits of cactus for health , we recommend that you enter our Food category .
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.