NOPAL CACTUS SKIN
Then, using a vegetable peeler, trim away its excess skin at the nodules.
Wash in cold water and mop dry using a soft cloth. To prepare, hold the pad at its base and gently scrape off all the spines and bristle on either side using a blunt knife. Nopales, fresh or preserved, have been the main part of traditional Mexican cuisine, especially during lean days. They contain small amounts of minerals, especially calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
NOPAL CACTUS FREE
Vitamin-C is a water-soluble, natural antioxidant, which helps the body protect from scurvy and offer resistance against infectious agents (boost immunity) and help scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. 100 g provides 9.3 mg or 15% of this vitamin. These vitamins are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions inside the human body.įresh pads contain average levels of vitamin-C.
Studies found that vitamin-A and flavonoid compounds in vegetables help protect from skin, lung, and oral cavity cancers.įurther, nopal pads contain small levels of the B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid. ß-carotene converted into vitamin-A inside the human body. This fiber and mucilaginous content in the cactus aid in the smooth passage of digested food through the gut and help relieve constipation problems.Īlso, the juice extracted from the nopal has been suggested to have an immune booster and anti-inflammatory properties.Ĭactus pads feature moderate amounts of vitamin A with 100 g fresh pads carrying about 457 IU of vitamin-A and 250 µg of ß-carotene. Together, these substances help bring a reduction in body weight, LDL-cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. The succulent paddles are rich sources of dietary fiber, especially non-carbohydrate polysaccharides, such as pectin, mucilage, and hemicellulose. Nonetheless, its modified leaves (paddles) have many vital phytochemicals, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can immensely benefit health. 100 g of fresh leaves carry just 16 calories. Nopales are one of the very low-calorie vegetables.