Nopales are a lesser-known vegetable native to Mexico and Central America.
These vegetable taste somewhat similar to the mix of pear and watermelon.
They are high in many different nutrients, making for a healthy addition to your diet.
Also known as prickly pear cactus, nopales are a staple ingredient in several Mexican dishes. These vegetables are versatile, and also easy to add to your diet. They come in different colors (like green, purple, etc.), and are mostly available in spring through late fall.
Nopales are a nutritional powerhouse by all means. They contain huge amounts of fiber, copper, iron, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and more. Without any further ado, let's discuss how these delicious vegetables can benefit your health.
May improve digestion
Nopales are an excellent source of dietary fiber. It boosts the release of certain juices and enzymes that further support the entire digestion process. Moreover, it helps stimulate peristaltic motion and also adds bulk to your bowel movements. All of these, in turn, reduce your risk of several digestive issues including IBS.
May enhance skin health
The high amounts of vitamin C in nopales boost collagen production in your body. This, in turn, helps improve the skin texture and also reduces your risk of acne, pimples, and many other issues.
Nopales are high in antioxidants that fight off free radicals, thus lightening the signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
May support bone strength
Nopales contain a good amount of calcium that promotes bone mineralization in your body. The vitamin K found in them, on the other hand, aids calcium absorption in your bloodstream. They are also loaded with niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, etc. that maintain cellular metabolism, and further promote the growth, development, and repair of your bones.
May aid in weight loss
Being low in calories, nopales make for an amazing choice for people struggling with obesity. Also, their high fiber content keeps you full for a long time, thus inhibiting your craving for unhealthy foods throughout the day. What's more, they increase the metabolic rate in your body. All of these, in the long run, promote your body to shed the excess kilos.
May boost the immune system
Nopales are rich in vitamin C which aids in the white blood cell production in your body. This is essential for the maintenance of all functions of your immune system. On the other hand, the antioxidants found in these vegetables reduce oxidative damage, which also contributes to the purpose as well. Research has found that daily intake of nopales is associated with a lower risk of viral and bacterial diseases.
Along with these, nopales may also control diabetes, reduce cholesterol levels, boost brain functions, etc.
