The nopal cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica or Indian fig, is loaded with amino acids and is highly nutritious, not only for humans but for livestock as well. Native Americans in Mexico may have begun using the plant 12,000 years ago. It was highly prized medicinally and as a food. Modern research suggests that new and important uses for nopal are possible, principally in treating diabetes.
History
In Mexico, native groups used nopal for treating wounds and for stomach ailments, constipation, and treating colds. Today in the American Southwest, fresh nopal can be found for sale in the produce sections of large food markets; and powders and extracts are found in supplement sections.
Chemical Consituents of Nopal
Nopal cactus is high in amino acids, fiber, minerals, magnesium, iron, B and C vitamins, water, protein, fats, carbohydrates and beta carotene.
Uses
One study posits that nopal's effectiveness in lowering blood sugar is its ability to bind with sugar in the intestine. Some researchers theorize that nopal may increase cellular ability to use insulin.
Studies in the 1990's on rats indicated that blood sugar dropped after feeding nopal extract. Studies in 1988 involving the use of the whole pad in cooking appeared to reduce blood sugar spikes in humans.
Preliminary research suggests that nopal may be useful in reducing inflammation, treating stomach conditions and reducing blood lipids and cholesterol. However, further research must be done to substantiate nopal's effectiveness in these areas.
The effectiveness of nopal as a weight loss aid has not been substantiated by research.
Side Effects
Consumption of nopal can cause diarrhea, mild bloating, nausea and headache. Consumption of dried nopal can lead to blockages of the esophagus or intestine due to its ability to expand with fluid. Dried nopal should be taken in small pieces with at least 8 oz. of water.
Allergies to nopal can occur. Symptoms include hives, rashes, and swelling. Chest pain or tightness, and swelling of the mouth, lips and throat are possible and are serious. Seek medical help immediately should you experience such symptoms.
Considerations
Thorn injuries can result when cleaning the cactus pads or fruits for use. Contact dermatitis can can occur with exposure to the tiny stickers known as glochids, which cover the cactus pads. Heavy gloves should be used while harvesting and cleaning fresh nopal pads or fruit.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not consume nopal because little is known about its safety for these women. In addition, children and persons with liver or kidney disease should not use nopal due to a lack of information on nopal's effects in these populations.
Persons with diabetes should use nopal under a physician's direction. Because it lowers blood sugar, careful glucose monitoring is needed. Your physician may need to adjust your diabetes medications.
Be sure to tell your physician about all over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.
The gel contained in nopal pads can alter the absorption of other medications. Do not take nopal within 2 hours of other medications.
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