You probably have heard about all the health benefits of coconut water, but not cactus. With the main ingredient being cacti, cactus water has many health benefits. Some of the amazing health benefits of cactus water include detoxifying and cleansing your body and boosting the immune system.
Cactus water is also good for your body because it slows aging, boosts hydration, and improves skin. Cactus water is becoming more famous among sports lovers because it is rich in electrolytes, potassium, and antioxidant properties.
You can take cactus water daily if your calorie intake exceeds the recommended amount and your body weight doesn’t increase.
In this article, I’ll discuss cactus water’s health benefits, how often to take it, why, and more.
Let’s kick start.
Before then…
What is Cactus Water, and What is Its Nutritional Value?
Cactus water is a product of the prickly pear cactus fruits. The fruit has many medicinal benefits and is said to have originated in Mexico.
This fruit has many nutrients. And though it might also contain some sugar, not as high as your ordinary organic cane sugar. Hence, it might be great for most people, including those with type 2 diabetes.
Below is the nutritional value of cactus water.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Magnesium | 4% of DV (Daily Value) |
| Calories | 19 |
| Potassium | 3% of the Daily Value |
| Carbs | 4 grams |
| Protein, Fiber, Fat | 0 grams, each |
Health Benefits Of Cactus Water
Cactus water is a new type of water that has replaced many energy drinks in the United States.
Not only does prickly cactus water have a high potassium content, but it’s also a really powerful antioxidant. Besides, it can lower blood pressure levels and be a natural remedy for sunburns. Prickly pear water also helps heal muscle tissue damage, lowers hangover symptoms, aids in weight loss, and has many other medicinal purposes, as we shall see below.
This explains why prickly cactus water has become an excellent choice for most people, especially energy drink lovers.
Read on as I discuss the nutritional health benefits of cactus water.
Reduced Inflammation
There are many cactus plants, one of which is called prickly pear cactus. This type of cactus is rich in antioxidants which lower chronic inflammation.
During a 2018 study, some volunteers were given prickly pear cactus to eat for two weeks. Compared to the people who didn’t eat the prickly pear cactus, volunteers registered lowered pro-inflammatory markers.
Like the delicious lavender tea, prickly pear cactus is also rich in antioxidants, hence great for fighting oxidative stress.
Heals Stomach Ulcers
Do you experience excruciating pain due to stomach ulcers? Well, you probably haven’t heard of the exciting health benefits of cactus water. Firstly, cactus water might help relieve ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
This ‘miracle water’ also heals ulcerative colitis, abbreviated as UC. When you have inflammation and the large intestines are affected by ulcers, you likely have UC.
According to a research study on rats, you could slow the growth of ulcers, and there would be less damage to your intestines if you take prickly pear juice.
Cactus water is also believed to be rich in the antioxidant betanin, which has anti-ulcer effects. So, it could be a great plant-based beverage for you if you have ulcers. Nevertheless, research is yet to be done on human beings. Hence, it’s always good to contact your doctor before taking cactus water if you have ulcers.
Soothes the Joints
One of the reasons why cactus water has found its way into the sports fields is because of its ability to soothe joints. So, after doing rigorous 30-minute anaerobic exercises, take a glass of cactus water to soothe your joints. That’s why most sports centers are packed with cactus sports drinks.
In addition, cactus juice is great for you if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The soreness and stiffness accompanying arthritis ease due to the anti-inflammatory compounds of cactus water.
Reduces High Blood Sugar Levels
Does anyone in your family have diabetes? Please encourage them to take cactus water. One of the best health benefits of cactus water is that it reduces blood sugar levels.
Though more research needs to be done regarding this claim, according to research done on rats, cactus water can be great for type 2 diabetes patients as it reduces blood sugar levels.
Be on the lookout, though; some prickly pear concentrate sold in grocery stores might have added sugar and other artificial ingredients, which could cause life-threatening side effects.
Though these commercial cactus drinks could have less sugar compared to most other drinks, they might not be ideal for diabetes people. Therefore, contact your doctor to confirm whether taking (store-sold) cactus water is okay.
Strengthens Immune System
Is your immune system weak? Have you visited the doctor more often lately, even after taking fruit juice to boost your immune system? It’s time you think of cactus water, and I’ll tell you why.
Since the fruit of the prickly pear cactus has a high content of phytochemicals, it successfully thwarts and increases your body’s immune power. Besides, since cactus water eliminates toxins from the body, it strengthens your immune system.
The potassium and magnesium content in cactus water also aids muscle recovery and controls and manages fluid balance. This is, therefore, your drink if you want to boost your athletic performance.
If you’re not getting enough heart health benefits from your green tomatoes, cactus water will give you more as it aids in the normal functioning of your heart.
Aside from boosting heart health, other essential health benefits of cactus water are lowering the risk of chronic diseases and boosting your bone health.
Relieves Menstrual Pain
Do you panic when you think of the menstrual cycle every month? I got great news for you, taking cactus water relieves menstrual pain. No, it doesn’t end the pain ultimately, but you’ll get a significant instant relief to focus on vital matters of the day.
Also, when you have nausea, take a glass of prickly pear cactus fruit juice; you’ll get better in a few seconds.
Skin Soother
Are you afraid of sunburns? You don’t have to when you apply prickly pear fruit extract. You’ll see great benefits when applying cactus facial oils to your delicate skin. This extract reduces any damage caused by too much exposure to the sun. When it’s hot outside, your skin loses more water.
Thanks to cactus water in its oil form, it reduces water loss through the skin.
Besides, the extract also quickens the healing process of wounds on your skin. Also, any bacteria thriving on your skin die when you apply the prickly pear extract.
If you have noticed that your skin has high levels of fatty acid, applying cactus oil will naturally hydrate it.
Boosts Gut Health
If, for some reason, you don’t love limes, which are great for your gut, consider drinking cactus water. It is not only better than coconut water, but it also boosts the growth of good bacteria in your gut.
This natural bacteria, considered a detoxifying agent, may help deal with chronic digestive problems and treat colitis and diverticulitis. Cactus juice might also treat constipation because it is rich in laxative compounds.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in the cactus plants might also be significant for people with recurring urinary bladder and gallstone problems.
Natural Hangover Cure
If, for any reason, you wake up with extreme hangovers, taking the best cactus water brand naturally lowers the hangover symptoms, for example, a dry mouth, nausea, and a loss of appetite.
This also means that if you want to boost your energy levels the next day after a hectic day, all you’ll need is to take cactus water.
You’ll likely increase your productivity and lower your hangover by at least 50 percent. So, take cactus water regularly or as needed if you’re looking for a natural hangover cure.
Protects Your Body Against Free Radicals
Since cactus water is antioxidant-rich, it guards your body against all free radicals, boosting your health. If, therefore, you drink cactus juice often, you’ll likely live longer as your body’s defense mechanism will be high.
Besides, age-related diseases won’t kill you, nor will you be at a high risk of degenerative health problems.
Is Cactus Water Harmful?
All cactus water is not the same; based on the brand, some may have added sugars and more calories. So, do diligence to check the nutritional value before taking it. Generally, though, cactus may harm some small groups of individuals.
For example, for some, one of the side effects of drinking prickly cactus water is diarrhea. You might also experience hypoglycemia, nausea, and a headache. If you experience all or any of these symptoms soon after taking cactus water, you should discontinue it and see a doctor as soon as possible.
According to a Chicago-based content creator, if you’re taking medication to lower blood sugar levels, be careful with cactus water. So, diabetes patients should also be warned and seek medical advice before going to the local grocery store to buy cactus water.
How to Make Cactus Water at Home: DIY
As mentioned in this article, buying cactus water from the store might not be the best idea because some brands add sweeter. The good news is that you can still make fresh, healthy cactus water at home. Besides, it’s pretty easy and takes only a few minutes.
Here are the ingredients you need to make cactus water.
- 2 prickly pear cactus fruits
- Clean drinking water
- A saucepan
- A sharp knife
- A sweetener (optional)
Method
- Wash the prickly pear fruits under tap water.
- Cut off the ends and then slice each through its diameter. Be sure not to cut through to the end.
- Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the cactus fruits, cover, and reduce the heat so as to simmer until well softened. It should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the fruits from the water and put them on a plate to cool.
- Place a cheesecloth over a clean cup and then use a spoon to extract pressure on the prickly pear fruits to extract the juice.
- Once all the juice is extracted, discard the residue on the cheesecloth, add honey if you wish, stir, and enjoy!
When to Drink Cactus Water
From the discussion above, you understand that drinking cactus water is essential to your overall health. So, when should you drink cactus water?
Drink Cactus Water When Doing Manual Jobs
Manual jobs can make you exhausted, accompanied by hangovers the next day. Drink cactus water during a short break to relieve your body from hangover symptoms.
Not only is Betalain, an antioxidant found in cactus water, effective in lowering hangover symptoms, but it also helps with dry-mouth problems.
Take Cactus Water When Working Out
Our bodies lose a lot of water when we hit the gyms. So, drink cactus water whenever you visit the gym or do varying Med ball shoulder exercises at home.
Not only will you stay hydrated all day, but your body will also benefit from the electrolytes in cactus water. This fruit also has simple sugars, which could boost your energy levels and keep you working out longer.
You also don’t want to miss the other health benefits of cactus water, which are boosting muscle build-up and repairing and reversing tissue damage. Taurine is responsible for this function and helps you use oxygen efficiently when working out.
When Ailing, Take Cactus Water
When unwell, it’s unlikely that you want to eat; taking fluids seems the best alternative for most people. How about you take cactus instead of plain water?
You’ll likely recover sooner. Why? Some of the health benefits of cactus water include the removal of toxins from the body and keeping you hydrated, even when you have diarrhea.
The electrolytes, antioxidants, and low sugar content could boost your energy, keeping you strong.
How To Use Cactus Water
Sadly, unless you add sugar, cactus water might not be a delicious drink like your regular sweetened lemon tea is to your mouth.
But you could drink cactus water in many ways, not just plainly like the sports guys do. Continue reading as I unveil how you can use cactus water.
Make Smoothies
Do you love smoothies? Use cactus water to make some delicious smoothies today. It doesn’t matter if you want to blend it with your favorite vegetables or fruits; cactus water is an excellent liquid for your breakfast smoothie.
For better results, though, freeze cactus water using ice cube trays.
Method
- Add one cup of any of your favorite fruits into the blender. Add unsweetened yogurt, a cup of cactus water ice cubes, and a tablespoon of natural honey into the blender and then blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Serve and take immediately.
The Closing Line
Enjoy the health benefits of cactus water if you have access to the plants or can get some from the nearest stores. As we have seen in this article, cactus water is good for weight loss, boosting immune health, reducing inflammation, healing stomach ulcers, and soothing the joints.
Cactus water also reduces high blood sugar levels, relieves menstrual pain, soothes the skin, boosts gut health, lowers hangover symptoms, and guards your body against free radicals.
Therefore, take a cup of cactus water once in a while.
However, we’re not medical practitioners; this article is simply informational. So, contact a professional health practitioner about the possible side effects. If you’re just starting to take cactus water, you could add a sweetener or mix it with other natural fruit juices.
