NOPAL CACTUS HERB BENEFITS:
The Nopal cactus, also known as Opuntia ficus indica, prickly pear or cactus pear, is native to regions in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Once grown primarily as a food source for impoverished families, production of nopal cactus has increased, primarily for its medicinal properties, according to Frank Jack Daniel with Reuters news service. While still important to culinary dishes in Mexico, the nopal herb is also sought after for its health benefits.
Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels put you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. In a study published in the Sep.-Oct. 2007 issue of Advances in Therapy, researchers in France examined the effects of an extract of nopal cactus on metabolic factors, including cholesterol levels. After two weeks of taking a nopal supplement, patients had a significant reduction in LDL, or "bad" cholesterol levels. The women in the study who were over 42 years of age showed a marked increase in their HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels, and a decrease in their triglyceride levels. The study concludes that a nopal herbal extract should be considered as a dietary supplement and functional food based on the benefits it has on blood cholesterol levels.
Lowers Blood Sugar
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that blood sugar rises after a meal, as the sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream and taken to cells for energy. The sugar that isn't used is converted to fat and stored for future use, which is why high blood sugar can lead to obesity. In a study published in the May 2007 issue of Diabetes Care, published by the American Diabetes Association, researchers in Mexico tested the effects of nopal cactus on blood sugar levels after a meal. They found that when nopal cactus was added to meals, blood sugar levels were lower after the meals. Nopal was determined to useful in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/137079-nopal-cactus-herb-benefits/#ixzz1y4pn1i22
The Nopal cactus, also known as Opuntia ficus indica, prickly pear or cactus pear, is native to regions in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Once grown primarily as a food source for impoverished families, production of nopal cactus has increased, primarily for its medicinal properties, according to Frank Jack Daniel with Reuters news service. While still important to culinary dishes in Mexico, the nopal herb is also sought after for its health benefits.
Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels put you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. In a study published in the Sep.-Oct. 2007 issue of Advances in Therapy, researchers in France examined the effects of an extract of nopal cactus on metabolic factors, including cholesterol levels. After two weeks of taking a nopal supplement, patients had a significant reduction in LDL, or "bad" cholesterol levels. The women in the study who were over 42 years of age showed a marked increase in their HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels, and a decrease in their triglyceride levels. The study concludes that a nopal herbal extract should be considered as a dietary supplement and functional food based on the benefits it has on blood cholesterol levels.
Lowers Blood Sugar
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that blood sugar rises after a meal, as the sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream and taken to cells for energy. The sugar that isn't used is converted to fat and stored for future use, which is why high blood sugar can lead to obesity. In a study published in the May 2007 issue of Diabetes Care, published by the American Diabetes Association, researchers in Mexico tested the effects of nopal cactus on blood sugar levels after a meal. They found that when nopal cactus was added to meals, blood sugar levels were lower after the meals. Nopal was determined to useful in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/137079-nopal-cactus-herb-benefits/#ixzz1y4pn1i22