🌵Surprising Prickly Pear Benefits🌵
The health benefits of prickly pear include its ability to lower cholesterol levels, improve the digestive process, decrease the risk of diabetes, boost the immune system, and stimulate bone growth. The antioxidant-rich fruit also helps strengthen blood vessels, aid in weight loss, and reduce inflammation.
🌵What is Prickly Pear?
Prickly pear or cactus fruit is the common name of the fruit that grows on top of the leaves of Nopales cacti. Spread throughout North and South America, about 200 different species of Nopales (Opuntia) cacti are found, all of which have some form of this prickly pear fruit, although not all varieties are edible. The most commonly used species in terms of eating and cooking are O. ficus-indica, also known as the Indian Fig Opuntia.
The most interesting thing about this fruit is that it grows at the very edge of the spiny leaves of these imposing cacti, which are some of the hardiest lowland cacti in the world, a trait inherited by its fruit. The fruits are oval in shape and their color can range from yellow and light green to orange, pink, and red, depending on their variety and ripeness. Although all cacti are technically native to the Americas, prickly pears and its fruits have spread across the world to Egypt, Morocco, Europe, and the Middle East.
🌵Anti-cancer Potential
According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004), prickly pears have high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains. These act as antioxidant compounds and neutralize free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate. Additionally, research tests conducted on laboratory mice led by a team from the University of Arizona found that Arizona prickly pear cactus helped suppress tumor growth; however, the researchers stated further studies are required as the mechanism of anti-cancer effect was not completely understood.
🌵Antioxidant Potential
The antioxidants in prickly pears protect the skin, lower the chances of premature aging, improve vision, prevent macular degeneration, and increase the strength and functionality of your brain. Studies conducted in Germany showed high levels of tocopherol and beta-carotene in the prickly fruit, both of which are very beneficial for skin and eye health. Free radicals are partially responsible for the oxidation of neural cells that lead to various diseases. Polyphenolic compounds have been linked to increased cognitive activity.
🌵Weight Loss
With high fiber and nutrient density, low calories, and saturated fat, prickly pears can keep your body in a healthy form without adding any extra weight. Also, the fiber and carbohydrates prevent you from overeating!