I remember mom would cook cactus and serve it to my father and uncle. I also remember her giving me a taste and I didn’t like it. I don’t remember anything else about it until I got older, and I was talking to a very nice woman that owned a bakery.
I said to her, “You must eat a lot of the breads you make because they smell so good.” And she said she use to, but that she got really sick because of the sugar and she ended up in the hospital. They told her she was now diabetic.
She had to close the bakery for a few months until she got better.
1. Diabetes
Then she went to an herbalist. The herbalist told her to simmer the cactus and drink the slimy juice, twice a day. Once in the morning when she got up, and once at night when she went to bed.
She did this for a year and she no longer was diabetic.
The doctors confirmed that she no longer had it. But when they asked her how she did it, and she let them know how. They did not believe her.
That was great news, and yet western medicine doctors turn their heads away and don’t want to believe what they see or hear.
Did you know that cactus is known as the “humble plant?”
2. Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients
Today, they realize that cactus is very rich in vitamins and nutrients. It is the healthiest plant you can include in your diet.
Nopales is the name given to the cactus leaf, (Opuntia) as it is referred to, scientifically.
3. Natural Source of Fiber
Cactus adds a wide variety of fiber to the body. Cactus is available in many markets and stores.
4. Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Many things that the cactus helps with include lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
5. Reduces Blood Sugar
Cactus also heals the body by decreasing the level of blood sugars in people who eat cactus regularly.
6. Cancer and Heart Disease
Phenolics and flavonoids are antioxidants that help protect healthy cells from damage of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. These same antioxidants also slow the growth of cells in the colon, liver, breast, and prostate with no negative impact on healthy cells.
7. Brain Cell Protection
It also protects the brain cells from damage.
The fruit of the cactus has a compound that is considered a powerful neuro-protector. Quercetin 3-methyl flavonoid safeguards the neuron cells in the brain.
8. Digestion
Cactus improves digestion, and enhances the ability to retain water in the body to speed up bowel movement.
This fiber rich food reduces carcinogens and cellulites and enhances digestive health.
9. Weight Loss
Beneficial for weight loss, it provides a good amount of energy, its rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
10. Inflammation
Cactus is known to neutralize cell damaging compounds and serves as a analgesic with its anti-inflammatory properties that fight against burns in muscles, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and arteries.
11. Skin Care
It’s a wonder on skin care. It is full of electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins that protect the skin from sun damage.
12. Anti-aging
The best part of the cactus is that it fights against aging, enhances collagen, and helps with firming the skin.
Bonus (the baker’s dozen)
13. Kidney and Gall Stones
Eating the fruit of the cactus, you put it in the blender with some water, and it helps to dissolve stones in your kidneys and gall bladder.
That is what makes it so special.