TUNA CHEESE: WHAT IT IS AND PROPERTIES - NUTRITION - 2024

The cheese tuna is a handmade sweet made from the concentrated juice of a class of nopal: cardona wild prickly pear (Opuntia streptacantha). The nopal is native to America, specifically its arid areas. This had an essential role during pre-Hispanic times.

Specifically, the cardón nopal produces a red prickly pear. From this fruit the colonche (fermented drink), the marshmallow and the tuna cheese are made.

This last specialty is made mainly in the states of San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Aguascalientes and Zacatecas in Mexico. Prickly pear cheese has both nutritional and medicinal properties.

Prickly pear cheese properties

To achieve this dessert, the tuna is boiled over high heat. This produces a marshmallow that is heavily kneaded onto a large, round, flat stone that is kept moistened.

The dough is dropped many times, until when lifting the dough it does not adhere to the stone. This paste is placed in molds and left to rest for 24 hours.

After that time, it is removed from the molds and left in the open air for another 24 hours. Sometimes essences of anise or vanilla, walnuts, peanuts, almonds or hazelnuts are added.

The wild prickly pear has many properties. Prickly pear cheese preserves them, but as they are more concentrated, their effects are more energetic. These properties are described below.

High nutritional value

Apart from its good taste, prickly pear cheese is rich in vitamins C and B. It is also an excellent source of minerals necessary for the human body such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper.

Analgesic effects

Clinical studies have revealed that prickly pear fruits have analgesic effects comparable to aspirin.

Reduction of lipid levels in the blood

Its consumption has been proven to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, this cheese helps improve cholesterol proportions in obese and diabetic patients.

Antioxidant power

Prickly pear contains pigments such as beta-carotene and flavonoids that have a high antioxidant power that help prevent tissue aging. This fact makes it compete in this line with oranges and grapes.

Heart protection effect

The high content of magnesium and potassium supports heart health. Among other advantages, it makes the heart maintain a normal rhythm. Moreover, it helps in regulating blood pressure.

Eye and skin health protection

Large amounts of vitamin A or beta-carotene are found in prickly pear. This substance protects the health of the eyeball and skin tissues

Prevention of constipation and hemorrhoids

The fruit of the cardona prickly pear is rich in fiber and water. This makes it a great ally in the prevention of constipation and hemorrhoids.

Safeguarding bone health

The presence of calcium combines with magnesium and potassium. This contributes to the good condition of the bone structure and prevents osteoporosis.

Antacid effect

Prickly pear cheese reduces gastric acid production. In the same way, it alleviates the discomfort caused by ulcers.

Relief of physical or intellectual fatigue

The fruit of the cardona prickly pear has large amounts of cellulose and glucose (sugar assimilated by the body). That gives you the ability to alleviate states of general fatigue.

References

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