Say Goodbye to Constipation with this Nopal Cactus Smoothie!

Español Are you tired of dealing with uncomfortable constipation? This Nopal Cactus Smoothie is your new best amigo! As a green smoothie enthusiast and a lover of nopales cactus, I can’t wait to share with you the incredible health benefits of this Mexican superfood and its versatility in the kitchen.

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Nopales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, used in everything from salads to stews and of course, smoothies! This post is part of my Mexican homemade constipation remedies.

Why Nopales?

Nopales, also known as Prickly Pear Cactus or Nopal, are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Renowned for their rich fiber content and diabetes-fighting properties, studies have shown that consuming nopales can help lower blood sugar levels. But that’s not all—nopales are also high in soluble fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. (Sources: Healthline and ncbi.nim.nih.gov)

Not only is nopales high in fiber and low in calories, but it’s also a miraculous ingredient for those with constipation. Create a vibrant green smoothie to kickstart your day with energy and wellness.

How to make Licuado de Nopal (Nopal smoothie)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of pineapple
• 1 nopales leaf (spine removed). How to clean nopales?
• 1 celery stick

Instructions:

1. Begin by ensuring your nopales leaf is spine-free for safe consumption. Learn how to clean a nopales cactus paddle.
2. In a blender, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 nopales leaf, and 1 celery stick.
3. Blend until all ingredients are thoroughly pulverized, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency.

Pro Tips for Smoothie Success:

• Prep your nopales, pineapple, and celery in advance by cutting them into portions and storing them in plastic bags in the freezer. This ensures you have fresh ingredients ready every morning for a hassle-free smoothie-making experience!
• Worried about the texture? If you drink the smoothie right after blending, you won’t encounter any sliminess. However, if left for later, it may develop a slimy texture.

Is it slimy as a drink?

If you drink it right away after blending, you will be ok. It does not taste slimy but gets slimy if you leave it for later.

Do you cook nopales for Nopal Smoothie?
We use raw nopales in this smoothie, but cleaning them well is important to remove the spines. In Mexico nopales are usually eaten cooked.

FAQs Answered:

• Is this a diet smoothie? Absolutely! Nopales are low in calories and high in soluble fiber, making them ideal for keeping you satisfied longer and aiding in weight management. This smoothie can easily replace your breakfast, saving you calories while providing essential vitamins, calcium, and fiber.
• How do you remove the thorns from nopales? Use a fruit knife to carefully remove the thorns by passing it along the nopal skin. Then, trim the edges with the knife before using them in your smoothie.
• Do you boil the nopales first? Nope! For smoothies, raw nopales work perfectly. While some enjoy raw nopales in salads, they’re just as delicious and nutritious in your morning smoothie.

Here are some other recipes to keep eating nopales!

How to clean and cook Nopales Cactus Paddles

Nopales Salad a Mexican tradition

Does Nopales cure Diabetes?

Scientific studies have shown that nopales can help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While it doesn’t cure diabetes, it can be a great ally in blood glucose control (Source Mayo Clinic)

Is this a diet smoothie?

Due to their high fiber content and low calories, nopales are also linked to weight loss, as they keep you feeling full longer and add very few calories—plus, they’re delicious! (Source Mayo Clinic)