Many people have a cactus in their homes or gardens to decorate it. However, you may not realize that prickly pear cactus is packed with antioxidants that are beneficial to your health. It also has a high concentration of vitamin C. This is the vitamin known to stimulate the human immune system. Also known as the nopal, the prickly pear is native to Mexico and performs best in hot climates.

Weight control and diabetes

This type of cactus is especially beneficial for diabetics. A 2005 study by researchers in Mexico City showed that a diabetic who incorporates nopal into their daily diet can expect to see their glucose levels drop dramatically. This may be due in part to the fact that certain nutrients within the cactus pads prevent the body from absorbing excess sugar from other foods.

However, this information is not only relevant for diabetics. People who are actively trying to lose weight can also benefit from lower blood glucose levels. High glucose levels can lead to more acute hunger which, in turn, can lead to overeating. In addition to controlling glucose, the cactus is a food rich in fiber. People who eat foods high in fiber tend to feel full for much longer than those who eat foods high in sugar. Therefore, the cactus can be a good dietary addition for those trying to control their weight.

The digestive system

Nopal has been used for thousands of years by indigenous Mexicans as a dietary supplement to regulate the digestive system. People who incorporate nopal supplements into their diets can expect to experience a greater degree of regularity in their bowel movements. The cactus also contains high levels of insoluble fibers. Because of this, it serves as a natural colon cleanser and removes impurities from the body that are found within the colon that can interfere with the digestive health of the body.

For those who have battled pancreatitis in the past, prickly pear cactus can present a delicious solution to a painful problem. The same insoluble fibers that serve as colon cleansers also absorb excess bile excreted by the pancreas. Excess bile that is not absorbed is stored by the gallbladder and can lead to gallstones. Gallstones can cause more episodes of pancreatitis in chronic patients.

How to take prickly pear

The nopal can be eaten raw or cooked. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can grow a cactus at home and carefully strip its pads of their needles before roasting the pads or chopping them into a salad. For many people, however, the work involved in preparing a cactus dish turns out to be too much effort. If you want to enjoy the health benefits without the risk of biting into one of its sharp needles, you can purchase herbal supplements in pill form. These supplements contain cactus powder that provides you with health benefits similar to eating cactus in its natural form. In addition, you can now also buy supplements in liquid or juice form. There are some companies that offer a juice or concentration that contains high levels of antioxidants found in nopal nopal. And, if you live in the southwestern United States, you may also be able to buy ready-made cactus at your local grocery store.

Modern research suggests that prickly pear cactus can lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, increase energy levels, and prevent nerve deterioration.. Few vegetables can boast such a wide repertoire of health benefits for the human body. If you are concerned about your health or weight, consider purchasing some supplements or growing one of these versatile cacti in your own garden. You may find that aside from the health benefits, you love the taste.