10 NOPAL BENEFITS

The cactus contains protein, calcium, iron , vitamins A and B , potassium, and is a rich source of fiber. It helps control diabetes , cholesterol , gastrointestinal disorders , is an ally against osteoporosis , is used for weight loss and cosmetics. Meet and adóptalo .

1. Ally against diabetes : Experiments by the National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute ( Mexico ) document that nopal is a hypoglycemic agent , ie , reduces sugar concentrations in the blood. The researchers found that the nopal increases the levels and insulin sensitivity , consume a daily average of between 200 and 300 grams of tender cactus significantly raise the chance of not developing diabetes.

2. To prevent osteoporosis : A multidisciplinary and inter- team National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM ), the Autonomous University of Querétaro ( UAQ ) , and the Universidad del Valle de Mexico (UVM ) found that substantially reduces nopal flour risk in women with osteoporosis . Research shows that the more mature and larger the leaf cactus , contains more calcium and oxalates least , that is , the substance that prevents the absorption of calcium in vegetables.

3. Lowers cholesterol : Experts from the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition ” Salvador Zubirán ” ( Mexico ) found that the nopal is a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The study indicates that the nopal metabolizes fat and fatty acids reducing cholesterol.

4. A natural antibiotic : A study of nopal of the National Polytechnic Institute ( Mexico ) highlights the nopales are natural antibiotics , this property is related to crasuláceo acid metabolism (CAM ) plants , which in cacti inhibits or suspending the growth of various bacterial species. Hence, both the consumption of nopal as the application of poultices of cactus leaves have beneficial effects on wounds and skin infections .

5. Gastrointestinal Disorders : The Nopal contains vitamins A , B complex, C , minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium , potassium, iron and fibers of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose , pectin, mucilages and which together with the 17 amino acids help eliminate toxins. Its mucilage fiber and control the production of gastric acid and protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa. They also contribute to a good digestion avoiding constipation problems.

6. Cleaning the colon : In the book ” The Healing Power of Nopal ” William Murray mentioned that insoluble fibers help thin nopal production of carcinogens in the colon , making the apparition comes to a certain extent of this condition.

7. Effective in Cancer : Zhang Hong , a researcher at the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, recently discovered that nopal is effective to treat cancer patients . The study points out that the cactus extract helps suppress unfavorable process for leukocytes when cancer cells are eliminated in the traditional processes of radiation and chemotherapy and prevent metastasis.

8. Against Obesity: Experts from the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition ” Salvador Zubirán ” ( Mexico ) found that the insoluble dietary fiber contained in the cactus absorbs water and accelerates the passage of food through the digestive tract , preventing or slowing the absorption of sugars , which in turn generates a feeling of satiety , decrease food intake and helps a good digestion. With regard to the nutritional value of nopal, a cup of raw nopales ( 86 g approximately) there 2.9 g of carbohydrates and 1.1 g of protein and only 14 kcal .

9. Preparation cosmetics : In the cosmetic market you can find shampoos , soaps , conditioners and masks, cleansers, moisturizers and naturopathic medicines based cactus. In marketing shampoo for example, it is said to help prevent hair loss and stimulates the birth of the same .

10. An old story : The Aztecs discovered several medicinal uses in the nopal, for fevers drank juice, cactus mucilage or baba used to cure the chapped lips , pulp cure diarrhea, spines to clean infections the fruit was used to excess bile , employed the leaves of the nopal as hot to relieve inflammation and root for the treatment of hernia, irritable liver , stomach ulcers dressing.