If you had the fortune to visit Arizona in the United States, you must have spotted long, Cactus plants alongside the highways. These iconic Saguaro Cactus plants are the largest of their species in the country, with an average height of 40 feet in length and 2 feet in width. Saguaro fruits are a renowned delicacy among the tribes of the USA and Mexico. They are known for their sweet edible pulp, used in making jams, wines and fruit preserves. Besides their Culinary uses, Saguaro fruits are also used for treating many health disorders. Let’s get to know in detail some of the best Saguaro fruit health benefits.
What Is Saguaro Fruit?
Saguaro is an Indian word, which is pronounced as “Sah-Wah-Ro”. The scientific name for Saguaro Cactus is “Carnegiea Gigantea”. The white coloured Saguaro Cactus flowers develop into fruits which are red in colour, with tangy, tasty pulp. They are locally made available in stores or as preserves in supermarkets.
Is Saguaro Fruit Good For Health?
Saguaro fruits offer plenty of good to your body. They have high moisture retention to hydrate your body. Saguaros are also loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and other key minerals to nurture your organs and enable better functioning. These fruits are also loaded with antioxidants to shield your body from many infections and disorders.
Saguaro Nutrition Facts:
Check out the nutritional value of Saguaro fruits per 1 serving:
- Total Calories: 167
- Total Fat: 5 gm
- Total Carbohydrates: 27 gm
- Proteins: 4 gm
Read: Does Prickly Pear Cactus Have Health Benefits?
Amazing Saguaro Benefits:
Here we enlisted 9 best saguaro benefits for health. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Rich In Vitamin C:
Saguaro benefits to our body are numerous. It contains high levels of vitamin C that contributes to its sweet n tangy taste. This means that saguaro has the benefits associated with the vitamin as the taste is predominated by its presence. Therefore this fruit has:
- Anti-ageing properties
- Boosts the immune system
- Protects the gum health
- Improves eyesight.
2. Can Provide Instant Hydration:
Owing to the properties of the plant that grows in extreme circumstances and sandy soils the saguaro fruit has high water retention and fibre content similar to watermelons and cucumbers. It has vital nutrients that help rehydrate parched bodies that are caught in the desert and the scorching sun.
3. High Amounts Of Dietary Fiber:
Excellent dietary fibre for those who have very few alternatives when it comes to food. The high fibre content is set off by the nutrient-rich wateriness of the fruit. It is the right amount of roughage required by the body to stay full for a longer period of time. This is very effective for weight management.
4. Strengthens Your Nervous System:
The fruit has rich deposits of Vitamin B12 which is essential for making blood cells and maintaining a stable nervous system. Its deficiency can lead to anaemia and can cause major damage to the brain and the nerves. This vitamin is essential to avoid strokes. For vegetarians, this is a blessing as very few foods contain this vitamin which is usually found in animal protein.
5. Treats Rheumatism:
The Indians in the Arizona region swear by the amazing benefits this fruit gives for curing and treating rheumatic disorders. It is an age-old practice of the tribes which is still quite effective.
Read: What are the Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruit?
6. Prevents Constipation:
The fibre and roughage content in this fruit is perfect for maintaining a clean intestinal tract. It helps absorb the toxins of the body and excrete it along with the other impurities. This not only makes the digestive system better but also improves overall system health.
7. Satiates Hunger With Low Calories:
It is low on calories which makes it a good fruit to indulge in without feeling guilty. Five fruits together comprise of:
- 167 calories
- 4 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
8. Good For Pregnant Women:
It is a highly versatile fruit that can be consumed in any way possible and can be turned into very delicious jams. This sort of food is the best nourishment alternative for pregnant women as the high level of nutrients prevents the occurrence of complications in childbirth.
9. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
This is also a good nutritive fruit that helps fight the causes that lead to complicated cardiovascular diseases and cholesterol blocked arteries. Regular consumption of this fruit can lead to improved blood flow and widening of the heart walls. It is also known for regulating blood pressure.
Read: Amazing Benefits You Need To Know About Soursop
Saguaro Fruit Side Effects:
Overconsumption of Saguaro fruits can lead to certain side effects like:
- Stomach Upset
- Acid refluxes
- Burning Sensation In Stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Saguaro plants not only make a pretty poster but do us plenty of good. They are not very known to the Indian audience and may have to visit the USA or Mexico to taste some of this fruit. However, Saguaro pulp and wines are made available to us in many online stores. Before you give up on your chances to eat Saguaro, do check out those sites which offer exotic foods in India. Cheers to Saguaro!
