5 Little-known health benefits of eating cactus

Have you ever thought about eating cactus dishes? This plant, which is commonly used as an ornamental plant, is actually edible. Eating certain types of cactus, it can bring several health benefits.

There are dozens of types of edible cacti, one of which is the nopales or cactus prickly pear which is very popular in Latin America and Mexico. Although the surface is covered with sharp thorns, this plant is believed to have health benefits.

The various benefits of eating cactus

Cactus can be eaten raw or sauteed with other complementary ingredients. In order for dishes to taste more delicious, the cactus plants used should be young and tender.

This plant has a crunchy texture. It tastes bland and dense, with a hint of a fresh sour taste. Not only delicious, eating cactus is also known to have various benefits as follows:

1. Rich in nutritional content

Like food ingredients in general, cactus contains a variety of beneficial nutrients. 128 grams of raw cactus contains 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 14 calories.

Another benefit of eating cactus is that it provides your body with 20 micrograms of vitamin A, 8 milligrams of vitamin C, 4.6 micrograms of vitamin K, and 141 milligrams of calcium.

Vitamins and minerals are two nutrients that are essential for maintaining the continuity of bodily functions.

2. Improve digestion

Cactus makak also has benefits for digestion.

Cactus contains a lot of dietary fiber which is important for the digestive process. The fiber content in food makes the stool solid so that it is easier to remove from the digestive tract.

The fiber intake you get from eating cactus also stimulates peristalsis (squeezing movements) in the smooth muscles along the intestines.

This condition can reduce the risk of digestive disorders such as diarrhea and constipation.

3. Helps control blood sugar

Eating cactus is considered safe for diabetics because it can help control blood sugar. This is supported by a study published in a journal ISRN Pharmacology .

The study found that cactus seed extract can lower blood sugar as well as increase glycogen in muscles and liver.

The benefits of eating this one cactus will be even better if it is balanced with the consumption of drugs according to a doctor's prescription.

4. Reducing the risk of cancer

An animal study has shown that cacti can inhibit tumor growth in the body. This benefit comes from its diverse antioxidant content.

By eating cactus, one of the benefits you receive is getting antioxidants in the form of pectin, carotene, ascorbic acid, betalain, polyphenols, and gallic acid.

All of these antioxidant compounds protect your body from free radicals that trigger cancer formation.

5. Helps you lose weight

Eating cactus also brings benefits for weight loss. Cacti can lose weight in many ways.

First, the content of vitamin B complex in it will speed up the metabolic rate so that more calories are burned.

Second, the fiber content in cactus can keep you full longer and prevent overeating. Third, cactus can lower bad cholesterol and help the fat burning process.

Cactus is not as popular as other ingredients for food processing. In fact, eating cactus can bring many benefits that are not known to many people.

Cactus is very rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The taste is quite delicious if you can process it well. So, there's nothing wrong with making cactus as an alternative to the daily menu. Good luck!