Are nopales keto? The short answer is, YES. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about eating nopales on keto and even some recipe ideas!
From juicy flavourful carne asada to sweet and savoury carnitas, Mexican cuisine is perhaps one of the most delicious and diverse in the world.
Today, I’d like to take you on a little tour of one of my favourite Mexican staples: nopales.
For those of you who don’t know, nopal (plural: nopales) is the Spanish word for cactus, specifically the pads or leaves of the prickly pear cactus.
Nopales are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and can be found fresh, canned, or pickled in most Mexican and South-West American grocery stores.
Whether you want to make salads, tacos, or even jams, nopales will take your dish to the next level! But the question remains: are nopales keto?
Let’s find out!
Are Nopales Keto?
Yes, nopales are keto! One cup of raw nopal pads (100 grams) contains:
– only 1 gram of net carbs
– 1.32 grams of protein
– 2.2 grams of fibre
– and only 16 calories
source: USDA
As you can see, nopales are a great low-carb, high-fibre option for those on a ketogenic diet. And not only are they nutritious, but nopales also have a host of health benefits.
Are nopales good for you?
Absolutely! Along with being keto-friendly, nopales are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium – all of which are essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy body.
Here are some more reasons why nopales are an excellent addition to your diet:
- They’re anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Helps to regulate blood sugar levels and is, therefore, a good option for diabetics or those at risk of developing diabetes.
- High in antioxidants and can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Improves the levels of lipids and cholesterol in the blood, which can help to prevent heart disease.
- Last, but not least, they can detoxify the body and help to cleanse the liver.
With all these benefits and more, it’s no wonder that nopales are often called a superfood!
How to eat nopales on keto?
Now that we know nopales are keto and good for you, let’s talk about how to eat them.
Nopales can be eaten raw, cooked, or even pickled. If you’re eating them raw, simply wash the pads and cut off any thorns or spines. You can then slice or dice them and add them to your dish.
If you’re cooking nopales, the most common way to do so is by grilling or frying them. This brings out their natural sweetness and makes them even more delicious!
Here are some amazing keto-friendly recipes using nopales that I absolutely love!
- Grilled Nopales and Shrimp Salad
- Tacos de Nopales con Carne Asada
- Keto Nopales Soup
- Keto Ensalada De Nopales
Do experiment with these for your next meal, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Conclusion
There you have it – all the reasons why nopales are keto and good for you! The next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up these beauties and give them a try. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them just like I have!
And who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new favourite keto recipe using this amazing superfood!
Until next time, happy cooking!
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