What Is all The Hype About South and Central American Fruit Juices?

In recent years, many health aficionados have become enamored with South and Central American fruits because of their previously unknown healthful benefits.

For a time the little Acai berry was all the rage, but many people found that to be a bit sweet for their tastes.

This is especially true of those who like to undergo juice fasts for cleansing and purification so they began to look around for something not quite so heavy.

Fortunately, the answer was right there in front of them all along and they didn’t need to go quite so far south to find it.

Enter The Nopal Cactus

In the Southwestern United States Mexican food is a popular cuisine and one of the dishes which is commonly served is called Nopales. This is made from the pad of prickly pear (Nopal) cactus and it is considered a staple throughout Mexico.

It is nutritious, a bit tart and often served as a vegetable. There are numerous ways of cooking it, but some people also make a delicious and healthful beverage from it as well.

Just as we juice everything from carrots to broccoli, our Spanish brothers and sisters South of the Border juice Nopal cactus.

Why Is Prickly Pear So Healthy?

In English speaking countries, Nopalea is referred to as prickly pear. The name stems from the fact that it has long spikes and probably because it is many times green in color.

Some varieties of Nopal are also purplish and we all know that brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants.

The fact of the matter is that the deeper and/or brighter the plant is in color, the more antioxidants it will contain.

There is the answer to the question in a nutshell. Nopal cactus is so healthy because it is an extremely great source of antioxidants.

Nutrient Breakdown In Nopal Cactus

According to current data, Nopalea contains approximately 2.9 grams of slow burning carbs which accounts for approximately 1% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance).

Of that, almost all of the carbs are an excellent form of dietary fiber which promotes a strong and healthy digestive system.

Prickly pear is also loaded with vitamins and minerals of which calcium is a major component. It also includes less important minerals such as iron, niacin, phosphorus, folate and zinc.

Many people who have begun replacing Acai with prickly pear are finding that they not only feel better but are losing weight as well.

Keep in mind that there are few calories in a single serving of juice or the plant as a side dish so understandably it can be a perfect food source for those looking to shed pounds.

However, Nopal cactus is best known for the healthful benefits it contains and this is the first consideration which should be given to this amazing plant.

Health always comes first and if it is something tart and tasty you are looking for, you have found it in prickly pear.