But in addition, it is proven that it offers great qualities, which make it a natural remedy for various ailments. Learn more about the healing properties of nopal in this article.
Nutritional values of nopal
This plant is rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. In turn, it offers carbohydrates, nitrogen compounds, fibers, vitamins of groups A, B, C and K, chlorophyll, riboflavin and proteins.
There are many studies and research that affirm that cactus is really valuable for the health of people, helping the nervous, immune, circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.
In turn, it has several properties for external use. Therefore, it is used in cosmetics and beauty treatments for both skin and hair. Soaps, conditioners, moisturizing gels, lotions, ointments, eye shadows, etc. have also been created with the cactus .
On the other hand, in traditional medicine it has also been used to treat wounds or minor burns on the skin.
It can be consumed in different ways: juices, sauces, powder, sweets, stews, salads, jams, broths, combined with cereals, fruits or flaxseed. For its gastronomic use, the cactus is used as fodder and the stalks are as tender as a vegetable and are prepared when pickled. It is very popular liquefied with fruits.
Some healing properties of nopal
We will highlight some of the healing properties of cactus. Properties that allow treating or alleviating the symptoms of different problems or ailments.
It is a powerful antibiotic
One of the healing properties of nopal is that it directly inhibits or suspends the growth and development of several bacteria. The cactus is used as a poultice (its leaves) and has very good effects on the skin, both in wounds and infections.
Treats atherosclerosis
This cardiovascular inflammation caused by the blood vessel plaque can be treated with this plant. The nopal is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory without equal. Regularly eating fresh or powdered nopal juice helps prevent the onset of this disease.
Does not allow cancer to proliferate
The cactus has many dietary fibers, soluble and insoluble . The latter absorb water and help food “pass” better through the digestive tract.
In turn, improves digestion and are responsible for diluting the concentration of cells that can be potentially cancerous in the colon, preventing the onset of this disease.
It helps regulate cholesterol
It does so thanks to amino acids, vitamin B3 and fibers . The nopal prevents in turn the excess of sugar in blood and the conversion to fat, by what it reduces in a substantial way the “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. It eliminates the bile acids, which are then converted to cholesterol.
Improve the work of the colon
Due to its active ingredients, it helps in the prevention of the absorption of fat and carbohydrates. It maintains the balance of the blood level and helps control obesity. The cactus contains fibers that absorb glucose into the intestine . In turn, it keeps this organ clean and in excellent condition.
Regulates diabetes
It helps to regulate the level of sugar in blood for those who suffer from this disease. Thanks to the 18 amino acids present in the plant, the body will have more energy and fatigue will be reduced, so the glucose will also fall.It strengthens the liver and pancreas and increases the sensitivity to insulin, stimulating the movement of glucose to all the cells of the body. It also decreases the digestion of carbohydrates, reducing the production of insulin.
Improves digestion
For the vitamins of group B (1, 2 and 3) and C, in addition to calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron. With its antioxidant power, it provides a great protection against the toxins that are ingested with food and lessens the harmful effects of the intake of alcohol or certain “heavy” foods.
Avoid constipation
The fibers that the cactus contains help in the digestion, as it was previously said, so it avoids having problems to go to the bathroom.
An ally against obesity
It is by the large amounts of fibers it contains, helping to slow down the process of absorption of food and the entry of nutrients into the blood, also facilitating their elimination. It allows liquids to reach the bloodstream faster , helping to reduce cellulite and retention.
It is recommended to consume the nopal with juices, such as orange, for example. The insoluble fibers that it possesses generate a sensation of satiety and avoid eating too much. And as if that were not enough, regulates the bowel movement to evacuate properly.
Strengthens the immune system
The nopal has many vitamins, especially complexes A, B and C. It also provides minerals and amino acids that help eliminate toxins, detoxify the liver and eliminate the harmful effects of environmental pollution, smoke, problems that derive from alcohol , etc.
In addition, it has photochemicals, which help the body to defend itself against any attack of viruses or bacteria.
Prevents damage to the nervous system
Cactus helps to relax, to achieve better moods and can even help to eradicate problems of depression or emotional imbalances .
It is an excellent diuretic
The nopal juice is used to reduce inflammation of the urinary system and reduce pains in the kidneys or bladder.
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