There are many plants, fruits and other foods in nature that provide important health benefits. One of them is nopal, an exotic superfood from Mexico whose consumption has become widespread in Latin America and, according to experts, Helps in reducing belly fat and reducing weight.
The physical characteristic of the nopal is that it resembles a cactus. It resembles an aloe leaf, although it is larger and flattened. According to nutritionists, nopal is good for weight loss as it is a satiating food that is rich in fibre. “Plus, consuming it allows you to absorb belly fat and sugar more quickly; to be effective for weight loss”, refers to an article in the journal Health Mayo Clinic.
The most useful part of this plant is its leaves and it is common to include it in dishes such as salads, stews and even some types of desserts.
Control blood pressure:
Tua Saud explained that due to the properties of nopal, its consumption can help in controlling high blood pressure. This is because it contains potassium, a mineral that helps to flush out excess sodium from the body through urine, thus helping to control blood pressure.
Avoid Diabetes:
The health portal assures that nopal, being rich in soluble fibers such as pectin, among other substances, Helps lower blood sugar and regulate insulin action. According to Tua deal, consuming 500 grams of this plant is sufficient.
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According to Salud180 there are three delicious combinations to prepare nopal juice that helps in losing weight.
Juice 1: One spineless cactus, two slices of pineapple, grapefruit juice, and two sprigs of oregano.
Juice 2: One pitted cactus, the juice of one lemon, two celery stalks, and the juice of one orange.
Juice 3: Spinachless nopal cactus, three spinach leaves, one green apple, and the juice of one lime.
They recommend choosing a combination of your choice and taking it on an empty stomach every day, They assure that from the first week you will start to notice results with a more toned stomach. To make this preparation more effective, it is important to eat a balanced diet and complement it with regular exercise.
Other experts confirm that the cactus stands out for its fiber content., both soluble and insoluble, mainly mucilage (it is the sticky part popularly known as slime). They explain that in addition to protecting the stomach when there is excessive production of gastric acid, fiber helps control the concentration of glucose in the blood.
According to studies by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), it is an excellent ingredient for preventing constipation, making it ideal for helping with digestive tract function and avoiding fluid and waste retention.
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On the other hand, the fiber in the cactus helps create more satiety for a longer period of time, an ideal benefit for avoiding overeating. Finally, nopal is rich in water, Which makes it a very light food, as well as very low in calories, which is why nutritionists say it can be eaten without guilt.
However, despite all these benefits for the body, experts say that there are many contraindications regarding the consumption of nopal. For example, people with diverticulitis should avoid this food. Furthermore, they argue Excessive consumption of this food can lead to intestinal obstruction and gastric disturbances.