The Nopal Cactus
THE NOPAL (Prickly Pear) CACTUS*
A few years ago, I heard about the Nopal Cactus and some of its potential health benefits. Undoubtedly, it's the best kept secret on the planet! Nopal is a vegetable that produces a fruit, and is a flowering plant as well. It has been consumed by the people of Mesoamerica for thousands of years. I was amazed by the scientific validation of Nopal's medicinal attributes. In my research of the published literature, including studies from the National Institutes of Health website (pubmed.gov), I learned that Nopal possesses life changing, real world clinical applications:
-Nopal lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol (as much as 15-34% in animal and human studies). More importantly than the actual cholesterol numbers, it helps prevent lipid peroxidation which is felt to be a causative factor for developing cholesterol plaques that block the heart (coronary) arteries.
-Nopal lowers blood sugars in Type II Diabetes and in those who have elevated blood sugars. It may help resolve metabolic syndrome as well. It has been used as a popular herbal remedy in Mexico and in the Southwest U.S. for years to help control diabetes. All of the scientific analyses I reviewed reached the same conclusion: Nopal significantly lowers elevated blood sugar levels. Metabolic Syndrome is a type of pre-diabetes and pre-heart disease syndrome that is undiagnosed in millions of people. There is evidence that Nopal may help prevent metabolic syndrome.
-Nopal fights Inflammation. Aging is associated with inflammation. One of the best antiaging strategies you can implement is to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. The evidence shows that Nopal can increase the body's levels of antioxidant enzymes and decrease the markers for oxidative stress, proving it to be extremely effective in fighting free radicals, oxidation and inflammation.
-Nopal has Cancer-fighting properties. Research analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes for inhibiting the growth of various Cancer cell lines.
-Nopal enhances and balances the immune system. Numerous studies confirm the antiviral and antifungal activity of Nopal, as well as modulation and enhancement of the immune system.
-Nopal has other potential health benefits. These include antaging, a reduction of enlarged prostate symptoms (BPH), joint health support, digestive and colon health support, enhanced long term memory, protection of the liver from toxins, protection of the nervous system, softer skin, a reduction of uric acid (which causes gout), wound healing, ulcer prevention, and many, many others.
I felt that the world should know about this amazing plant that God has blessed us with, so I wrote a book detailing the above medicinal benefits called, Nopal Cactus, The 5 Plus Reasons.
Medical Disclaimer: The information found on this website and its links are for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always consult your health care provider with changes in your nutritional regime. I specifically disclaim any liability from the use of this information.