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Nopal Cactus 'Prickly Pear'
Origin: N. & C. America
Max Ht: 10 ft.
Max Dia: 8 ft
Hardiness zones 3b through 11:
Light: (shade-sun 1-5) 5
Nopal cactus (prickly pear) is rich in antioxidants, plus it helps normalize cholesterol, blood glucose, and contains all 24 known betalains, a group of rare and potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants that heal.
The prickly pear plant has two different edible sections: the pad of the cactus (nopal), which can be treated like a vegetable, and the pear (tuna), which can be treated like a fruit which has a sweet taste somewhat resembling watermelon.
It has been a staple part of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine for centuries. The green pads of the nopal cactus are cooked and added to tacos, egg dishes, and Mexican salads. Research within the past ten years has caused nopal cactus to be considered a super-food, due to its antioxidant and cholesterol-reducing properties. The fruit of the prickly pear is rich in betalains. Several clinical studies suggest nopal cactus is beneficial for diabetics because it reduces blood glucose levels.
The neon red prickly pear, the fruit of the nopal cactus, tastes like a cross between bubblegum and watermelon. To prepare prickly pear, the spines are cut off and the skin is removed. This leaves the flesh and seeds of the fruit. Both are edible raw as is, or can be juiced and added to beverages and other recipes.
Eating the nopal or pad of the prickly pear cactus has the following health benefits:
• The nopal contains pectin, a bio-chemical component that reduces cholesterol levels in the body.
• Pectin is a useful chemical for diabetic patients, as it helps curb insulin cravings. So the prickly pear's high pectin content makes it nutritious for diabetics.
• Nopal is a good source of vegetarian protein that aids with water retention in the body. It is also useful for vegetarians looking to supplement their protein levels.
• Nopal is an excellent source of fiber and hence aids in digestion by regulating the body's bowel functioning. It also aids with water absorption.
• These fleshy cactus pads are storehouses of nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, B6 and K. They also contain high levels of calcium and magnesium.
• Just like the nopal, the pear or tuna also contains a lot of fiber in its flesh. So like other fibrous vegetables and fruits, better digestion and a satiated appetite makes both parts of the prickly pear, perfect diet aids in curbing hunger pangs.
Medical benefits of the prickly pear nopal include:
• Treating constipation and acting as a natural laxative
• Strengthening the immunity of the body
• Reducing and preventing inflammation in muscles along the body, from those in the gastrointestinal tract to the muscles in the bladder
• Reduces cholesterol levels in the body
• Stabilizes glucose and insulin levels in the body
• Acts as a source of anti-oxidants
• Helps treat gastric ulcers
• Can be applied topically to heal wounds, scrapes and insect bites
• Helps in reducing the effects of drinking too much alcohol