A lady leaning leaves to get nopal benefits

The nopal, or the pads (leaves of prickly pears) of the Mexican cactus is not a Mediterranean traditional food. Nevertheless, some experiments are being carried out at The Mayora Center, a Research and Development Station belonging to the Spanish Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, using Mexican varieties of cactus, as the autochthonous species are not adequate to human consume.

Nopal is very rich in Betacaroteno and Vitamin C. It has also iron, calcium and Vitamin B. It is also a very important source of insoluble and soluble fiber.  These are nopal benefits.

Nopal can be also used for weight loss diets, as 100 grams have only 15 calories. The normal portion goes from 150 to 200 grams.  Anyway, the most important property of the nopal is its power to lower blood sugar. It is highly recommended for diabetics, especially to accompany a diet for Type-2 Diabetes. Anyway, this condition must be treated by a doctor.

Young, tender, resilient and bright-green pads of nopal are the best. You can have them cleaned from the spines, or clean them yourself carefully, but “eyes” (or tiny prickers) must be removed as well. The end of a vegetable peeler is the one of best tools for that purpose.

Nopal can be prepared boiled, grilled or stuffed. You can make delicious salads with this product.