Can cactus be eaten raw?

Cactus is an ornamental plant. Because it is easy to grow, it has become a favorite on people's desks. Many people like to grow cacti. Of course, in addition to being used for viewing, cactus is also edible. There are many ways to eat cactus, one of which is to eat it raw. There are also many benefits to eating cactus raw. In summary, eating cactus raw has the following effects.

1. Antioxidant

Cactus has good antioxidant effects, eliminating free radicals and delaying aging.

2. Prevent and relieve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Using cactus has the effects of lowering blood sugar, blood lipids and blood pressure. Eating a piece of edible cactus every day can eliminate excess cholesterol, fat and sugar in the body, thereby inhibiting arteriosclerosis and obesity, and playing a role in promoting qi and blood circulation, clearing away heat and detoxifying, and promoting metabolism. Eating cactus regularly can prevent excessive accumulation of glucose in the human body and has a certain blood sugar lowering effect.

3. Improve the efficiency of insulin utilization in the body

Especially for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes, eating roasted cactus stems after fasting for a few hours can effectively lower blood sugar, improve the body's efficiency in utilizing insulin, promote glucose to enter human cells from the blood, and convert it into fat-like energy.

4. Cactus is known as the nighttime "oxygen bar"

Cacti breathe mostly at night when it is cooler and more humid. When you breathe, you inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Therefore, placing a giant plant like the golden barrel cactus in the room is equivalent to adding an air purifier that can purify the indoor air. Therefore, it is also an ideal flower for indoor decoration at night.

5. Expert in dust absorption

Don't underestimate the cactus, it is a master at absorbing dust! Placing a cactus indoors, especially a hydroponic cactus (because hydroponic cactus is cleaner and more environmentally friendly), can help purify the environment. In addition, placing a pot on the windowsill can not only purify the air, but also prevent thieves. Kill two birds with one stone.

6. Weight loss

Cactus is unique in terms of weight loss and lipid reduction. If fat people eat a piece of cactus palm at each meal, it will help digestion and prevent the accumulation of glucose, cholesterol and fat in the human body, which is more effective for weight loss. It is also a popular green food for weight loss, has no toxic side effects, is not restricted by any conditions, and can be suitable for every obese patient.

7. Protect your eyes

Placing a pot of cactus next to the computer can protect against electromagnetic radiation and also protect the eyes. The lush green color can relieve eye fatigue and relax the mind. It is a good way to "nourish the eyes" for computer users who strain their eyes and minds all day long.

8. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic

Modern research shows that the stems and fruits of cactus contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory ingredients, and have the functions of reducing swelling, detoxifying, and stopping diarrhea. Among them, sitosterol is an anti-inflammatory active ingredient, and triterpenoid saponins are analgesic active ingredients. Studies have shown that its analgesic effect is similar to that of the Western medicine lonicera. Moreover, modern medicine believes that acute soft tissue injuries such as ankle sprains can cause capillary rupture and bleeding, as well as increased permeability of blood vessel walls, leading to swelling; pain is caused by traumatic hematoma or inflammatory reactants stimulating local nerves. Cactus has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it suitable for treating acute soft tissue injuries.

9. Immunomodulatory effect

Cactus crude polysaccharides have the effect of enhancing immunity and can improve the body's resistance to nonspecific stimuli. Experiments have shown that oral administration of cactus water extract to mice has a significant promoting effect on the phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages in mice.