The nopal Opuntia from Mexico.
The Opuntia ficus-indica plant, also known as prickly pear cactus or nopal Opuntia in Mexico, is an edible cactus plant made up of green leaves or racquets (Nopalitos), delicious fruits (Tunas), and beautiful flowers.
The Opuntia ficus-indica
All cacti belong to the same taxonomic family of the Cactaceae, and this family includes many genera. Opuntia is one of the genera in the Cactaceae family and includes nearly 250 species.
The “Opuntia ficus-indica” plant is one edible species of the genus Opuntia, known in Mexico as “nopal Opuntia.” This incredible plant, considered a superfood, produces fruits (Tunas) and leaves or racquets (Nopalitos) consumed as vegetables in Mexico.
The Opuntia ficus-indica plant and its fruits have been consumed as food and medicine in Mexico for over six thousand years. Today, this plant is mainly used to produce foods, nutritional supplements, beauty products, renewable energy and livestock feed.
What are Nopalitos?
The edible young leaves or racquets, known in Mexico as NOPALITOS, are the vegetable part of the nopal Opuntia plant.
Nopalitos are packed with minerals, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. They also contain a broad composition of amino acids, including eight essential amino acids that are not manufactured by the body.
Nopalitos can be used in salads or cooked to prepare delicious dishes. This vegetable can also be converted into juices, smoothies or powder supplements.
The Prickly Pear fruits
The Prickly Pear fruits, known in Mexico as TUNAS, are the fruits of the Opuntia ficus-indica plant native to Mexico. This delicious fruit, which is very low in calories, can be consumed raw or prepared in different ways, such as juices, smoothies, jams, wine, vinegar or powder supplements.
This superfruit is rich in nutrients that boost the immune system. In addition to providing hydration, the Prickly Pear fruits contain fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium, pectin, vitamins A and C, and a large proportion of antioxidant compounds and flavonoids.
The Prickly Pear seeds contains a rare and precious oil called by some people as “THE ELIXIR OF YOUTH”
The nopal Opuntia flowers
The nopal Opuntia flowers are beautiful yellow, orange or red flowers endowed with active compounds for the pharmaceutical industry.
The Health Benefits
The nopal Opuntia plant is the Aztec secret of Sustainability and Wellness.
Scientific investigation and experimental evidence have demonstrated that the nopal Opuntia plant has health-promoting properties beyond the essential function of supplying regular nutrients.
The nopal Opuntia and its fruits have been consumed as food and medicine in Mexico and Mesoamerica for over 6,000 years. Today, this superfood is an essential staple of Mexican cuisine, but it is also widely consumed as a functional food and nutritional supplement.
Nopal Opuntia plant and its fruits are consumed in Mexico as functional foods to lower LDL cholesterol, treat type 2 diabetes, and fight inflammation. This superfood is also consumed to prevent cancer, help with weight management, and enhance the immune system.
Nopal Opuntia is one of the most beneficial foods available worldwide, and consuming it raw is the best way to maximize its health benefits.
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