Surprising Health Perks of Nopal You Didn’t Know About

May 4, 2023

Nopal, also known as prickly pear cactus, is a plant commonly found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, inflammation, and high blood sugar levels. Here are some of the nutrition, benefits, and side effects of nopal:

Nutrition: Prickly pear cactus is a low-calorie, high-fiber food that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving of nopal contains:

14 calories
3.3 grams of carbohydrates
2.2 grams of fiber
1.1 grams of protein
0.1 grams of fat
17% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C
13% of the RDI of magnesium
9% of the RDI of potassium
5% of the RDI of calcium

Benefits:

Helps manage blood sugar levels: Prickly pear cactus has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by decreasing the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract.
Promotes weight loss: Nopal’s high fiber content can help promote feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and ultimately aid in weight loss.
Improves digestion: The fiber in nopal can help regulate bowel movements and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve overall digestive health.
Lowers cholesterol levels: Nopal has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Nopal contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Side effects:

While nopal is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as:

Stomach upset: Nopal can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, bloating, and nausea, in some people.
Allergic reactions: People with allergies to certain fruits and vegetables may also be allergic to nopal.
Drug interactions: Nopal may interact with certain medications, such as diabetes medications and diuretics, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking nopal supplements.

Overall, prickly pear cactus is a nutritious and versatile food that can offer several health benefits. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation and talk to a healthcare provider before taking nopal supplements, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or take medications

Anti-Inflammation Smoothie

Let’s make an anti-inflammation smoothie from prickly pear cactus, pineapple and celery today. This is a very powerful drink for reducing inflammation in your body. It is also a great colon cleanser as all of the ingredients are loaded in fiber. The instructions are below 👇 Nopal is high in fiber, it has anti-inflammation properties, it is high in antioxidants and it helps decrease blood sugar. You will find it at Hispanic markets in the USA. Celery is full of antioxidants, lowers inflammation, helps reduce cholesterol, is high in fiber and helps you improve your digestion. Pineapple is full of fiber, good for. your digestion, supports your immune system, is loaded with Vitamin C and has Bromelain which helps reduce inflammation.

Anti-Inflammation Nopal Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup filtered water
1/2 nopal paddle, preferably frozen

1 celery stalk (include leaves if desired), strands removed

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

Instructions:

Prepare Ingredients:

If using fresh nopal, wash thoroughly and remove any spines. If frozen, ensure it is partially thawed for easier blending.

Remove the strands from the celery stalk and chop it into smaller pieces.

Cut fresh pineapple into chunks, measuring about one cup.

Blend:

Add the filtered water, nopal paddle, celery, and pineapple chunks into a blender.
Blend on high until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Serve:

Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy at any time of the day.

Note: Be cautious not to overuse nopal, as it may cause diarrhea if consumed in large quantities.

Anti-Inflammation Nopal Smoothie

Print the Recipe Here

Disclosure: This recipe and the information provided are intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.