Nopales (cactus)

vegetables

Nopales (cactus)

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.1

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Nopales (cactus) Healthy?

Yes — Nopales (cactus) is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Only ~2g net carbs per 100g cooked, high fiber, low calorie. Excellent low-carb vegetable with unique nutritional profile. Fits easily within daily carb allowance.

VeganApproved

Whole plant vegetable with exceptional nutrient profile including minerals and fiber. Fully vegan-compliant and minimally processed.

PaleoApproved

Nopales are non-starchy vegetables available in nature (cactus pads). Low-carb, nutrient-dense, and unprocessed. Excellent paleo vegetable with minimal anti-nutrients.

MediterraneanApproved

Low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Minimal processing required. Fits Mediterranean emphasis on plant-based whole foods. Can be prepared simply with olive oil.

CarnivoreAvoid

Cactus plant, plant-derived. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. Contains plant compounds and carbohydrates.

Whole30Approved

Whole vegetable, no excluded ingredients. Fully compliant.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Nopales are low-FODMAP at standard servings (75g per Monash). Low in fructans and fermentable carbohydrates. Well-tolerated in elimination phase.

DASHApproved

Exceptional DASH vegetable: very low sodium, high fiber, rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Supports blood pressure reduction. Minimal calories, nutrient-dense. Core DASH food.

ZoneApproved

Nopales are exceptionally low-glycemic (approximately 2.4g net carbs per 100g raw), high fiber, minimal carb impact. Counts toward 8 vegetable servings/day. Rich in polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds. Excellent Zone vegetable choice with no meaningful portion restriction.

Exceptional anti-inflammatory vegetable with high polyphenol content, particularly betalains and flavonoids. Rich in soluble fiber (mucilage) supporting gut health and glycemic control. Low calorie, high nutrient density. Traditional use in Mexican cuisine with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Exceptionally low calorie (14 cal per 100g raw), very high water content (88%), excellent fiber (2.3g per 100g), minimal fat, low carbohydrate load (2.9g per 100g). Nutrient-dense (vitamin C, K, magnesium, calcium). Mucilaginous texture supports digestion and may help with GLP-1 GI side effects. Easy to digest. Supports hydration. Ideal GLP-1 companion food.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.1Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Nopales (cactus)

Keto 8/10
  • very low net carbs
  • high fiber
  • nutrient-dense
  • versatile preparation
Vegan 9/10
  • Whole plant food
  • High mineral content
  • Excellent fiber source
  • Minimal processing
Paleo 9/10
  • Non-starchy vegetable
  • Low glycemic impact
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Unprocessed
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Vegetable staple
  • High fiber content
  • Low calorie
  • Nutrient-dense
Whole30 10/10
  • Whole vegetable
  • No excluded ingredients
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Low fructan content
  • Low in all FODMAP groups
  • Safe at typical vegetable serving sizes
DASH 9/10
  • Very low sodium
  • Excellent potassium and magnesium
  • High fiber
  • Low calorie
  • Vitamin C-rich
Zone 9/10
  • Very low net carbs
  • High fiber content
  • Polyphenol-rich
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • High betalain and flavonoid content
  • Soluble fiber (mucilage) supports gut health
  • Potent antioxidant activity
  • Low glycemic load, high nutrient density
  • exceptionally low calorie
  • very high water content
  • excellent fiber
  • minimal fat
  • low carbohydrate load
  • nutrient-dense
  • mucilaginous texture aids digestion
  • supports hydration