| Nopal Cactus (Opuntia Streptacantha) is a species of | | | | Intake results in the overall reduction of unhealthy |
| cactus native to the Sonoran Desert region of the | | | | lipids in the blood stream. It is also important to note |
| U.S. and Mexico. It has been consumed for thousands | | | | that other active phyto-nutrients contained in this |
| of years by inhabitants of Mexico and the | | | | cactus such as carotenoids and glycoproteins, have |
| Southwestern U.S. and used in traditional herbalism for | | | | been suggested in animal studies to increase activity |
| its multitude of health benefits now documented in | | | | in specific liver receptors that promote healthier blood |
| scientific studies. It is highly nutritious and contains a | | | | lipids. |
| unique phytochemical, vitamin and mineral profile | | | | - Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits are also |
| which enhances its benefits. | | | | contained in the Nopal. They are known to remove |
| Traditionally, the Nopal Cactus has been used as a | | | | and prevent blood vessel plaques and will help |
| remedy for over 100 different ailments. More | | | | prevent the primary cause of heart disease, in the |
| recently, it has been the subject of blood cholesterol | | | | form of cardiovascular inflammation in the treatment |
| research trials sponsored by the American Heart | | | | of Atherosclerosis. |
| Association. Other scientific studies have been | | | | - The Nopal cactus is an excellent source of dietary |
| conducted on the antiviral properties of the cactus to | | | | fiber and may be used effectively for the |
| treat herpes, influenza, and HIV, as well as its use in | | | | maintenance of a clean and healthy colon. |
| treating obesity, gastro-intestinal disorders, and skin | | | | - Clinical data has proven that Nopal prickly pear |
| ailments. | | | | cactus stimulates the healing of gastric ulcers and |
| Following are some of the demonstrated benefits: | | | | soothes and significantly reduces gastrointestinal |
| - Scientific research has shown that consumption of | | | | inflammation through the control of the production of |
| this plant from the Sonoran Desert lowers blood | | | | excess gastric acid and protection of the mucous |
| sugar levels by delaying intestinal absorption of simple | | | | membranes in the gastro-intestinal system. |
| carbohydrates while at the same time increasing the | | | | - Nopal has high levels of calcium helps reduce the |
| activity of cellular insulin receptors. This lowers the | | | | risk of colon cancer. |
| glycemic index of any meal and enhances a more | | | | - Its use has been shown to lower blood pressure. |
| stable blood sugar metabolism. This has multiple | | | | - Consumption of the Nopal cactus can induce |
| applications and benefits for those suffering from | | | | weight-loss by curbing appetite and facilitating the |
| diabetes and other sugar or insulin imbalances such as | | | | breakdown and excretion of fat and blocking the |
| hyperglycemia. And, of course, benefits those | | | | absorption of fat in the body. |
| struggling with obesity. | | | | - Over time use of the nopal has been shown to |
| - The polysaccharide fibers and sterols found in the | | | | support the liver and pancreas as demonstrated by |
| Nopalea Cactus, have been shown to work together | | | | improved function of the liver and an increased in |
| to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. | | | | insulin production. |