promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It's also
touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some preliminary evidence shows that prickly pear cactus can decrease blood
sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Some research also suggests that
prickly pear cactus extract may lessen the unpleasant effects of a hangover,
possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
It might be too early to call prickly pear cactus a superfood, but it can be part of a
healthy diet. It's high in fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. Indeed, prickly pear
cactus is popular in many areas of the world, particularly Latin America, where
it is a native plant.
Benefits Of Prickly Pear Fruit For Skin, Hair & Health
1. Makes Your Hair Shiny
You can use prickly pear oil to make your hair glossy. This oil can give you
double the amount of fatty acids and protein than argan oil, which is a popular oil
used for restoring the natural hair shine.
2. Reduces Hangovers
reduces the production of inflammatory mediators that induce the uncomfortable
feeling during alcohol hangovers. It also reduces other symptoms like nausea and
dry mouth.
3. Reduces Hair Loss
The pulp of this fruit is often added to hair care products as its antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory compounds can give relief from many scalp conditions and, in
turn, reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth .
4. Protects The Liver
We often consume carcinogens and other compounds that can damage the liver
without realizing the damage they can cause. Here’s a solution. Consume prickly
pear as a juice or in the form of jams or jellies to prevent liver damage. It
contains plenty of antioxidants that can reduce the oxidative stress caused by
such compounds on the liver. It exerts hepatoprotective activity that mainly
involves eliminating free radicals and increasing the body’s antioxidant activity
against these compounds .
5. Soothes The Stomach
In Mexico, prickly pear is commonly used as a dietary supplement. People
consume prickly pear daily to regularize their bowel movements. This helps to
maintain a healthy digestive system and prevents constipation. The anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties of compounds found in cactus pear are
also responsible for aiding stomach health and soothing it .
6. Nopal Cactus Cleans The Colon
The high fiber content of prickly pear not only helps in lowering blood
sugar/glucose and cholesterol levels but also helps in regulating the general
functioning of the colon. Enough glucose is absorbed, and unhealthy fats and
excess bile are eliminated from the body. This keeps the colon in optimum
health. The inflammation and oxidative stress that the colon is being subjected to
are also alleviated. The antioxidants present in prickly pear eliminate the free
radicals and inflammation-inducing compounds, thus cleansing and protecting
the colon .
7. Fights Cancer Cells
The flavonoid compounds in prickly pear lower the risk of breast, prostate,
stomach, pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, and lung cancers. They were shown to
inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the lab and mice models. They also caused
the death of these cancerous cells at higher concentrations . These compounds
also have the ability to remove free radicals and improve the activities of pro-
oxidant enzymes.
8. Potential Role In Weight Control
Obesity is a global epidemic and needs to be managed at the earliest. Instead of
resorting to extreme measures like harmful medications or surgery, a simple
solution to this problem could be consuming plenty of dietary fiber. Prickly pear
fruit contains fiber that will make you feel full for longer and reduce hunger
pangs. It also helps in the elimination of dietary fat by binding it and excreting it
from the system. As the intestines do not get a chance to absorb the dietary fat,
this fruit effectively helps in weight control and even weight loss .
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