The Prickly Pear Cactus – More Worthy Than Fragrant Flowers

SOMETIMES THORNS ARE MORE WORTHY THAN FRAGRANT FLOWERS

Today we have selected a very arduous subject to share with you and that is all about the fruit of the ‘prickly pear cactus’ plant.

Now, many of you might be wondering that how the cactus fruit can be beneficial, as at most of the places where they grow, people destroy it considering them as not useful.

So today we would like to acknowledge the benefits of ‘cactus fruits’; they are also known as prickly pears, cactus pear, Hathla thor, Indian fig opuntia, Barbary fig, spineless cactus, Nopal cactus etc.

WHERE AND HOW THEY ARE GROWN:-

Most cacti species grow in hot, dry regions in North America and they are prevalent in Mexico and in many parts of India they are found too.

Cacti grow even in mountains, in rain forests and some are even grown in Alaska and near Antarctica.

It is the only crop that can be relied on when everything else fails. Cacti are found mostly in the desert in India.

For the growth of the cactus plant it needs very less water and hot weather is considered a favorable condition.

Once you plant prickly pear cactus you have to have patience and wait for its fruits as it will give its fruits either after one year or after two years depending upon the soil and weather conditions.

The fruits are quite sweet and you can eat them raw. They range from green (slightly sour) to red (very sweet). Some are even orange.

The fruits, however, are prickly and have splinters that easily stick to your skin hence it is recommended to use leather gloves or studded gloves while picking them.

KEY BENEFITS OF PRICKLY PEARS:-

1. They can help to lower your cholesterol:

Prickly pear fruits are high in fibre. They can reduce cholesterol levels in blood. According to research, the intake of cactus fruits reduces body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol levels significantly.

2. They are an excellent source of micro nutrients:

Prickly pears are a very rich source of iron, magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and vitamin B6.

Red and purple fruits have the highest antioxidants that contain anti-inflammatory properties.

3. They are a secret to weight control:

Compared to most fruits, the prickly pear fruit are low in carbs as per 100 gms it only contains 9.9 grams of carbs, which also includes 3.7 grams of fibre. It only has 42 calories.

4. The prickly pear cures gastric ulcers:

The prickly pear fruit contains a compound known as betaine. For people with ulcers, consuming the prickly pear fruit has a positive effect on gastric mucosa, which leads to its regulation and the reduction of pro-inflammatory chemicals.

5. Increases Hemoglobin

6. Lower blood sugar levels:

The pectin and fibre in the prickly pear fruits can easily lower blood sugar levels. It doesn’t mean that it can cure diabetes. The idea is adding it to your normal diet helps in normalizing sugar levels.

7. Boost immune system:

As they are rich source of vitamin C, which is responsible for the body’s growth they are great immune system boosters.

WAYS TO CONSUME THEM:-

The prickly pear fruits need to be handled with care. You need to use leather gloves even while cutting them.

1. Clean the outer layer of your fruit.
2. Cut it into half.
3. By using a spoon or knife take out the middle part of the fruit.

Prickly pears can be eaten raw, and can be added to your salads, drinks and cocktails.

You can add them into your cooking as well to give a sweeter flavor.

It can also be taken in form of juice. you can even combine it along with your morning fruit juice. It is sold with the name of Prickly Pear Cactus Juice or Hathla Thor Juice in market.

It is found that consuming it empty stomach is more effective.

We are hoping you will like it and if you do like it please share it with your family and friends as well.

Stay healthy and help others to stay healthy.