Published: 05/20/2014 - Updated: 11/27/2016
Author: K. Laura Garcés G
The Prickly Pear Cactus is a plant which belongs to the cactii family and has some very beneficial properties for human health, which is the purest reflection of beauty. With the prickly pear cactus, you can make juices, beverages and foods that will benefit your health and enhance your beauty.
Contents
Some of the properties of the prickly pear cactus are:
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Its rich dietary fibres which maintain fluidity in the intestines, as well as aiding in the elimination and purification of blood in important organs like the liver and kidneys. The fibres also help combat constipation and cure toxemia, which is reflected in beautifully clean skin: A healthy gut is the basis of a good and clear complexion.
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Richness in vitamins A, B and B2. Vitamin A is one of the most powerful antioxidants which help repair damaged and worn tissues, remove dead cells and promote proper cell regeneration.
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High chlorophyll content: A blood purifier, along with many other health-boosting properties, which helps maintain the harmony of the body and purify the liver.
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Rich in high-quality vegetable proteins: contains 17 essential and non-essential amino acids, which help to maintain a body full of high quality proteins. This is reflected in a good quality musclature as well as a good figure and firm tissues.
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It helps greatly in reducing and balancing high levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and fatty acids. This is important because if the body has these aspects, your vital energy will be reflected in your body.
- Lots of vitamin C and E, which are important antioxidants that help repair and regenerate tissues. In addition, these vitamins paired with cactus components prevent premature aging of the skin and eliminate wrinkles or blemishes caused over time.
One of the great secrets of beauty is not only eating well, but absorbing well what you eat. Cactus contains pectin, mucilage and special gums that are very beneficial for the digestive system and helps you absorb nutrients well. Your skin, hair, nails and body will look rejuvenated and radiant as a result. Cactus also helps you to maintain your weight, as it removes fat and especially that which accumulates in the back, abdomen and thighs.
How do I use it?
On an empty stomach: Drink pineapple juice with cactus: An excellent way to start eliminating harmful toxins and fats and also rejuvenates the skin. Cut a slice of pineapple and a piece of cactus the size of your hand, or use a small cactus. Add agave syrup and blend in a glass and a half of water. Drink daily while fasting.
During midmorning: Blend a medium-sized piece of cactus in a glass of fresh carrot juice and drink immediately. The carrot along with cactus are a great elixir for health and beauty. Just make sure to drink it while it is fresh!
During mid-afternoon: Blend a piece of fresh, well-disinfected broccoli, the juice of two lemons and a piece of cactus in a glass and a half of water, add some honey and drink immediately.
With the cactus you can also prepare soups, casseroles and other foods such as cookies! However, it is important that you try not to overcook the cactus as the best way to get benefits from it is by eating it raw or semi-cooked.
Rejuvenating cactus salad
Ingredients:
1 medium tomato
2 sticks of celery
1 sprig of parsley
2 half-boiled cactii, to retain their fresh green color
Sunflower seeds
1 chopped onion
Extra virgin olive oil
2 Lemons (juiced)
Sea salt to taste, or gomasio.
Preparation:
Cut everything well and put in a bowl with the oil and lemon juice, stir well and add sesame seeds to taste, chopped nuts and sea salt or gomasio. You can turn this dish into a full meal if you add bits of panela or goat's cheese which are great sources of protein. If you do not like cheese, you can add tofu.
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