NOPALEA
Plants of Nopalea are pollinated by hummingbirds, and their winter flowering coincides
with hummingbird migration. The stems and flowers are edible and used as forage. The
plants are used medicinally as a tea to relieve kidney-stone pain and as a poultice on wounds
and Diabetes.
Nopal is often used to relieve the symptoms of overindulgence in alcohol, including dry mouth
and nausea.It is also thought to lower fats and cholesterol in the blood, and is becoming
increasingly popular as a means to decrease blood sugar levels and control diabetes.
Beneficial Uses:
Nopal is said to be beneficial in diabetes control, because it contains a high percentage of carbohydrate fibers
known as mucilage which does not dissolve in water, but it does absorb water, so it swells up to form a
bulky paste when exposed to fluids. The fiber component is thought to produce hypoglycemic activity
by affecting the intestinal uptake of glucose. In double-blind tests, insulin concentrations were favorably
affected with the administration of Nopal, and the herb is thought to reach maximum effect about three
to four hours aftereating a meal.
The pectin component in Nopal does dissolve in water and becomes a thick,syrupy liquid, which is
thought to coat and protect the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to relieve digestive
problems, relieve stomachache and irritable bowel syndrome. This coating effect created by the pectin
in Nopal may help hyperlipidemia and to lower cholesterol in the blood. The pectin seems to attach to
substances in the stomach or intestines and appears to inhibit the absorption of fats from food.
Consequently, excess levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood may be lowered. Animal research has
indicated that the pectin component may also alter hepatic (liver) cholesterol metabolism.
Hyperglycemia - High blood sugar
Nopal has been clinically proven in studies to reduceboth fasting and post-prandial (after a meal)
hyperglycemia. Nopal cactus has been shown to contain a unique profile of high soluble and high
insoluble fibers. These high levels of Nopal dietary fibers help prevent the rapid absorption of
simple carbohydrates such as sugars into the blood stream during the digestion stage of a
consumed meal. This digestive action, the result of ingesting Nopal or Nopal prior to, or during a
meal, results in lowering the Glycemic Index of any meal and allows for a more stable
blood sugar metabolism throughout the day. Nopal cactus also contains specific phyto-nutrients that
have been shown to enter the blood stream and augment the body's cellular response to insulin in
Diabetes II patients. This activity, from the Nopal Opuntia Ficus-Indica, was demonstrated recently
in a clinical study. A controlled group of hyperglycemic diabetes Type II patients were given only
Nopal for breakfast and within 1 hour, their higher blood sugar index was reduced to normal values.
Hyperlipidemia - High LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
The unique and abundant polysaccharide fibers and sterols found in the Nopal prickly
pear, have been shown to work synergistically to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Nopal's primary mechanism is the bile salt binding in the intestine, that has been shown to prevent
re-uptake and therefore results in the overall reduction of unhealthy lipids in the blood stream.
However, it is also important to note that other active phyto-nutrients in Nopal, such as carotenoids
and glycoproteins, have also been implicated in animal studies to increase activity in specific liver
receptors that promote healthier blood lipids.
Nopal Fruit
Overall Whole Food Nutrition
Nopal was originally a food and has remained such throughout its recent popularity as a medicine.
It is traditionally recommended as a whole food medicine, which indeed is the most effective
method of treating disease. The Nopal Prickly pear cactus with it's 18 amino acids - 10 that
are essential for humans -, has a full complement of B vitamins, minerals and a host of other
highly bioactive phytonutrients, Nopal is the quintessential whole food medicine, which
can be enjoyed long after your health has been restored.
Nopal is native to the southwestern desert regions of the United States and Mexico,
and has a whole range of health benefits (all proven in numerous studies,
both animal and human). These include the ability to:
* Lower blood sugar levels by blocking absorption of sugar in the intestinal tract
* Lower overall cholesterollevels, improve the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol, and
lower triglycerides by preventing the conversion of blood sugar into fat and by
eliminating excess bile acids, which wouldultimately be converted into cholesterol
* Lower blood pressure
* Induce weight-loss by curbing appetite and facilitating
the breakdown and excretion of fat
* Prevent ulcers
* Support the liver and pancreas as demonstrated by improved liver function and
increased insulin production over time
* Block the absorption of fat
* Cleanse the bladder and lymphatic systems
Nopales are generally sold fresh, bottled, or canned, less often dried, to prepare nopalitos.
They have a light, slightly tart flavor, and a crisp, mucilaginous texture.Nopales are
commonly used in Mexican cuisine in dishes such as huevos con nopales (eggs with nopal),
"carne con nopales" (meat with nopal) or "tacos de nopales." Nopales are also an
important ingredient in New Mexican cuisine, and are gaining popularity elsewhere in
the United States.
*Learn about the latest discoveries on inflammation and how a new Opuntia Liquid Concentrate
may help your body reduce it. You will also discover a amazing new antioxidant found in
Sonora Desert plants which is now available in a delicious liquid harvested from the fruit
of the nopal cactus that is indigenous to the Sonora Desert called Sonoran Bloom
