The incredible benefits of eating prickly pear

The prickly pear, the fruit of the nopal, belongs to the cactus family due to its characteristic spines. This fruit has a thick skin, many seeds, and very juicy pulp. In addition to the green prickly pear, there are also other types: red prickly pear, yellow prickly pear, and white prickly pear. How many types of prickly pears are there?According to experts, there are several types of prickly pears in our country: cardona prickly pear, camuesa prickly pear, mansa prickly pear, leonera prickly pear, tuca teca, ranchera prickly pear, xoconostle, palmita prickly pear, pachona prickly pear, and pintadera prickly pear. The benefits of prickly pearIn addition to being very fresh, juicy, and tasty, this fruit also has many health benefits. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the prickly pear is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins: Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral for humans, as it helps keep our teeth and bones healthy.Potassium: This mineral is necessary for nerves and muscles, as well as to maintain a stable heart rhythm and helps nutrients flow to cells.Zinc: Zinc is necessary for the immune system, proper cell function, and wound healing. Moreover, it is also essential for the sense of smell and taste.Selenium: This mineral is very important to prevent cellular damage. Some studies indicate that selenium may help in the prevention of certain types of cancer.Phosphorus: Phosphorus is very important for the formation of bones and teeth, as well as the proper functioning of the kidneys, nerve signals, and muscle contraction.Vitamin C: This vitamin is one of the best antioxidants, a substance with many benefits for humans. Vitamin C is very important for skin, bones, and healing.Vitamin B Complex: The B complex is recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics, and people with heart problems.Therefore, it is considered a food with high nutritional value. Moreover, this fruit also contains a large amount of fiber, which makes it the ideal fruit for improving digestion. As for its medicinal uses, prickly pear is used to treat the following ailments: Stomach diseasesReduces gastric acid productionColdsDiabetesHigh cholesterolHigh triglyceridesHow to prepare prickly pear?So now you know, thanks to its low calorie content and its ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels, prickly pear is the perfect ingredient to prepare a delicious prickly pear water, a green juice, as a snack, or some healthy dessert. At Kiwilimón we have delicious prickly pear recipes for you: Prickly Pear WaterTricolor Fruit Frappe