Nopales (cactus paddles) are incredibly anti-inflammatory. And believe it or not, they taste good too!! My Chinese Medicine doctor recommends nopales to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. She once told me that her housekeeper had terrible rheumatoid arthritis on her hands and, after drinking a smoothie with nopales twice a day for a few months, her arthritis was healed.
Wondering where to buy nopales? I get them from the local Mexican grocery store here in Dallas. You may also be able to find them in other grocery stores. Try to find the ones where the spines ha
ve already been removed to save yourself the hassle (and loss of blood!).
You can also dice and saute the nopales and add them to eggs or breakfast tacos. But I love to chop them and put them in my blender for a healthy, refreshing smoothie in the hot summer months. Below is a great, easy recipe from Thyme & Love.
PINEAPPLE CACTUS SMOOTHIE
By Thyme & Love
Serves: 1 Large Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- ½ Cup Fresh Cactus Paddles {Nopales}, spines removed, cleaned, and diced
- 1 Cup Frozen Pineapple
- ½ Cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice*
- ¼ Cup Water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve right away!
* When I don’t have orange juice on hand I use the juice of a lime instead. Or simply leave that ingredient out. Still yummy!
Did you try this smoothie?
Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts!