Nopal cladodes (Opuntia Ficus Indica): Nutritional properties and functional potential
Ezequiel Hernández‐Becerra, María de los Ángeles Aguilera-Barreiro, Margarita Contreras-Padilla, Esther Pérez-Torrero, Mario E. Rodríguez‐García
Abstract
Nopal pads at different maturity stages show changes in their chemical composition. They are an excellent nutritional source and should be included in human diets worldwide. Moreover, they can be considered a novel potential food resource and used for scientific studies when transformed into powders, to reduce product loss during harvest season. Their physicochemical properties in the maturity stage can be used to treat or prevent nutritional related diseases. The nopal pad powder at high maturity stages could help normalize the fiber intake, and the high amount of Ca and Mg could help maintain bone mineral density. Soluble fiber can be included in human diets by consuming f fresh young nopals. Authors considered it necessary to increase the studies of the nutritional properties of different varieties of nopal cladodes as a function of the maturity and select them according to the nutritional requirements.