Benefits of Prickly Pear.

If you live or have visited the little Maltese islands, you most probably realized that it reigns supreme in Malta’s landscape. Although not a native of the Malta, nor the Mediterranean (its origins lie in South America), the Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian fig) certainly thrives throughout Malta and Gozo, and was introduced from the Americas into the Mediterranean region in the late 15th century

In tales about the West, the cactus is sometimes portrayed as a water-bearing plant that saves thirsting cowboys lost in the desert. But any hungry range rider worth his spurs would know that some types can provide right good eating, too, especially those known as Indian figs, nopales, prickly pears, or beaver tail cacti.



In fact, there are dozens of varieties of these hardy forageables. They're members of the genus Opuntia, which encompasses well over 200 species. These can be divided into two broad groups: the inedible—or at least basically unpalatable—cholla cacti (which have slender, rounded stems) and the edible prickly pears (distinguished by flat pads resembling beavers' tails).



Although in some countries is also considered as a pest, this luscious cactus a variety of benefits that might surprise a couple of our 'naturalist' followers..i'll talk about it in a second, but first...

DID YOU KNOW..?

In Mexico, the cacti are raised commercially, and the fruit (called tuna) and the edible pads (nopales) are marketed. YES, you read right, certain pads can actually be eaten..usually grilled..yumm..ouch !


Let us see the top 12 benefits of this wonderful gift of nature:

1. Control Overeating:
This is the greatest advantage wherein you can reduce glucose levels in the blood and avoid overeating habits. It is 100% natural and hence does not cause any side effects like other chemical based supplements that are consumed to control overeating.

2. Weight Gain:
Prickly pear fruit contains fiber that will make you feel full for longer hours and reduces hunger pangs. This helps in weight control effectively.

3. Hangover Effect:
This has the ability to reduce the hangover effect. Prickly pear juice reduces the production of inflammatory mediators that induce uncomfortable feeling during alcohol hangovers. This also reduces other symptoms like nausea and dry mouth.

4. Pancreatic Problems:
Prickly pear is very useful to get rid of pancreatic problems. This fibrous fruit is a colon cleanser that gives relief to the pancreatic sufferer.

5. Age-Related Vision Disorders:
This fruit contains flavonoids that prevent muscular degeneration and fight cataracts. This delivers blood and oxygen to the eye that helps to maintain healthy eye sight.

6. Anti-Inflammatory:
This fruit is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antihistamine. It also contains flavonoid that prevents the release of the compounds which help in inflammation of the joints and muscles caused due to gout, arthritis, exercise, fibromyalgia, and allergies.

7. Cancer:
Flavonoid compounds in prickly pear lowers the risk of some types of cancer like breast, prostate, stomach, pancreatic, and lungs. This also has the ability to remove free radicals and improves activities of pro-oxidant enzymes.

8. Cardiovascular:
Biologically active flavonoid in prickly pears normalizes the blood platelet stickiness, which helps to maintain good cardiovascular health.

9. Antioxidants:
The antioxidants react with free radicals that cause many chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and aging process. This also helps to maintain the glow of the skin and keep them healthy.

10. Glossy Hair:
You can use prickly pear oil to make your hair glossy. This oil can give you double fatty acids and protein than argan oil that helps for attaining shiny hair. Prickly pear also contains vitamin E, that conditions hair deeply.

11. Nail Health:
Prickly pear seed oil can be used to moisturise dry and damaged nail and restore the health of nails and cuticles.

12. Skin Health:
The seeds of this fruit are cold pressed to prepare a beauty oil that is anti-inflammatory. This is also known to heal cuts, wounds, and blemishes. It contains skin-softening vitamin E, and vitamin K to reduce dark circles. Prickly pear seed oil is an excellent choice for mature, aging or damaged skin.


MAKE YOUR OWN Hair Conditioner:
Peel the fruit
Cut into small chunks and put in water.
Cover and shake well.
Strain and use the liquid.
Massage the liquid onto the hair, and rinse.

This will make your hair healthy, silky and softer. This is also useful to protect hair from the scorching sun and rejuvenate heat-damaged hair.

The Fig

The fig tree, 'Ficus carica,' possibly originated in Northern Asia according to archeological fossil records, but some believe is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The edible part of the fig, called the 'fruit' is not really a fruit at all, it's a synconium. Inside the synconium are a cluster of hundreds of flowers. If pollinated, these flowers produce drupelets, tiny bubbles of fruit material with a seed in the center.

The the fig was one of the earliest fruit cultivated by man. Its high nutrient content is believed to have the ability to keep a man alive solely on this fruit.

Fig (Ficus Carica) Maltese: Tin

Nutritional information:
Figs are rich in Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin B6,  Iron and Magnesium and Pectin. A very fibrous fruit that provides more fiber then any other fruit or vegetable and are very low in fat. It's also an excellent remedy for those suffering from chronic constipation as it is believed to be a laxative.

Some interesting Benefits:

Skin Problems:  Figs are high in water content improving the skin's appearance by 'cleansing' it, and it is beleived to clear acne and blemish problems.

Fatigue: Having up to 80%  of water and high amount of natural sugars, they make an excellent replacement for a ''Gatorade'' , as it is a brilliant source of energy and brain stimulant...thus making you more responsive and alert

Memory Loss: Figs are the ultimate brain fuel! With 60% of natural sugars that stimulate the brain and make you think and recall faster.

Insomnia: Figs contain a Nutriant called tryptophan. This promotes good sleep while encouraging good circulation 

Anemia: Anemia is lack of Iron which alot of women and girls suffer from due to heavy periods. Figs are a very good source of iron which helps to replace such deficiency.

Constipation and Weight loss: As previously mentioned, figs are a good source of fibre which may trigger a laxative effect.


Bone disorder/ Lack of Calcium: This is great news for all Vegans and those who are milk intolerant who need to naturally replace milk and still get their calcium intake. Figs are naturally high in calcium which makes them ideal for growing children to develop good bone structure. Needn't to say that is also a great source of calcium for those who suffer from osteoporosis and brittle bones.

A healthy heart: Figs are also believed to help a lot of cardiac disorders, maintaining good cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, hyper tension and diabetes.

Note : Excessive intake of figs may result in diarrhea. Also, figs contains substantial amount of oxalates and therefore, if you are suffering from any kidney related disease or gall bladder problem, do not eat figs. Figs are very sweet and too much of sweet might cause you tooth decay problem. Lastly, dried figs are usually treated with sulphur dioxide in order to preserve the figs and maintain its color. Just in case, if you are sensitive to sulfites, search for sulfite free ones such as organic figs which is a very good alternative.

Benefits of Lemon

Lemons entered Europe (near southern Italy) no later than the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. It is said that it's actually a native plant of Asia. 

Lemon (Citrus x Limon) Maltese: Lumija

The health benefits of lemon oil can be attributed to its stimulating, calming, carminative, anti-infection, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, sleep inducing, and antifungal properties, which is of particular benefit to people with problem and acne skin. The rubefacient and diuretic properties are also used to bring balance to the fluids in the cells and ensuring optimum circulation - which isneeded to remove cellulite.


Health benefits of lemon oil include the following:
Stress: Lemon oil is calming in nature and therefore helps in removing mental fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness and nervous tension. It has to ability to refresh the mind by creating a positive mind-frame and removing negative emotions. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees

Insomnia: Usage of lemon oil ensures good sleep and helps those suffering from insomnia.Immune System: Lemon oil has high vitamin content and therefore it helps in increasing the immunity of the body. It further stimulated White Blood Cells and thus increases your ability to fight diseases. Lemon oil also improves the circulation in the body.

Fever: Lemon oil is effective against infectious diseases such as fever, malaria and typhoid.

Stomach Disorders: Since lemon oil is carminative, it is used in treating various stomach problems including indigestion, acidity, stomach upsets, cramps, etc.

Weight Loss: Lemon juice is very helpful in reducing weight.

Asthma: It is believed that lemon is also useful for treating asthma.

Hair Care: Lemon oil is also effective as a hair tonic. Many people use lemon oil to get strong, healthy and shinning hair. Lemon oil is also used for removing dandruff from head.

Skin Care: Lemon oil is a good remedy for the increasing the luster of dull skin. It is astringent and detoxifying in nature, and rejuvenates dull skin. Its antiseptic properties help in treating pimples and various skin disorders. Lemon is also recommended for oily skin

Soaps and Cosmetics: Lemon juice and lemon essential oil is used in soaps, face wash and many personal care and skin care cosmetics due to its antiseptic nature.

Benefits of Olive oil in Cosmetics

Olive oil is a popular choice amongst the fruit oils available, due to its numerous uses. Extracted from Olive, the botanical name of which is Olea europaea, this traditional plant is basically a crop of the Mediterranean Basin.

 Olive (Olea europaea) Maltese: Zebbug

Olive oil is known for its therapeutic properties. Very soothing in feel, it is very effective in curing several forms of diseases. Quite thick in consistency, Olive oil is usually greenish in color, though the shade may range from light to medium. It is rich in essential fatty acids vital for the human body. The oil helps a great deal in combating heart diseases. The external application of Olive oil is of great value in preventing the body from being dehydrated.

Using Olive oil at home.

Extra virgin olive oil can be used to make many homemade cosmetics. You can add it to bath water, use it as a shaving oil, mix it with sugar or salt to make an exfoliating scrub or just rub it directly on your skin, nails and cuticles as a moisturizer. For extra-dry feet or hands, rub on extra virgin olive oil just before going to bed, then cover feet or hands with cotton socks of gloves. Remove when you wake up for much softer skin.

Eye Makeup Remover
Just a drop or two of extra virgin olive oil on a cotton pad is all it takes to gently and effectively remove eye makeup without irritating the delicate skin around the eye area. The biggest added advantage is that when used consistently, olive oil can soften the skin around the eyes and smooth out wrinkles.

Hair Care
When used on hair and scalp, olive oil can be considered two products: a deep conditioner and a dandruff controller. After shampooing, massage a mixture of equal amounts of olive oil and water into your hair. Leave on for 5 minutes, then shampoo and rinse. Your scalp will benefit from healthy conditioning; your hair will respond with more shine and strength.

CLICK HERE For more DIY recipes by SoapCafe`

Carob Tree

Carob (Pods) (Ceratonia siliqua) Maltese: Harrub

Carob is native to the eastern Mediterranean, probably the Middle East, where it has been in cultivation for at least 4000 years.

This product is used in the manufacture of food stuffs, especially confectionary. It be used as a stabiliser, emulsifer, thickener or to to prevent sugar crystallisation. The other major food source derivrd from Carob is from the ground up pod itself, which forms a high protein powder that is an effective substitute for Cocoa powder.

Carob powder has a number of advantages over Cocoa powder and as such is often used to make what has come to be known as 'healthy chocolate' .

Apart from the health benefits obtained by subsituting Carob for Cocoa and synthetic sweeteners in our diet, Carob also has excellent nutritional value. Along with up to 80% protien, it contains Magnesium, Calcium and Phosphorus; For this reason, it is used in the fight against osteoporosis. It also contains,

Iron,

Manganese, Barium, Copper, Nickel and the vitamins A, B, B2, B3, and D.

Other medicinal uses includes: treatments of coughs , diarrhea, flu, anemia and osteoclasis.

In Cosmetics Carob acts as an antioxidant, Adsorbent and demulcent, while being used as a soothing skin powder.

The active component in carob is Gallic acid which acts as an analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral (polio) and an antioxidant.

Capers

Caper (Capparis orientalis ) Maltese: Kappara

Caper bush is present in almost all the circum-Mediterranean countries and is included in the floristic composition of most of them but whether it is indigenous to this region is uncertain.

In Greek popular Medicine, a herbal tea made of caper root and young shoots is considered to be beneficial against rheumatism.

Caper root bark and leaves may have some anticarcinogenic activity. In fact, the hydrolysis products of indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolates have anticarcinogenic effects. Although the consumption of capers is low in comparison with the intake of other major dietary sources of glucosinolates (white cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower) it may contribute to the daily dose of natural anticarcinogens that reduces cancer risk. Glucosinolates are also known to possess goitrogenic (anti-thyroid) activity. Also, rutin and quercetin may contribute to cancer prevention . Selenium, present in capers at high concentrations in comparison with other vegetable products, has also been associated with the prevention of some forms of cancer.

~Capers also have anti oxidant properties which improve the body’s immune system and delays the sign of aging.
~The spicy caper pickles traditionally added to recipes as appetite stimulant. Also, they help relieve stomach-ache and flatulence conditions.
~Fresh capers are also low in fat and calories and are a relatively good source of fiber and iron.

~Capers are good for people who suffer from mar disease

Caution should be used by those who have hypertension or heart disease. Capers are very high in sodium with over 250 mg. of sodium in a single tablespoon and should be eaten in moderation. Fortunately, their rather pungent, salty taste reduces the need for additional salt.

Read more: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/capers.html

Borage

Borage (Borago officinalis) Maltese: Fidloqqom

Borage or Starflower, is an annual herb grown for its many culinary and medicinal uses as well as its surprisingly beautiful blue flowers. The flavor of Borage leaves is similar to cucumber and they are often used in salads and soups. Borage is native to Europe and the Mediterranean but has naturalized in North America.

It is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, for treating arthritis, as well as certain skin conditions (e.g. atopic dermatitis) and respiratory inflammation. It has one of the highest amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6) of seed oils - higher than black current seed oil or evening primrose, to which it is considered similar.

Other important compounds found in borage seed oil are vitamin C, tannin, saponins and certain minerals, all of which can play an important role in making the skin healthy and keeping skin problems like, acne at bay. The tannins present in the oil can tighten the skin. Borage oil can make the skin soft and supple by restoring the level of moisture. For this reason, this oil is quite beneficial to eliminate skin dryness. The gamma-linoleic acid found in borage oil can help to dilute sebum or oil, secreted by the sebaceous glands. Over secretion of sebum is the main factor that causes acne and pimples by clogging the skin pores. One can clear up such clogged skin pores by using borage oil for acne, and thus reduce the appearance of acne lesions.

Along with helping to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, borage oil can prove beneficial in conditions like, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, dry and damaged hair and hair loss. It can help to regulate the circulation of blood and facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses as well.

Almond Tree

The beautiful white blossomed Almond tree is considered to be indigenous to the Mediterranean region. It is extremely hardy, not prone to disease, and yet produces one of the most magnificent fruits, which again, is considered to rank amongst the healthiest of all food stuffs.

Almond Tree (Prunis Dulcis)  Maltese: Lewz

Almonds are treasures of some essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Almonds have high contents of fats. Besides being a nutritious food, almonds have many cosmetic benefits.From it's fruit one can extract Almond oil which is a rich source of Vitamin E and is beneficial in many ways.

Almond oil is pale yellow in colour and it is extracted from almond kernels. Apart from vitamin E it also contains vitamin D and other nutritious components.

Almond oil for the skin

Pure almond oil can be used as carrier oil in aromatherapy or massage. Almond oil is suitable for most skin types. Listed below are benefits of almond oil for the skin.
Improves complexion and retains glow

• Moisturises better and deeper
• Soothes skin irritation and inflammation
• Delays ageing process
• Lightens dark circles
• Relieves dry and itching skin
• Nourishes the skin. Makes it smooth and soft
• Cures chapped lips and body rashes  

 Almond oil for the hair

Pour a few drops of almond oil in your palm. Dip your fingertips and apply gently on your scalp. Massage slowly in small circular motions. Almond oil adds luster to the hair making them healthy.

Following are some benefits of almond oil.

• Nourishes hair and smoothes hair cuticles
• Makes hair long, strong and thick
• Massaging with almond oil adds shine to the hair
• Controls hair fall
• Almond oil for the health

Consuming almond oil is also beneficial for Digestive System. Here are some more benefits when consuming raw almonds.

• Regular consumption of almond oil helps reduce cholesterol
• Nourishes the brain and nervous system
• Enhances intellectuality and endurance
• Application of almond oil provides relief to strained muscles

Let a few drops of almond oil work like a magic spell to transform you into a more beautiful you :)