Health Benefits of Cactus
The cactus plant is a staple in many Latin American cultures. This desert-dwelling plant grows in the arid regions throughout Latin America, Southern California, and Arizona. Two parts of the cactus are typically eaten: the cactus fruit (prickly pear) and the flat cactus pad (nopales).
When preparing cactus, you can eat the fruits and the pads raw, cook them into dishes, or squeeze them into juice. You can harvest them yourself or buy them in a local market.
Health Benefits
Cactuses are known for their nutrients as well as their medicinal value. Both cactus pads and cactus fruit can help fight infections and ease the symptoms of anything from hangovers to high cholesterol.
Here are some of the health benefits of cactus:
Manages Cholesterol
Both the cactus pad and the cactus fruit are high in fiber, which can lower cholesterol levels in the blood. A study found that eating cactus can reduce body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Incorporating cactus fruits into your diet can help reduce the risk of diseases like stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular diseases.
Eases Hangovers
Cactuses contain vitamins C, E, A, iron, calcium, and more. This wide range of nutrients and more can help reduce inflammation in the body. Research found that taking cactus extract after drinking five to seven alcoholic drinks resulted in fewer hangover symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth). The cactus extract also reduced inflammation in the body, which is often linked to alcohol intake.
Controls Blood Sugar