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Frequently asked questions.

All You Need to Know

Looking for more information? Check out our list of frequently asked questions below for some quick answers.

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What is Nopal?

The Nopal cactus is most commonly known as the prickly pear cactus. It has multiple health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. “Nopales” are the pads of the nopal cactus. People consume them as a dietary vegetable, and they regularly appear in restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets across Mexico and the American Southwest. Research findings suggest that Nopal may soothe pain, boost immune activity, and protect the liver, among other things.

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What are the benefits of Nopal?

There are numerous health benefits linked to Nopal consumption, such as helping to regulate blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and promoting weight loss, due to its richness in polyphenols, polysaccharides, flavonoids, vitamins, fibers, polyunsaturated fats and proteins, which gives it various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even hypoglycemic properties.

Here's a list of Nopal's main benefits:

1. Control Diabetes:

Many studies indicate that consuming 500 grams of nopal can help regulate blood sugar in diabetics, because it contains polysaccharides, soluble fibers such as pectin, and other substances that help lower blood sugar and regulate the action of insulin. See other fiber foods that help regulate sugar.

2. Lower Cholesterol:

Nopal acts on bad LDL cholesterol receptors in the liver, helping to reduce blood cholesterol. In addition to this, it is rich in polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids that help lower LDL cholesterol, increase good HDL cholesterol, and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Prevent Cancer

Nopal contains antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and vitamin E that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, thus eating between 200 to 250 grams of its pulp could help prevent cancer.

4. Protect Nervous System Cells

This type of cactus contains various substances such as nicotiflorin, for example, a substance that exerts a protective and anti-inflammatory effect on neuronal cells, reducing the risk of dementia.

5. Weight Loss

Nopal cactus stands out for its fiber content, both soluble and insoluble. This is an excellent ingredient to avoid constipation, which makes it ideal to help the functioning of the digestive system and prevent fluid and waste retention. On the other hand, the fiber of Nopal causes greater satiety for a longer time, an ideal benefit to avoid eating in excess. 

In addition, it is very low in calories, so in conjunction with a healthy and balanced diet it will also promote weight loss.

6. Anti-viral

Nopal has been found to possess antiviral properties, mainly against the herpes virus.

7. Blood Pressure Control

Nopal contains great amounts of potassium, a mineral that helps eliminate excess sodium from the body through urine, helping to control blood pressure. In addition, this cactus is also rich in antioxidant compounds, which preserve the health of the arteries, improving blood circulation and preventing high blood pressure.

8. Great for your skin

Nopal is rich in vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, that prevent aging and even out skin tone. When applied regularly, its results translate into fewer visible wrinkles, whitening of spots and reduction of scars. Nopal will help you have a much hydrated and glowing skin!

9. Hangover Cure (yep, almost too good to be true)

Due to its natural properties, Nopal is perfect for reducing the consequences of alcohol. Nopal is linked with hydration and recovery of the body due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and amino acids. It is ideal to take Nopal powder mixed with water or juice a few hours before drinking any alcoholic beverage, this will prevent hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and general malaise.

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How do I use Nopal powder?

Get CREATIVE!

One of the amazing things about Nopal powder is you can put it on pretty much anything! Add it to your juices and smoothies, baking goods, yoghurt, eggs, pancakes, sauces...sky is the limit. Make it yours!

If you need ideas, follow us on Instagram, we'll be posting recipes and healthy tips.

If you have any other questions please reach out to us through our contact form or DM on social media.

Gracias!

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