Nopal cactus, also called the prickly pear, is a plant native to Mexico that has a variety of uses and benefits. For more than 12,000 years, it has been used in Mexican culture for its healing and nutritional properties, according to HealthLine. Recently, it has gained popularity worldwide for its medicinal uses. Nopal can be taken in a pill form but is regularly used in a powdered form for foods.
High Cholesterol
Nopal cactus can also aid in reducing high cholesterol. According to eScholarship, in studies, nopal cactus was found to reduce the levels of LDL, or bad, cholesterol. Nopal has the ability to bind the bile salt in the intestines, to prevent it from turning into cholesterol, according to the Barron Report. This binding prevents re-uptake and aids in reducing unhealthy lipids in the bloodstream.
High Blood Sugar
Nopal cactus can help treat high blood sugar. According to HealthLine, there have been clinically proven studies that show that consuming nopal cactus reduced high blood sugar after fasting and before a meal. Nopal cactus helps control high blood sugar because its soluble and insoluble fibers absorb carbohydrates such as sugars before they enter the bloodstream. Since the sugars are being absorbed before entering the bloodstream they cannot elevate the blood sugar, according to Diabetes Health. Nopal cactus also contains nutrients that aid in insulin processing for type 2 diabetes patients once it has entered the bloodstream.
Alcohol Hangover
According to HealthLine, taking nopal before drinking may help prevent hangovers. The nopal can help prevent the dizziness, fatigue and nausea that may occur with a hangover. More testing is needed to confirm this effect.
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