Nopal, Prickly Pear, Cactus

Nopal
For over 12,000 years fresh Nopal cactus has been consumed for its legendary qualities.
Only recently, in the last 20 years, has modern science truly been interested in the investigation of Nopal's nutritional properties.
Nopal Verde is the prickly pear cactus 'vegetable' variety of the Nopal Opuntia ficusindica species. Known as green Nopal and the traditionally consumed ancient variety, Nopal cactus is the modern name used for consumption as a food and a supplement. This original and authentic variety of the Nopal prickly pear; requires the climate and soil type that is unique to its birthplace - the high volcanic mountains of Mexico – where the ground is rich in nutrients. The ancient Mexican cultures, living in the high mountain volcanic regions, originally adopted the Nopal prickly pear cactus as a holistic food.

treasured this high mountain variety and they believed that Nopal cactus was a supreme plant and food among its kings and warriors.

known in botany asOpuntia ficus indica or OFI, is the vegetable and fruit variety of the Opuntia Spp species with a 12,000 year historical record. Originating in the volcanic region of Mesoamerica now known as Mexico, Nopal OFI has been offering mankind this staple food and nutritional plant for thousands of years and therefore, many thousands of years before the Aztecs migrated to this Mesoamerican region.

Nopal (cactus) Recipes for diabetes, obesity and skin problems

The cactus is a plant with many medicinal properties. Besides being a great source of fiber, calcium, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, it contains elements that help both the intestine and blood to keep working in order and with good condition, plus it is one of the best natural remedies to treat and prevent diabetes and hypoglycemia, because the cactus increases insulin levels and sensitivity, which manages to balance the level of blood sugar, preventing the formation of bad fats that accumulate in the body, causing overweight and other health problems.

The nopal cactus is a plant usually green and oval shaped. It has different sizes depending on the type, and its skin is covered with thorns. It grows wild in desert regions and rather warm or cold. It has an important ecological role as it stops the deforested land degradation, i.e., infertile land becomes fertile land.

Here are some recipes that will help to cure diabetes, hypoglycemia, skin problems and obesity. Remember it is important to avoid eating junk food, refined or fried foods, as these only fill the body with toxins and unnecessary fats.

Nopal juice for Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and skin problems

Take it while fasting every day to see results.

Ingredients

1. A medium cactus, fresh
2. A glass of pure water
3. Juice of one lemon
4. One tablespoon of chia or flaxseed (optional)
5. A little honey

Preparation

1. Place everything in blender and blend a few minutes. Without strain, drink slowly, chew if necessary.
2. Once you drink this juice, do not eat anything else until an hour later. Drink another glass just before the main meal of the day.

Nopal shake against overweight

Ingredients

1. One cup of alfalfa
2. A medium cactus
3. A glass of fresh and natural carrot juice           

Preparation

Drink a half liter of this juice a day, a glass at noon and one in the afternoon after eating. You must drink two liters of pure water a day to remove fats and toxins. Do not eat anything fried, salty or sugar and refined or processed foods throughout the day. Drink this juice daily until you see results

Nopal salad to lose weight and cure skin problems

Ingredients

1. 3 medium cactus
2. Fresh Tomato (red)
3. Half onion
4. Two cloves of garlic
5. Salt, little
6. Extra virgin olive oil
7. Two juicy lemons

Preparation

In a saucepan put all finely chopped vegetables with olive oil.

Put them into the fire a few minutes, no need to cook much, season with salt.

Eat as a main dish for lunch.

Nopal juice to lower sugar and combat obesity

Ingredients

1. A medium cactus
2. A glass of water
3. A well-sanitized sprig of parsley
4. One tablespoon of chia(Salvia hispanica) or flaxseed(seed of flax plants)

Preparation

Blend all in blender and sip without strain.