10 Benefits of xoconostle and side effects

Discover the 10 Benefits of xoconostle and its side effects.

Probably the xoconostle is not one of those fruits that you regularly see in supermarkets, let alone know of its existence or benefits, however, this exotic fruit is well known in Latin countries.

The health benefits of xoconostle have become very popular today thanks to its exotic presentation and explosive flavor. You will learn about the variety of benefits of this rich and strange fruit in this article.

What is xoconostle?

It is a type of fruit with a typical sour flavor from the cactus or nopal, the xoconostle grows at the end of the nopales or cactus paddles. The fruit of the xoconostle cactus is pear-shaped.

This particular fruit is small and measures 5 to 7 centimeters in length and a diameter of around 4 to 5 centimeters. Characteristics are light or pale green skin with an indefinite hue and will achieve a more pale pink color once mature.

Xoconostle Origins

The origins of the xoconostle show that this fruit has existed for many years, since pre-Hispanic times the xoconostle has already had great cultural, economic, and medicinal importance, the production of the xoconostle is abundant in the months of March to November and decreases from February to December.

Historically already in Central America, the use of nopal and fruit that is the xoconostle were already used by the Aztecs who were precursors of herbal medicine, the nopal was used as a treatment for diabetes since it has the goodness of lowering sugar in the blood

Creams, poultices, and ointments were not far behind, since these alternatives based on this plant were used to relieve rheumatic conditions, burns, and wounds, without a doubt this plant has been very useful for the Aztecs, as a method of healing.

The nutritional and energetic index of this powerful fruit is widely used in traditional Central American dishes, from jams, and juices, to cocktails. In Ayurveda medicine, it is used as a tonic and diuretic.

Nutritional properties of xoconostle

You have already known the origin and uses that this fruit offers, you cannot ignore the properties and benefits of xoconostle for health, this picturesque fruit from the nopal or cactus is rich in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

It also has vitamin compounds such as A, B, B2, C, and K and other proportions of proteins and carbohydrates. Nutritionally, the nopal is consumed as food, as is its fruit.

This is due in part to the various mineral and vitamin components that absorb the substrate and organic matter over the years. These nutrients are very useful for the immune, nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems.

Benefits of xoconostle

The benefits of xoconostle for health provide the essential micronutrients that everyone should consume to stimulate the proper functioning of the organs, either by preventing, controlling, or avoiding certain conditions of the body, then learn about the 10 benefits that this particular fruit provides.

1.- Helps control weight

The fruits of nopal or cactus are excellent allies to avoid extra weight or even favor weight loss. it is rich in dietary fiber and is also a very low-calorie food and can be consumed without any problem.

It does not contain saturated fats, which is another advantage it offers for people who want to maintain control of their weight.

2.- Fight high cholesterol

The xoconostle is rich in grams of fiber, which allows reducing the amounts of harmful LDL cholesterol, according to several investigations that show the positive contribution of this fruit.

A healthy 2000-calorie diet must include a minimum of 28 grams of fiber per day. What are you waiting for to consume xoconostle and reduce cholesterol?

3.- Lowers blood pressure

Consuming xoconostle provides the body with 227 milligrams of potassium, or even 6% of the daily value, and only a trace milligram of sodium.

A diet high in potassium and low in sodium can easily prevent and lower high blood pressure.

Hypertension increases the chances of creating heart disease and producing kidney disease. Fruits like xoconostle are high in potassium and low in sodium.

4.- Source of micronutrients

One of the most important health benefits of xoconostle is that it helps meet the nutritional needs that each person needs.

Each xoconostle fruit has 14 milligrams of vitamin C or even 22% of the daily value for this antioxidant vitamin.

Xoconostle consumption contains 88 milligrams of magnesium or up to 22% of the daily value. Magnesium is essential for muscle function as well as bone health.

5.- Treat gastric ulcers

The xoconostle has long been used in natural medicine and by the Aztecs to treat gastric ulcers.  

Recent research in Italy has tested on laboratory animals and has verified that xoconostle offers protection against ulcers, probably from the mucilages contained in the plant.

6.- lowers blood sugar values

Studies have shown that xoconostle consumption affects blood glucose. The xoconostle helps reduce the concentration of glucose in the body immediately after a meal.

7.- Source of antioxidants:

 The xoconostle is a guaranteed source of antioxidants since it contains betalains that are present in vegetables and fruits, as well as in beets, and chard and, therefore, are responsible for providing all the elements of its pink-red pigmentation.

In humans, these types of antioxidants help eliminate free radical damage to cells, as well as have anti-aging qualities.

8.- Colon cleansing

As mentioned before, the xoconostle is rich in fibers, which favors intestinal transit. Soluble plant fibers, also found in the plant, help absorb harmful toxins once they cleanse the colon.

9.- Soothes the stomach

The mucilage found within the xoconostle maintains a constant pH balance within the stomach. It can be successfully used to heal ulcers and decrease swelling within the stomach.

10.- Protect the liver

The antioxidants and flavonoids in xoconostle reduce the effects of free radicals before they cause liver damage. They absorb toxic compounds in the liver so that it can effectively focus on balancing body processes.

Internal use of xoconostle

Its hypoglycemic, lipophilic, antioxidant, and satiogenic properties are mainly used in diets and in the case of obesity, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis.

Treatment of disorders and pains of the stomach and intestines. Prevents stomach ulcers.

Therapeutic indications of xoconostle

Diet, obesity, hyperglycemia, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis are the main therapeutic indications for xoconostle.