For many years, healthcare has been in the hands of traditional or alternative medicine, passing down the medicinal and nutritional properties of various plants, roots, herbs, and other natural products from generation to generation.
Different plant species are still chosen to treat various ailments and conditions. They have also become integral to many traditions, offering health protection and effective treatments for certain diseases. Today, we will discuss one such plant, recommended for relieving the symptoms of gastritis and ulcers.
The Mayo Clinic defines gastritis as a general term for a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. This inflammation is typically caused by the same bacterial infection that leads to most stomach ulcers or by the use of certain painkillers. Mayo Clinic experts emphasize that, for most people, gastritis is not serious and can be quickly improved with treatment.
In this context, the nopal, a plant of Mexican origin used in both the culinary field and traditional medicine, comes into focus. When splitting this cactus, a kind of slime known as mucilage is found. According to a report by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), mucilage protects the gastrointestinal tract, making it recommended for treating colon problems, ulcerative esophagitis, gastric reflux, and damage to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
This plant provides the body with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants, notes Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky. Additionally, nopal contains dietary fiber that helps relieve the symptoms of ulcers and gastritis, promoting the proper functioning of the digestive system. Its versatility for consumption makes this plant a nutritious alternative that is easy to include in our diet.
