Cactus Fruit - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Did you know that Prickly Pear is another name for the fruit of a cactus? So, you know now. The fruits are very sweet and can be eaten straight from the tree. They are green (slightly sour) to red (very sweet) (very sweet). Some are even orange. The fruits, on the other hand, are sharp and have thorns that stick easily to your skin. It is recommended that you pick them with leather gloves.

What is cactus fruit?

Cactus fruit is used a lot in Mexican food. It is also called prickly pear, nopal, cactus ficus-indica, barbary fig, and opuntia, among other names. The Nopal cactus, which grows in hot, dry places, gives this fruit its juicy taste. There are more than 200 different kinds of cactus fruits, some of which have yellow, pink, or white flesh.

Ways to eat cactus fruit? 

The fruit is not the only part of the cactus that can be eaten. It has soft pads called nopales that can be eaten raw or made into sweet or savoury dishes. They can be added to scrambled eggs, salads, tacos, soups, stews, chilli, salsa, and even lasagna to make them healthier.

Cactus fruit nutrition: 

You don't need to look any further if you want to lose weight, boost your immune system, or feel more awake. This superfood has all the nutrients your body needs to work at its best. A single fruit has high amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and copper, as well as 24 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. In addition, it only has 42 calories.

Cactus fruit has a lot less carbs than most other fruits. It only has 9.9 grams of carbs, out of which 3.7 grams are fibre. Small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, iron, and selenium will also be in the food.

This fruit is a great choice if you are trying to eat less fat. It's a great way to help you lose weight because each serving has less than one gram of fat. It will satisfy your cravings with its rich, sweet taste. Use it in fruit juices, homemade pies, sugar-free jam, citrus salad, lemon bars, pancakes, smoothies, and other desserts.

Health benefits of cactus fruit: 

1. Keeps blood pressure steady 

Consuming cactus fruit aids in keeping blood pressure in a healthy range. It has a lot of minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients that all work together to keep blood pressure in a healthy range. As a result of its ability to increase insulin sensitivity, it has potential as a diabetes-related dietary supplement.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, cactus fruit has been linked to a variety of health advantages. By reducing inflammation in the joints and muscles, this cactus plant is useful in the treatment of arthritis. This cactus has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of other inflammatory disorders like as asthma, bronchitis, and fibromyalgia.

4. Aids in digestion

Regular consumption of cactus fruit promotes digestive health by stimulating regular bowel movements. It eliminates the risk of developing any of the disorders associated with constipation.

5. Boosts immunity

Prickly pear's antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics make it a potent immune-booster. They aid the immune system in its fight against potentially dangerous bacteria.

6. Keeps kidney healthy

A common usage for cactus fruit is as a diuretic. This means that it promotes healthy kidneys and bladders. It stops bloating, water retention, and infections in the urinary tract.

7. Nourishes skin

If you want healthy skin, try eating cactus fruits. Consuming this fruit aids in the prevention of dryness, dullness, and the early onset of fine lines and wrinkles by supplying the skin with the nutrients it needs. The numerous antioxidants in this aid in warding off the onset of under-eye darkness.