THE PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS
…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 how the cactus fruit can
be beneficial, as most of the places they are grown, people destroy them considering
them useless.
So today we would like to acknowledge the benefits of the ‘cactus fruits’; they are also known as prickly pears, cactus pear, 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 mucous, which leads to its regulation and the reduction of
pro-inflammatory chemicals.
5. 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.
6. 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 consume it in juice form also.
You can add them into your cooking as well to give a sweeter flavor.
If you take it on an empty stomach they are more effective.
CLICK TO EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF PRICKLY PEAR/HATHLA THOR PRODUCTS. |
We are hoping you will like it and if you do like it please review
it and share it with your family and friends as well.
Stay healthy and help others to stay healthy.
ABOUT PARTH THAKER EXPLORING FOOD AND WRITING OVER IT
IS MY PASSION. CERTIFIED NUTRITION CONSULTANT AND SPORTS NUTRITION
CONSULTANT. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR CUSTOMIZED DIET PLANS CONTACT US. EMAIL- parththaker7@gmail.com |
ABOUT POONAM THAKER FOOD ENTHUSIAST. LOVE AND PASSION
FOR MAKING AND EXPLORING FOOD. FOR ME FOOD IS MEDICINE AND I AM HERE TO SHARE
MY JOY AND LOVE. LIFE IS MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH. |
Thank u to the writer of the articles for bringing out utility of the said fruit which is unnoticed by the majority of the people.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR APPRECIATING OUR WORK.
DeleteU r welcome sir
DeleteWorth the read, as usual!
ReplyDelete