Cactus juice – useful properties and side effects

For anyone who loves exotic drinks with natural ingredients, the cactus juice is a great choice. It is a natural source of a number of important nutrients that provide a number of beneficial effects.

Organic cactus juice is derived mainly from representatives of the genus Opuntia , including dozens of species with a very close nutritional profile. The juice of almost any of these species is a very rich source of:

Unsaturated fatty acids – mainly omega-6;
Vitamin C;
B-complex vitamins;
Beta carotene;
Iron;
Calcium;
Magnesium;
Fiber;

Besides the high content of vitamins, macronutrients and microelements, the cactus juice has another significant advantage. In pure form he is very poor in calories.

The beneficial properties of the cactus juice are determined by its diverse composition. There is evidence that regular consumption of this bio product reduces bad cholesterol levels and reduces the amount of lipids deposited on the wall of the blood vessels. This significantly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, cactus juice is recommended for intake as a remedy for digestive disorders. It forms a protective film on the stomach lining, which reduces inflammation and relieves the manifestations of diverticulitis , colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Last but not least the high fiber content in the juice of cactus ( most – already pectin ) has many beneficial effects on blood sugar and helps keep glucose levels normal, without sharp peaks. As an added benefit of this bio product comes its immunostimulating effect, due to its high vitamin C content.

Cactus juice should be consumed with caution by diabetics because of the risk of sudden fall in blood sugar and hypoglycaemic shock . In addition, the rich content of bioactive products in it requires cactus juice not to be consumed simultaneously with medications for the treatment of the kidneys, pancreas or liver because of the risk of a negative effect on their effects.