Nutrition Bytes made up an informative report on cactus and its traditional health uses. Studies are examined and the results given. Overall cactus does seem to be a good and very healthy plant to eat.
Here’s is an exerpt…
”The intake of prickly pear pectin decreases plasma LDL levels, increases
expression of apolipoprotein receptor expression, increases hepatic LDL turnover, and affects cholesterol homeostasis in guinea pigs.
Prickly pear pectin, however does not affect absorption of cholesterol in guinea pigs.
The prickly pear cactus demonstrates the ability to decrease blood glucose levels as well the hyperglycemic peak during glucose tolerance testing.
In addition, Opuntia has demonstrated the ability to control experimentally induced diabetes.
Similar studies, along with domestic surveys have prompted international evaluation of the prickly pear cactus to determine its ability to regulate glucose utilization.
Currently, homeopathic industries have begun to incorporate opuntia into supplements intended to help regulate plasma glucose levels.”
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