2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
The medicinal properties of pitahaya have been known since ancient times. The first description of the fruit was found in the middle of the 16th century in the Chronicles of Peru by S. Leon. It is not used in official medicine, being an exclusively folk remedy. What diseases does hilocereus help to treat?
Main components
The composition of the pulp of pitahaya includes:
• water;
• proteins;
• minerals (iron, phosphorus, potassium);
• vitamins of group B (riboflavin, thiamine, niacin), PP, C.
The largest amount is occupied by the first component, about 90%, the remaining 10% are accounted for by other substances. The natural composition determines the medicinal properties of the culture.
ethnoscience
Pitahaya fruits help with diseases: heart, blood vessels, liver, gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enterocolitis). The presence of safe sugars allows the use of fruits for diabetes. Enzymes support the functioning of the thyroid gland. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, prevent the appearance of cancer cells, slow down the aging of the body.
Decoctions of the stems relieve headaches, rheumatic and stomach pains, and stop the upset of the digestive system. Flowers, leaves have diuretic, anthelmintic properties, reduce blood sugar levels.
The low calorie content of the product allows it to be used in fasting diets.
Contraindications
At the initial stage, it is necessary to observe a reasonable measure of the use of an exotic product. Introduce a new dish into the diet in small portions, listening to the reaction of your body.
Contraindications are:
• childhood (diathesis manifestations are possible);
• allergy to the product;
• breastfeeding (some elements pass into the mother's milk).
Certain varieties of pitahaya color human excretions (urine, feces) in a red tint, like beets. Than cause unjustified anxiety for newcomers. Color change does not harm the body.
Before starting to use the fruit as a medicine, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Procurement of raw materials
Pitahaya fruits in southern countries are not harvested in advance for the following reasons:
1. Availability of finished material throughout the season.
2. Short storage period for raw materials.
3. Changes in taste during heat treatment, freezing. Fruits lose their juiciness and sweetness.
The fruits are used exclusively raw, fresh.
Cosmetology
Hilocereus seeds are used to prepare body scrubs and facial scrubs. The pulp is added to the face cream. The presence of a useful component, reduces the intensity of pigmentation, refreshes the skin color, rejuvenates it, eliminates blackheads, acne.
Cooking
For desserts, freshly picked fruits are cut in half. Use a spoon to gently scrape out the pulp. Cut into pieces. Add to drinks, fruit salads. The skin is not eaten.
In Indonesia, alcoholic beverages are made from edible cactus. Experts recommend eating pitahaya chilled. At the same time, the sweetness and juiciness of the product is preserved. It tastes a bit like kiwi, and its internal structure is like a fig.
Juice is squeezed out of the fruit, mixed with other drinks, or fermented to make wine. The pulp is used for the preparation of sweets, sorbet, ice cream, yogurt, and other fermented milk products. Edible flowers are brewed into tea, added to vegetable soups.
Hilocereus salad
Cut into cubes mango, pitaya pulp, banana, previously peeled. For pouring, squeeze the juice of 1 orange, add a teaspoon of honey. We mix the ingredients. We put the salad nicely at the half of the hilocereus peel. We serve to the table.
A light, low-calorie meal suitable for those looking to lose weight.
After getting acquainted with the peculiarities of an exotic fruit, feel free to start tasting. The product you like can be grown at home if desired. We will describe the technology of pitahaya cultivation in the next article.
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