The nopal is also known as chumbera and its scientific name is Opuntia ficus-indica, a species of plant belonging to the cactus family, which grows in arid areas, used in various culinary preparations, part of the gastronomy of parts of Mexico and Latin America.
Several studies have shown the health benefits of eating nopal, being considered a superfood, but it is a food rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides, flavonoids, vitamins, fiber, polyunsaturated fats and proteins, which give it different antioxidant properties. . , anti-inflammatory and even hypoglycemic.
- Parts that can be eaten of flowers.
- Seeds.
- Fruits and cloves.
- As well as those that can be obtained in different colors green.
- White.
- Red.
- Orange and yellow.
- For example.
- In addition to this.
- It can also be used in the form of tea.
- Meringue.
- Essential and accepted that can be obtained in cosmetics and beauty products.
Some Indian studies that consume 500 grams of nopal may help regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes, because it contains polysaccharides, soluble fibers such as pectin and other substances that help lower blood sugar and regulate blood sugar. Insulin.
Nopales apparently act at the level of LDL cholesterol receptors in the liver, helping to lower blood cholesterol. In addition, it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids that help lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL levels and prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease.
Nopal contains antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and vitamin E that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, so ingesting 200 to 250 grams of your pulp could help prevent it.
This type of cactus contains several substances, such as nicophlorine, for example, a substance that provides a protective and anti-inflammatory effect on neural cells, reducing the risk of dementia.
Nopales are a low-calorie, high-fiber food, so including it with a low calorie diet will help reduce caloric intake, a bell that will also increase the feeling of satiety, decreasing the burger.
Nopales are high in fiber that help improve digestion and intestinal transit, reducing symptoms of diarrhea and strains, as well as helping to prevent the development of gastric ulcers.
Nopal has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, antiulcer, diuretic and neuroprotective properties.
The following table presents the nutritional information of 100 grams of nopal:
It is recommended to include nopales directly in foods, about 200 to 500 grams providing the aforementioned health benefits.
In the case of supplements, however, there is no specific dosage, most supplements recommend less than 500 to 650 milligrams per day, although more scientific studies are needed in terms of their efficacy and toxicity.
The nopal can be eaten in yokes, snacks, tortillas and jams, the nopal has small spines, these should be removed with a spoon before being consumed, some receipts that you can prepare are:
This nopal yoke is rich in antioxidants, in addition to being diuretic, helping to strip the body. The nopal can be combined with all fruits and other vegetables.
ingredients
Preparation method
Place all ingredients in the liquor or in a food centrifuge and drink the rest.
ingredients
Preparation method
Wash the nopal today and wash it with a small brush. Cut the nopal pearls into a square, place them in a bowl of water, 1/2 bowl, 2 chopsticks and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 20 minutes. Once listed, they should be glued and placed in a glass container that has been closed.
Chop 1/2 onion, tomato, fresh water and diced water, mix with nopales and coriander. Add olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste.
ingredients
Preparation method
Wash the nopal today and wash it with a small brush, cut into pieces and put them in the liquor with spinach and water. Blend until smooth.
Place in a separate container the cornmeal, salt and melted almond oat oil, gradually add the nopal yoke and continue until desired consistency is obtained, that when the dough does not fall into the hands, make balls and crush them with an omelette with any flat instrument so that they are thinned, put in a tea and cook
The filling can be white, vegetables or a dish cut into strips and sautéed with vegetables, for example.
Possible side effects of nopal ingestion as a supplement are headache, nausea, diarrhea and increased needs.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take nopal supplements, as science does not know whether they are safe or not. If you have diabetes and are taking hypoglycaemic medications, talk to your doctor before taking nopal, which can cause hypoglycemia.