Health Benefits of Cactus Juice

Cactus juice is also known commonly as nopalitos, prickly pear or nopales. It is found to be a very popular drink in South America, Mexico, the Middle East, parts of Europe and in India. This cactus juice drink is also steadily gaining popularity in the United States. The leaves of this cactus plant are oval in shape and fleshy. It is found to have a sticky kind of liquid which is similar in appearance to green beans or peppers.

The nectar of the cactus consists of sugar, water and various minerals.

Cactus Juice Nutrition, Nutrients

The nutrients in this juice mainly consist of high levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and iron. Nutritional information found on websites, booklets and brochure also states that it contains beta carotene additionally. In fact this prickly pear fruit is also found to be abundant in amino acids. The main amino acid is taurine which contains flavonoids and antioxidants. Both of these are said to be beneficial for the human body. A person drinking one cup of this juice will be getting about 0.1 grams of fat, 14 to 15 calories, about 2.9 grams of carbohydrates, about 1.9 grams of fiber, a gram of sugar, 1.1 grams of protein, 37.8 mg of Omega -6 fatty acids and also about 4.3 grams of Omega- 3 fatty acids. This serving will also contain 141 mg of calcium, 45 mg of magnesium and about 221 mg of potassium. It can be drunk along with other fruit juices like grape juice or it can even be mixed in with jellies and candies. This can be done when being given to smaller children. Thus the juice can be had anywhere from once to three times in a day, a couple of spoonfuls at a time.

Cactus Juice For Joint Inflammation

The juice contains high quantities of Vitamin A, vitamin B2 and also vitamin C. It is considered to be very beneficial for those suffering from rheumatism and arthritis. It is also very useful in fighting inflammation. People suffering from chronic pain can drink this cactus juice to aid in relieving the pain. In fact there are certain people who drink this cactus juice often to help in keeping their inflammation and therefore joint pain under control. This anti inflammatory juice can be obtained in many stores and even in some chemists. For joints; trouble is especially recommended among the older people. Drinking the juice on a regular basis also aids in eliminating or destroying some of the deadly viruses and in fact can help in promoting the growth of the good bacteria. Athletes and swimmers are at times advised to drink this juice as it can prevent any inflammation developing in one’s muscles.

Prickly Pear (Cactus Juice) For Intestinal Disorders

It can help in reducing various kinds of intestinal disorders and symptoms. It can be drunk on a regular basis, a couple of teaspoons at a time. Those who drink this juice find that it helps in forming some kind of a protective covering on one’s intestinal wall covering. It further aids in lowering any accumulation or growth of wastes from one’s intestines in the colon. Cactus juice has been found to be beneficial in cases of diverticulitis and also in problems of colitis. It is recommended for some who suffer from constipation problems and even conditions of intestinal gas and diarrhea. It has been found to be useful in eliminating wastes and mucus that collects in the intestinal tract. Some consider this drink to be a kind of intestinal cleanser as it works like a soap in cleaning the intestine. The plant is also known as the Schidigera root and is known to have a laxative effect. Thus it is useful in helping to clean one’s bowels and can speed up colon elimination.

Nopalitos (Cactus Juice) For Women & Children

During pregnancy or when a woman’s menstruation cycle leads to cramping and discomfort, this cactus juice can be drunk as it can provide almost instantaneous relief from the pain. Cactus juice has the ability to lessen most abdominal pains that are related to a woman’s menstruation cycle. It can also aid in reducing the stiffness and soreness that accompanies conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.

It is at times even prescribed for children when they are suffering from certain kinds of rashes that develop on the skin or even when scabs and sores develop.

For Cholesterol, Blood Sugar

Some of the well known health benefits includes, helping to lower a person’s bad cholesterol levels. Cholesterol related problems are found among people in all countries of the world and lowering this bad cholesterol is essential. For cancer; it is a commonly used remedy. The juice obtained from this prickly pear fruit is found to be a large source of Betalains which are antioxidants. These particular antioxidants are greatly beneficial in aiding a person to get healthier. It is also beneficial for patients with diabetes and psoriasis. Some people even drink this juice regularly when their blood sugar levels increase.

The prickly pear fruit contains pectin which helps in decreasing the blood sugar levels. In certain parts of the world the fleshy parts of the fruit are separated and dried. This is then eaten in winter. At times these portions are also made into a fermented drink which is considered to be a healthy beverage, especially drunk during the winter months. Some women have found drinking it during pregnancy to be beneficial in reducing nausea. It is also considered be many to be a very powerful blood purifier. Those people who suffer from migraines frequently are also advised to drink it. It is also recommended for weight loss, by many. Weight watchers sometimes go on a cactus juice diet for a week or so depending on which diet method they follow.

Other Health Benefits for Nopales (Cactus Juice)

It has been found to have an action or effect similar to cortisone that aids in offsetting stress. It has even been found that some smokers who drink this juice regularly tend to give up smoking.

Drinking cactus juice regularly has also been found to prevent inflammation developing in one’s cardiovascular region and arteries. Some even drink this to prevent an inflammation developing in the urethra. These can work just like a detergent and help in cleaning. Cactus juice is also found to be useful in strengthening the immune system of the human body. This is primarily because it is found to be a large source of the photochemicals. It has not been found to have any kind of harmful or unpleasant side effects. However it is a well known maxim that nothing should be consumed in excess. Thus this juice side effects have not been really established.

Submitted on January 16, 2014