Prickly Pear: A Superstar Hydrator and Anti-Aging Ingredient . Since then, the rich soil of Morocco has allowed the cactus to flourish, and the cactus now plays a fundamental role in the lives of many Moroccans. Prickly pear or optinua is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. Prickly pear cactus is used to treat type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, colitis, diarrhea, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and to fight viral infections. You’ll find a few variations of Prickly Pear in skincare products. Prickly Pear Health Benefits. The nopal cactus, which is native to Mexico, is more commonly known as the prickly pear cactus. Benefits of Prickly Pear Oil on Skin Cactus oil or prickly pear can help restore the elasticity in your skin. The vitamin E contained in prickly pear oil is not just helpful in … Cactus Oil (also known as prickly pear oil or barbary fig oil) regenerates the skin. Potassium. Cut fruit in half. It is native to America and then was introduced to the other regions of the world. Hair Care - Prickly Pear oil has anti-inflammatory properties ideal for replenishing the scalp. Gather the fruit using tongs and gloves. The top benefits of cactus juice include its ability to aid in weight-loss efforts, ease digestion, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, relieve menstrual cramps, manage diabetes, … What are the Health Benefits of Prickly Pear Extract? … Both can be applied externally and taken internally for a variety of similar and different health promoting purposes. You can also use it to achieve a more even or shiny skin tone. This substance has also been proven to decrease blood sugar levels and increase energy levels after ingestion. Place in large pan. Using tongs, swish in water to remove stickers. Instructions: 1. 2. It is full of fatty acids andcontains 60% linoleleic acid. In modern holistic medicine, prickly pear cactus extract and supplements are used to treat type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, colitis, diarrhea and benign enlargement of the prostate gland. PRICKLY PEAR JELLY: 1 gallon prickly pear cactus fruit, very ripe, deep garnet color 4 cups juice 4 cups sugar 2 packages fruit pectin. While quality research on the benefits of nopal is limited, there is some tangible evidence that nopal may be useful in certain situations. 3. Additionally, prickly pear is loaded with high levels of: Dietary … Single doses of prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels by 17% to 46% in … Nourishes, Moisturizes and Softens the Skin. Diabetes. They are also frequently made into juices or teas, which also yield health benefits. However, there is limited clinical information to support these uses. “It’s also rich in amino acids, which stimulate collagen production to promote faster cell turnover. Prickly pear cactus pads are used to reduce inflammation and help relieve stomach problems. That’s the biggest thing. Giving you the energy and nutrients to take on what ever your day brings you. Fresh cactus pear is low in energy, carrying just about 41 calories per 100 g. Nonetheless, it holds many health-benefting antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Conditions hair and restores shine. The prickly pear cactus is a fantastic source of linoleic acid and antioxidants, such as betalains. Each prickly pear fruit is loaded with high levels of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, B-family vitamins, calcium, magnesium, copper, taurine, flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains. Nutrition. Cactus Oil Benefits for Skin. Cactus tea is rich in antioxidants, aiding with cholesterol and lipid levels, and is also a natural diuretic. Thanks to both edible parts of the nopal cactus — the nopales pads and prickly pear fruits — the list of prickly pear cactus health benefits is a long one. “Prickly pear is extremely high in essential fatty acids, omega-6 and -9, and the natural antioxidant vitamin E,” she tells us. Magnesium. Prickly pear cactus has been a staple of the Mexican and Central American diet for thousands of years. Prickly pear is common to Latin American diets, where the fruits are eaten whole 1. It is also … Health benefits of prickly pear (opuntia) Prickly pears are closely related to another cactus produce, dragon fruit. Extracts from Nopal cactus reduce blood sugar levels. Eating prickly pears may have genuine long term benefits for the health of your heart. Fruit of the prickly pear is also known as tuna and is a good source of many nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, … It’s a lot like argan oil but better in every way. Prickly pear is widely cultivated and commercially used in juices, jellies, candies, teas, and alcoholic drinks. It has enormous health benefits: it can be used as a natural alternative to antacids, to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and other therapeutic uses detailed in this article. In addition to being a generous source of dietary fiber, the fruit boasts a generous vitamin C and magnesium content and is rich in antioxidant compounds, notably betalains and polyphenols. One of the most popular uses of prickly pear is as a hangover cure, and it has been used to reduce headaches associated with too much alcohol for hundreds of years. Also known as the cactus pear, prickly pears are the common name for the fruit of the nopales cactus. The prickly pear cactus, also known as the Barbary fig cactus, came to Morocco by way of Mexico in the 1700’s. Prickly Pear Cactus: benefits, uses, tips and side effects The prickly pear, perhaps one of the most emblematic fruits of Mexico. Prickly pear oil can also help you make your skin softer and healthier. These compounds regenerate your skin by stimulating cell renewal, improving the youth and vitality of your complexion. Put fruit in sink with water. Prickly pear lollipops are sometimes used as a weight loss aid to treat obesity and overweight. Here’s our process. Prickly pears are a low-calorie, saturated fat- and cholesterol-free source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium and antioxidant compounds. Prickly pear, which is also referred to as nopal, is derived from a needle bearing cactus and it has been used for thousands of years by Mexican Indian cultures for nutritional and health benefits. In fact, the cactus contains more betalains than any other plant! Health Benefits (Pads and Fruit) Prickly pear has many health benefits. Prickly Pear Benefits for Blood Sugar Levels. American Indians used prickly pear juice to treat burns, and prickly pear has a long history in traditional Mexican folk medicine for treating diabetes. They are full of fiber and minerals like potassium which … Prickly Pear Cactus Seed Oil Benefits Skin Regeneration. Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is the fruit of a cactus species native to the Americas. Its use in treating diabetes, lipid disorders, inflammation, and ulcers, as well as its other pharmacologic effects, have been documented. It also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil intensely hydrates the skin, it is suitable for all … One is a hydrating and nutrient-dense extract that’s made from the pulp of the fruit and cactus itself, and another is an oil that’s derived from cold-pressing the seeds. Calcium. 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