(Photograph = Opuntia ficus-indica fruit)
Introduction
Plants produce many chemicals that are useful for maintaining human health. Among these are antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds thought to reduce damage from stress and other harmful stimuli.
The Details
From Wikipedia: Kaempferol is a natural flavonol, a type of flavonoid, found in a variety of plants and plant-derived foods. Kaempferol is an antioxidant that is found in many plants including broccoli, soybean, and many cacti.
Quercitrin too is a natural antioxidant found in oaks, water lilies, onions, apples, and many other plants including cacti. It may be processed to produce a natural dye that is used to create yellow or orange fabric. It has also been proposed to help manage heart disease and prevent cancer.
Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal) produces both kaempferol and quercitrin, and some evidence from animal studies suggests these molecules may alleviate depression or reduce cancer occurrence in humans. Other cacti probably produce kaempferol and quercitrin too. Thus, it might be wise to eat nopal or any cactus regularly. There are several ways that nopal-type cacti can be consumed.
- The young pads may be fried like a vegetable.
- Nopal fruit is often available in stores; it is tasty and may be served as a dessert, used in a smoothie, or as a fresh fruit by itself.
- The colorful flower petals can be used in salads.
- Powdered cactus may be used to supplement drinks, baked goods, or to make capsules.
- Nopal juice (cactus water) may be consumed as a hydrating agent.
Additional Reading: Kaempferol and Quercitrin
Additional Reading: Opuntia Benefits in Chronic Diseases
