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Today's Daily Health Tip
Nopal: The Prickly Pear Medicinal Vegetable
by Jennifer Good     Herbs and medicinal plants have been a part of folk medicine and our culture for centuries. In our age of science and technology, it can be fascinating when old traditions can be proved valid through research. This is certainly the case with this week's featured natural healthy ingredient, nopal. Found in the southwestern desert regions of the United States and Mexico, nopal is known as Opuntia ficus-indica or more commonly, prickly pear cactus. It has been used as a medicinal plant and is a staple in the Latin American diet.
The benefits of this prickly vegetable are numerous and studies abound citing its benefits for everything from helping prevent ulcers to treatment of hangovers. However, what has many researches excited about are its possible healthy benefits for diabetes treatments.
According to a study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," nopal caused a significant decrease in blood glucose values by nearly 18 percent. It was also discovered by Calzada Tecnologico in Baja California that adding nopal to traditional high-carbohydrate Mexican meals among patients with Type 2 diabetes induced a reduction in glucose concentration after the meal.1
It has also been shown to have a significant impact on cholesterol levels. In studies published in the "Journal of Nutrition" led by Dr. Maria L. Fernandez in California, it was found that prickly pear pectin decreased LDL concentrations and led to a 28 percent drop in total cholesterol levels. In addition, Mexican researchers have found that animals fed raw nopal had lower weight gains and a 34 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.1
What's most impressive about nopal, however, is its whole range of health benefits (all proven in numerous studies, both animal and human). To summarize Nopal's health benefits: - Lower blood sugar levels by blocking absorption of sugar in the intestinal tract
- Lower overall cholesterol levels, 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 would ultimately 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
For an example of how you can use Nopal in a supplement formula for healthier blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall life extension, click here.
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References:
(1) http://www.livestrong.com/article/115063-nopal-cactus-health-benefits/
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