No way around it, for a good digestion and proper bowel movement, there is a basic rule! Water and fiber! Yes, how much easier can it get? Nature is always ready to give us a hand by storing little packages of both, called mucilage, ready to aid us in that pursuit!
Mucilage is a type of soluble fiber found in a wide variety of plant species around the world, but primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. This gelatinous substance is responsible for storing water in plants, making them resistant to drought.
One in particular is the Nopal mucilage, also known as prickly pear sap from the Nopal cactus. Nopal cacti are plants that grow in arid desert environments, famously depicted in certain areas of Mexico and Texas. Their mucilage is stored and protected by strong cellulose fibers made primarily of polysaccharides designed to protect the mucilage in such rough environments. The fruit is delicious and contains about 94% water. The raw Nopal pads typically contain around 88% water. What an awesome hydration station.
As an extra note, Nopal cactus mucilage can be used in many applications. In the food industry, it is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and for coating fruit to extend shelf life. In construction, it is a natural additive in mortars and as a sealant. More importantly, it offers health benefits that include a prebiotic effect and protection of the gastric mucosa.
Nopal Mucilage Has Many Benefits
- It traps cholesterol to prevent it from entering the bloodstream, thanks to the gel-like structure it forms.
- It regulates intestinal transit, helping with constipation.
- It helps the body eliminate various waste products and toxins that accumulate.
- It stabilizes blood sugar levels, making it highly recommended for people with diabetes. Plants with mucilage play a very important role in anti-diabetic treatment, as they have a beneficial effect on reducing excess weight and excessive pancreatic secretions.
- It protects the stomach membranes and mucous membranes.
- It acts against inflammation of the respiratory, oral, and throat mucous membranes.
- It provides a feeling of fullness. When mucilage comes into contact with water, it increases in volume.
- It reduces hunger, since the increased volume sends signals to the brain that decrease appetite. These last two benefits make mucilage ideal for inclusion in the diets of children with obesity or overweight.
Properties and Effects in the Body
Nopal mucilage also has moisturizing and skin-protective properties, making it a good protective agent for wounds, burns, or cuts.
Foods rich in this type of fiber include chia seeds, flaxseeds, okra, mellocos, prickly pears. Foods with lesser amounts of mucilage yet still a good source are figs, lemons, legumes especially green beans, and nuts such as almonds.
Medicinal plants containing mucilage include mallow, agar-agar, borage, aloe vera, marshmallow, sandwort, pansy, psyllium seeds, plantain, arnica, nettle, evening primrose, sage, and parsley, among others. All of these can be consumed as infusions or as food preparations.
Maybe tomorrow’s breakfast will be a bowl of fruit salad that includes a few slices of prickly pears.
Sources: Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zona Áridas, Bermejillo, Durango, México; Procacci, S , Bojórquez-Quintal, E , Platamone, G , Maccioni, O , Vecchio, VL , Morreale, V, et al. Opuntia ficus-indica pruning waste recycling: recovery and characterization of mucilage from cladodes. Nat Resour. (2021) 12:91–107. doi: 10.4236/nr.2021.124008; Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, 75901-970, Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil