If you are wondering, can we drink water from a cactus? We have the answer—keep reading to know the full story!
Cacti are incredibly resilient. These remarkable plants not only have spikes but have thick, fleshy stems that store water, making them potential sources of hydration. However, did you know that you can drink water from certain cacti in survival situations? Accordingly, with proper knowledge, we can use the water stored in specific cactus species.
Can We Drink Water From a Cactus?
All of a sudden, if we end up in a desert during a shortage of drinking water, there are some cactus species from which we can obtain water after all to use as a source only in an emergency.
Which Kinds of Cactus to Select?
Generally, it is not advisable to drink water directly from cactus. Drinking cactus water on an empty stomach can lead to serious ailments like diarrhea and vomiting which might enhance dehydration. According to reports, the Fishhook barrel cactus and some other Barrel cacti species are the only ones that are safe to drink water from in very low amounts.
We have heard or may have seen in many videos that we can drink water from cactus in extreme situations like if we are lost in a desert or so! Yes, it sounds very simple, although the truth is that not all cacti are safe to drink water from. Cacti do store jelly-like fluid in their fleshy stems to survive in harsh desert conditions. However, we must know that these fluids are usually a mixture of acids and phytochemicals like alkaloids and tannins, which can be harmful to the human body if consumed in a very large amount.
Barrel Cacti
These cacti are native to North and South America and have a shape and structure like a barrel. There are many species, approximately more than 50 species under this category of cacti. The Fishhook cacti are reportedly suitable for drinking water. They bear fruits along with pink, yellow, or white colored flowers, and also contain spines all over them.
Prickly Pear
In contrast to consuming cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica is completely harmless, has several health benefits and nutrients, and can provide rehydration to the body. You don’t even need to be an expert to identify the species. According to various reports, there are nearly 2000 species of cactus in the world, and none of the fruits are toxic to humans.
So, Is Drinking Water From a Cactus Safe?
Considering and contemplating all the myths and reports, cactus water is not suitable for drinking purposes in survival conditions. Conclusively, we can say that, even though the fluid at that moment may seem to be tempting but, it can have adverse effects on the body, which will ultimately lead to more dehydration and may cause severe health issues.
You have the simple answer now! Please share your experiences or anything you are wondering in the comments regarding this. We would love to answer all your questions.
