Whenever we see a cactus plant, we distance ourselves to not get hit by its prickles. That’s a common human tendency. But if you are told that drinking cactus juice is good for your health and wellness, would you try it? No wonder cactus has a bad reputation for its ugly presence but scientists and nutritionists cannot stop talking about its nutritional benefits. It is has a dense nutrient profile which makes it good for overall health. Read all the benefits and cactus juice recipe in this article.
Cactus Juice Nutritional Profile
The low-calorie Prickly Pear or Cactus juice has nutrients in abundance. Here’s the list of vitamins and minerals that you get in this wild vegetable:
- Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Phytonutrients
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- Amino acids
You may get cactus juice in some high-end food stores but they are costly. It is better to extract your own cactus juice at home for freshness.
Cactus Juice Recipe
- Get prickly pear cactus pads. Carefully remove spines from the skin.
- In a pot, boil water and put the cactus pads to it.
- Boil them for 4-5 minutes on high flame.
- After that, take out the cactus pads and set aside to cool.
- Peel them and cut them into pieces.
- Put them in a mixer blender. Also add lemon, oranges and coconut water to make the juice. This would increase the taste and make it more palatable. Blend them well.
- Strain the mixture, squeeze out all the juice and discard the pulp.
Aid Weight Loss
Owing to its low-calorie profile, this is good to manage diet and weight. One cup of cactus juice has only 15 calories! Upon drinking this, you are providing sufficient nutrients to your body keeping untimely snacking and overeating at bay.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Consumption of this juice is found to bring the LDL or bad cholesterol levels down. It also inhibits fat deposition lowering the risks of cardiovascular and atherosclerosis diseases.
Improves Digestion
For centuries, this juice has been long recommended for digestive issues including inflammation, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, etc. It works by cleansing the digestive tract and colon releasing all the toxins.
NOTE: In some people, drinking this juice may create gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, etc. This might not suit everybody.
Also Read: Exercises To Avoid If You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Cure for Hangover
In some areas, people swear by this juice to treat their hangover. This juice is said to be an effective cure for headaches and nausea that characterize hangover. Besides, this juice has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe inflammation caused after excess alcohol consumption.
Also Read: Crazy Cures For Hangover From Around The World
Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Some of the active ingredients in cactus juice are anti-spasmodic which soothes the menstrual cramps. Women who suffer extreme pain during menstruation must try this juice to fend off abdominal discomfort.
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