What with deserts, tumbleweeds and sharp needles that make a flu shot seem harmless, cacti have gotten a pretty bad rap. Don’t let all that get to you – a prickly cactus leaf is actually one of the healthiest veggies you can eat!
Packed with vitamins and nutrients, cacti help reduce cholesterol, prevent diabetes and provide a great source of fiber. Additionally, due to their high phytonutrient content, cacti can actually combat cancer!
Maybe you are thinking, “Kristen, that is all well and good, but I don’t live in the Wild Wild West like you do!” No problem, dear. Cacti are readily available at local farmers markets and most organic grocery stores, such as Whole Foods. Try adding a cactus leaf to your juice, dice it into your tofu scramble or add it to a fruit salad.
Use caution when buying cactus juice or jams; make sure to keep your eyes peeled for preservatives and additives on the label. Cacti, like all fruits and veggies, are best when in their pure, all-natural form.
Isn’t that funny, the cactus reminds me of some folks in life – sometimes those a little rough on the exterior turn out to be true gems inside : )
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