Nopal Cactus Juice Reduces inflammation
About the Nopal Cactus
Nopal Cactus, at times referred to in English as “Prickly Pear”, “Indian Fig” or “Barbary Fig” is scientifically categorized as Opuntia Spp, a generic name referring to over 200 species of the Opuntia cacti family, known popularly as the Nopal cactus.
Nopal Cactus or the vegetable and fruit variety of Opuntia Spp primarily is a nutritional plant and food with a 12,000 year safety record. Originating in the volcanic region of Mesoamerica now known as Mexico, Nopal has been offering mankind this staple food and nutritional plant for thousands of years and therefore, many years before the Aztecs migrated to this Mesoamerican region.
The prophetic Nopal Vision of Aztec civilization in Mesoamerica (Mexico) was founded on a myth or legend. The popular belief that “During the fourteenth century, [the god] Huitzilopochtli told the Aztec chieftain that their new homeland would be on the island in Lake Texcoco, and when they reached the island they were to look for an eagle eating a snake perched on a cactus growing from a rock or cave surrounded by water. This would be the location where they were to build their city and honour him.”They found this location and began to build their city around the year 1325 AD.” Aztec translation for Nopal, in the native nahuatl language is Nochtli. Thus the name for the new city “Tenochtitlan” or “The place of the Nopal cactus”. Tenochtitlan is now Mexico City, yet the Aztec Nopal vision is preserved on the National flag.
So central was Nopal to the many indigenous tribes of Mexico that they are the root of Mexico City’s Aztec name ‘Tenochtitlan’ meaning “place of the cactus”. In cases of drought, Nopal was the lifeblood of ancient cultures in Mexico for it was both food for the indigenous tribes and their livestock. Nopal was also used to soothe wounds and stiffen cloth, purify water and waterproof paint. It strengthened mortar and was used fence off valued animals and to protect habitats from wild ones. Cattle that grazed on the Nopales were said to develop a special flavour to their meat and milk.
The Nopal cactus (prickly pear) has been used medicinally by the indigenous peoples of this region for centuries. It has been used traditionally to lower blood sugar levels and to reduce the side effects of drinking too much alcohol.
The juice of the cactus pads has been used for scrapes and minor burns. According to research studies the Nopal cactus fruit (figs) helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with a number of ailments.
The reason Nopal cactus fruit has so many health benefits is due to the high number of Betalains found in the fruit. Betalains are antioxidant proteins. They give the Nopal fruit its bright colour. Due to the hot summers and cold winters in areas of the Sonoran Desert the Nopal cactus produces high levels of Betalains to protect itself from the elements. There are 24 known Betalains and the Nopal cactus of the Sonoran Desert is the only plant that contains up to all 24. Nopal cactus found in other areas of the world do not have the same number of Betalains. Other foods containing Betalains are Swiss Chard and beets. Neither one of these foods have the same number of Betalains as can be found in Nopal cactus fruit.
The pad of the Nopal cactus has been used as a vegetable in Mexico for centuries. They are called “nopalitos” in Spanish. The spines on the prickly pear cactus pads are removed and the pad is then grilled over the fire like a juicy steak.
The ripe Nopal cactus fruit can be eaten like any fresh fruit with one caution; even the fruit has little spines on the surface and must be handled with care. The cactus fig must be split open with a sharp knife and the inner fruit eaten or scooped into a bowl. Nopal cactus fruit tastes like a ripe watermelon. Fresh Nopal cactus fruit can be eaten by itself or added to a tasty smoothie drink.
Here is a recipe for a healthy Sonoran Desert smoothie:
2 cactus fruit or 2 ozs of Nopalea juice 1 cup frozen ripe red grapes1 tablespoon chia seeds1 banana (fresh or frozen)1 cup of soy milk1/2 cup of plain yogurt
Add the pulp of the Nopal cactus fruit along with the other ingredients. Blend well until smooth. This recipe makes two 8 oz. glasses of yummy smoothie!
The Nopal cactus juice and pulp have also been added to a nutrition drink called Nopalea. This is the most convenient way to benefit from the many health promoting qualities of the Nopal cactus.
David Ogden
CEO TheInterbiz LLC
Independent TriVita Affiliate 13142173
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